How to Make USB Flash Drive Case From a Lighter

A USB flash drive is a pretty boring piece of computer equipment that could use a bit of at-home mastery to improve it's look. An old oval shaped lighter is the perfect size and shape to hold a USB flash drive, and makes a unique and interesting case that all of your friends will be jealous of. So, recycle your old lighters and make a fashionable case for your USB flash drive.

Things You'll Need

• Empty oval shaped lighter
• Hacksaw
• Dremel tool or sand block
• Pliers
• Large nail
• Knife
• Hot glue gun
• Sand paper

Instructions

1. Position a hacksaw along the bottom edge of the lighter, between the colored plastic and the white end cap. Cut off the white end cap very carefully, making sure you keep an even line. Use a Dremel tool or sand block to smooth the cut edges.

2. Take out the small plastic pieces from the inside of the lighter. Use a pair of pliers to remove any pieces of the white cap that didn't come away easily. Use a large nail to break up the other pieces inside, pulling them out with the pliers if necessary. Make sure you get all of the pieces out as possible, as you need the room for your flash drive.

3. Remove the metal case from your USB flash drive carefully. It should come apart in two pieces. Use a knife to cut one half of the casing the same length as the flash drive. Place the USB circuitry into the cut half of the case, discarding the top piece.

4. Fill the inside of the lighter with hot glue. Hot glue will not only hold the USB flash drive in place, it will insulate the circuits and prevent shorts.

5. Push the USB flash drive and the half case into the lighter while the glue is still tight. Allow the glue to dry completely, then trim and sand the excess glue. A Dremel also works great for removing excess glue from your new lighter flash drive case.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that the lighter you will be using is completely empty before attempting to cut off the white plastic cap.