Why This Skill Matters in an Emergency or Survival Situation
Creating storage containers from spent shotgun shells can be a valuable skill in survival scenarios. These containers can serve as small storage solutions for seeds, matches, or other small survival essentials. They are lightweight, compact, and can be easily carried in a bug-out bag or emergency kit. Additionally, repurposing spent shells reduces waste and promotes sustainability.
What You Need
Materials
- Spent shotgun shells (at least 10 for a small batch)
- Small items to store (matches, seeds, small tools)
Tools
- Scissors or a sharp knife
- A small hammer or mallet
- A nail or a small drill bit
- A small screw or a nail
- A small piece of fabric or a rubber band
Knowledge
- Basic handcrafting skills
- Understanding of how to safely handle and modify spent ammunition
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Shells: Ensure the shells are completely spent and safe to handle. Remove any remaining powder or primer from the shell casings. This can be done by cutting off the top of the shell with scissors or a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut into the metal casing.
- Create the Opening: Using a nail or a small drill bit, make a small hole near the base of the shell casing. This hole will serve as the opening for your storage container. Ensure the hole is large enough to allow easy access to the contents but small enough to prevent the items from falling out.
- Add a Closure Mechanism: Insert a small screw or nail through the hole and into the casing. This will act as a hinge for a small piece of fabric or a rubber band. The fabric or rubber band will serve as a lid, keeping the contents secure inside the shell.
- Seal the Container: Once the closure mechanism is in place, you can add your small survival items. Close the container by wrapping the fabric or rubber band around the casing. This will keep the items inside and prevent them from falling out.
- Label the Container: Use a permanent marker to label the outside of the shell with the contents inside. This will help you quickly identify the contents without having to open the container.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Not Ensuring the Shells Are Completely Spent: Always verify that the shells are safe to modify. Cutting into a live shell can be dangerous.
- Making the Hole Too Large: Ensure the hole is small enough to prevent the contents from falling out but large enough to allow easy access.
- Over-Tightening the Closure Mechanism: Be careful not to over-tighten the screw or nail. This can make it difficult to open the container.
- Failing to Label the Container: Always label the container with its contents to avoid confusion.
Variations, Tips, and Related Techniques
- Multiple Containers: Create multiple containers to store different types of items. This can help you organize your survival kit more effectively.
- Customization: Customize the containers by adding additional closures or decorations. This can make them more visually appealing and easier to identify.
- Alternative Materials: Consider using other small containers or packaging materials as alternatives to shotgun shells. This can provide additional storage options and reduce the need for ammunition.
TLDR
Creating storage containers from spent shotgun shells is a practical survival skill that can help you organize and store small essentials. Ensure the shells are safe to modify, make a small hole for access, and add a closure mechanism. Label the containers for easy identification. Avoid common mistakes like over-tightening the closure or failing to label the containers. This technique can be adapted to use with other small containers or packaging materials.