|
With the popularity of our 1.8 ml Nalgene containers for micro caches
we thought it was about time we created a How-to to help people who
purchase them turn them into a top-notch micro cache. This isn't
extremely complex but hopefully it will give you some ideas for your own
variations. If you come up with something creative and would like to
submit it to us to be published on this site, send us a note through the
Contact Us form.
In this how-to, we will create a camouflaged, magnetized micro that
will be attached to a metal object in some brush. We won't provide any
more information because we're actually going to hide this micro and
don't want locals to find it too easily!
 Supplies
- 1.8 ml Nalgene Vial
- 3/8" Rare Earth Disc Magnet
- Camouflage Duct Tape
- RV Goop
- Standard Pencil
Picture 1: Supplies
Steps
- Fill the depression in the lid of the vial nearly to the top with RV
Goop (leave about 1/16" for the magnet so it will sit flush with the top
of the lid - see Picture #2, below).
- Allow Goop to dry about 3-5 minutes to firm up before you place the
magnet in the lid. This will keep the magnet from sinking into the Goop.
- Cut or tear a strip of duct tape 2" in length (it will be exactly the
right height to make the two pieces to cover the vial - see
Picture #3, below).
- Cut the tape lengthwise (the length of the tape if it was a longer
strip) into two strips. One strip should be exactly 1 1/4" tall (this will
go on the body of the vial). The remaining strip should be just the right
size for the lid of the vial. (See Picture #4)
- Place the body of the vial on the 1 1/4" tall strip.
- Be sure the body of the vial is perpendicular to the top and bottom
edges of the tape - this will ensure a smooth wrap.
- Ensure the tape is just slightly below the small lip just under the
threads of the vial body. This will allow you to screw on the lid of the
vial without interfering with the tape.
- Wrap the tape carefully around the vial making minor adjustments to
the tape's alignment if necessary. Your finished product should look like
Picture #5, below.
- Allow the Goop to cure for at least an hour before you wrap the tape
around the vial's lid. This will keep you from knocking the magnet out of
the lid and having to start over on that step of the process. The Goop
instructions recommend that the Goop be allowed to cure for at least 24
hours. I recommend that you let it cure for at least that long before you
attempt to test the magnetic capabilities of your micro. Otherwise, the
strength of the magnet will pull the Goop right out of the lid.
- Print the log/Geocaching info form one page at a time; re-insert the first
printed page in your printer to print the second page on the back side of
the first - it will make three logs/info forms (depending on how familiar
you are with printing double-sided pages on your printer, this may be the
most difficult part of the process).
- Cut each log/info form right along the edges of the text - the form
should be no more than 1 1/2" wide. I like to use a paper cutter but
scissors will work. Your log/info form should look like
Picture #6, below.
- Cut 1 1/2" off of the writing end of the pencil (it's easier to
sharpen the pencil while it is still a normal length)
- Tightly wrap the log/info form around the pencil stub and slide it
into the vial.
- Screw the cap onto the vial and you're ready to hide your micro!
- You may want to mention in your listing that cachers should bring a
small screwdriver, nail clippers or some other device to remove the pencil
and log from the vial - it's a tight fit!
Picture 2: Magnet in the Lid
p
Back to Directions
Picture 3: Duct Tape and Vial
p
Back to Directions
Picture 4: The Two Pieces of Duct Tape
Will Be Just the Right Size to Cover the Vial
p
Back to Directions
Picture 5: Duct Tape on the Vial Body
p
Back to Directions
Picture 6: Pencil & Log/Info Form
p
Back to Directions
Picture 7: Pencil, Log/Info Form &
Camouflaged Vial
p
Back to Directions
|
