DIY Shipping Crates
When shipping items that need to be protected during shipment, one of the best ways to protect that item it to enclose it in a custom-made shipping crate. With a few common shop tools you can build a custom package for your item out of common materials. A custom crate ensures safe packaging and delivery of your item to its destination.
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Straight edge (can be a 1x4 board)
- 3/8" plywood
- 1" x 4" x 8" boards
- Saw
- 1" screws
- 1/2" screws
- Power screwdriver or drill with cross-tip point
Instructions
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Determine the Size of your Crate
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1
Measure the dimensions of your item as if it has an imaginary box around it. For example, if it is a vase, measure what size rectangle or square box would be needed to go around it. Make sure you record the height, width and depth measurements.
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2
Add several inches to your measurements to allow for packing materials when you pack the item to be shipped. You should have measurements for four sides, a bottom and a top.
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3
Measure out on the plywood that will make the sides. For the bottom and the top, add an extra 1.5" to each measurement. You will want your top and bottom a little bigger so you can attach them the ends of the crate. Mark these measurements with the straight edge.
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4
Cut the plywood with the saw, producing the sides for your crate.
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5
Cut 8 pieces of 1x4 to match the length of the sides, top to bottom. This will be part of the outer protection or skeleton of the crate. Place one side piece over two of the cut 1x4s. Make sure the sides are all flush with the board. Attach the piece of plywood to the boards with the 1/2" screws. Repeat this process for the opposite side.
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6
Place a remaining side piece over two more 1x4s. However, allow 3/4" of the 1x4s to protrude out from under the plywood. This is where the crate will be fastened together. Secure the plywood to the boards with the 1/2" screws. Repeat this process with the remaining side.
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7
Measure the top and bottom gaps between each 1x4 for the sides. Cut 1x4s to fit between each 1x4 and secure to the plywood in the same manner as the other 1x4s. Make sure all sides are flush. When done, you should have a square or rectangle of 1x4s on each side.
Assembling the Crate
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8
Place the two sides where the 1x4s are flush on their edges parallel to each other. Place one of the other sides on top of the parallel sides. Make sure all edges are flush. Secure the top side to the parallel sides with the 1" screws.
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9
Stand up the three-sided assembly. Place one of the pieces of plywood without the 1x4s attached on the top. Flush all edges and secure to the assembled sides at the 1x4s with the 1/2" screws. Flip over and repeat the process.
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10
Place the remaining side on the assembly to make sure that it fits. It is ready to secure using 1" screws after you package your item.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Be sure to put enough packaging materials in the crate before adding your item and then add more on top of the item. Don't overpack, as this will damage the item. Don't underpack as this will allow the item to move.
When securing the crate with screws, be sure not to drive the screws too close to the ends of the wood. This will crack or split the boards.
References
- Photo Credit barrel & crate image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com
