I recently posted about how to make a DIY fly box from Altoids tins. Those used slotted foam but the other day, I stumbled upon a really clever idea for turning an Altoids tin into a fly box. It’s basically a 3D printed insert that gives you compartments!
All you do is snap the insert the insert into an empty Altoids box and you’re done!
It’s a little tight fitting but that’s to ensure that the insert won’t fall out. No adhesive is required since the tolerances are so exact.
Weighing in at just 2.2 oz., this is a super compact box you could carry in your shirt pocket and will hold more than enough flies for a day of fishing.
I ordered the 6-compartment insert, but Etsy seller Seven Star sells them in a variety of different configurations.
Don’t have any empty Altoids tins laying around? No problem. Seven Stars sells those too and in a variety of colors. One caveat … The bottoms of the compartments have one side that is rounded, making it easier to pick flies out of the box. The other side is at a right angle. Make sure before you snap in the insert that you point the rounded side toward the bottom of the box.
I don’t know why but an Altoids fly box is just cool. It’s unique, ergonomic, compact, and light. For the minimalist angler, this is a practical choice but the graphics on the tin give it a nostalgic aesthetic. To get yours, go the the Seven Star Esty page.
Jason, that is an interesting idea and very practical if you have the equipment to do it but, be careful what you wish for. Do we have computer printed fly patterns in our not too distant futures?
Hi Karl, I’ve thought about this quite often. I laugh when companies advertise “hand-tied flies”. ALL flies are hand tied. A machine cannot recognize the anomalies of natural materials–it’s too complex (for now). Meanwhile, modern tyers are using more and more synthetic materials, pre-fab materials, and slathering their flies with UV resin and all kinds of glues. They’re not flies anymore and all the plastization of these flies detracts from the art of our craft.
Jason, very nice. I think you have finally topped the “Hide the Pine Cone” segment as far as an interesting topic, and more food for thought!
What is “hide the pinecone”?
Go back to your Gear Talk postings about how to use 2 styrofoam cups for backpacking! Cant believe you forgot about that tip! Must be old age, like me!
Um, I cannot find it. Do you have a link?
Here attached is another style with Tweezers built in.
Hi Charles, thanks for sharing. I love how the tweezers stow. Did you make this?
no, found this pattern on thingiverse https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:159479
Email me and I’ll send you one as you have been a great help!