A Couple Multi-Handgun TSA Cases - Apache 3800 & 4800

[dadoser]

Harbor Freight - Apache 3800 (3 gun) and 4800 (5 gun) cases.
(Customizable pluck foam)

Wanted to do a couple custom foam TSA cases for travel. Went a little nuts with the 5 gun. For me, the 3-gun is probably more practical/realistic for my air travel purposes.

The key is to use Plastic Dip spray to firm up the foam. The Apache foam really soaks it up so I had to go several coats, but should be more durable and last longer. (The 3 gun still needs to have the plastic dip sprayed.)

 

[Annihilator]

That is a nice case.

 

[dadoser]

That is a nice case.

Thanks. So much cheaper than Pelican - but seems very comparable for durability.

 

[Annihilator]

What is and where do you get this Plastic Dip Spray? Never heard of it

 

[BobM]

What is and where do you get this Plastic Dip Spray? Never heard of it

Auto parts and home improvement stores, Walmart all carried it at one time.

 

[Annihilator]

Auto parts and home improvement stores, Walmart all carried it at one time.

Ok, cool, but what is it?

 

[BobM]

Ok, cool, but what is it?

Is a rubberized spray paint, like spray paint in a spray can. Usually apply in 2 or more coats. Come in different colors. There's dipable variants too. Can use on tool handles and a variety of projects. Can also water proof items. Some is oil and petroleum resistant, some isn't. Duplicolor mfg. made or makes it.

 

[Classified]

Plastidip is the coating used on cheap tool handles. It can be used to deaden rf signals and sound proofing great stuff.

4 PACK PLASTI DIP Mulit-Purpose Rubber Coating Spray BLACK 11oz Aerosol https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093BSNB...abc_NKJW9Q6E2EMRVSS8NQZS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

[dadoser]

I used 3 cans on the 5 gun/4800. Like I said above - that foam really soaked it up. the loctite glue was used for any stray/spit cubes and to glue the top foam to the lid (4 drops - just enough to hold it) Also - I glued the 2 layers of inner foam together on the 5-gun case. I'm not sure if that was needed. I may not do it on the 3-gun. Plastic Dip and Loctite was from Lowes.

 

[Pitdogg2]

I used 3 cans on the 5 gun/4800. Like I said above - that foam really soaked it up. the loctite glue was used for any stray/spit cubes and to glue the top foam to the lid (4 drops - just enough to hold it) Also - I glued the 2 layers of inner foam together on the 5-gun case. I'm not sure if that was needed. I may not do it on the 3-gun. Plastic Dip and Loctite was from Lowes.

Why is it needed ?

 

[dadoser]

Why is it needed ?

You don't have to use it. But it creates a harder, more flexible, durable top coat on the foam.

 

[dadoser]

better link on the plastic dip -

 

[Classified]

Why is it needed ?

The perforations in the foam will continue to tear rendering the foam useless. The plastidip keeps them from tearing. It does make it stiffer, but it wont scratch anything.

 

[BobM]

I used 3 cans on the 5 gun/4800. Like I said above - that foam really soaked it up. the loctite glue was used for any stray/spit cubes and to glue the top foam to the lid (4 drops - just enough to hold it) Also - I glued the 2 layers of inner foam together on the 5-gun case. I'm not sure if that was needed. I may not do it on the 3-gun. Plastic Dip and Loctite was from Lowes.

Thanks for more detail dadoser,
Is an interesting technique for stabilizing the foam liners. Reminds me of do it yourself blowmolded liners in a way. From some past experience with plastidip, the dipable type and some spray, it can be unstable on some of same surfaces, even if mixed often and well and subsurface was cleaned thoroughly. Am thinking some plastics may destabilize others, possibly by degassing or degrading differently? Hopefully and likely, the composition has changed since then. May try out on some things in future. Regardless, is cool idea. Hoping it works to stabilize foam for longer term use. Crumbly, fallen apart foam can be a big turn off. Other petroleum based products and UV rays are usual culprits for degradation.

 

[javbike]

Ok good to know thanks guys

 

[Annihilator]

Thanks guys, now I know

 

[BobM]

Thanks guys, now I know

You're welcome Annie. Rarely usually hurts to know something helpful for possible future use either like the OP dadoser listed. It can open up some "doors" and ideas that sometimes remain closed otherwise? I love innovation too. Is good info and article to know.

 

[dadoser]

Thanks guys, now I know

Giving me a 1980's GI Joe flashback.
(Even though I'm a 1960's/70's Joe guy.)

 

[Classified]

I have found a great source for these types of containers is apps like 5er and Offerup. One can get decent used cases for mere fractions of the original cost. Unless they have been run over or tossed from planes they are usually just as good as new.

 

[dadoser]

I have found a great source for these types of containers is apps like 5er and Offerup. One can get decent used cases for mere fractions of the original cost. Unless they have been run over or tossed from planes they are usually just as good as new.

Yeah, I picked up a Nanuk 923 with cubed foam new w/tags a few years ago off offerup for $50 ($120 on amazon). It was not deep enough to accommodate the dots I added over the summer....and I just wanted to do another one.