2

Ikea used to make these boxes that were made out of 1/4" plywood connected with 8 galvanized metal brackets that had an extra lip on the top that helped keep the box together.

Ikea Box

I wanted to use the same method for making some boxes but I can't seem to find these kinds of brackets (pictured) anywhere. I may be using the wrong keyword to search. I've tried box corner brackets with multiple variations to no avail. I've only found ones that don't have the lip at the top that grip the plywood. The ones I've found only seem cosmetic and not structural.

Bracket closeup, note the lip at the top that hugs the wood panel

Does anyone know where one could find brackets like these mass produced? I have asked local metal fabrication companies but they all say it would cost a lot to make custom ($30 a piece) I would need 8 that have a 1/4" lip that can grip the panels of the box into place.

Improve this question
9
  • Have you considered going to your local ikea and begging? There's a slim chance they'd have it, but I'd be willing to bet they'd give 'em away if they did have any.
    – Aloysius Defenestrate
    Jan 2, 2018 at 1:33
  • Good idea if it was just for one box, but I'm looking to implement this as a solution for making many boxes.
    – zoops
    Jan 2, 2018 at 2:20
  • @zoops I have seen corner braces online, but they do not wrap around a wood panel of a specific thickness. I suspect this is a custom order item. Any sheet metal fabricator can make the pieces although they might only be interested in larger quantity orders. Maybe a smaller local company would be interested. BTW the metal looks more like aluminum or stainless steel rather than galvanized.
    – Ashlar ♦
    Jan 2, 2018 at 2:53
  • If you can't find ones with the lip but can find ones without the lip use the latter and simply epoxy them on.
    – Graphus
    Jan 2, 2018 at 7:05
  • @Ashlar good suggestion. I had reached out to some local fabricators and the general answer was yes we can make it but it would be expensive. I found a guy who was going to make it for $30, which is a bit higher than what I wanted to pay for...
    – zoops
    Jan 3, 2018 at 21:08

5 Answers 5

Reset to default
1

There are places online you can order a custom piece like this if you want.

You could even 3D print it out of a metal or other tough material.

That said, I don't think that upper lip is doing anything for strength. If you put metal side brackets without any lip and you glue the joints, that can't move. Is it for aesthetic reasons? If so, could you cut something like this out with shears of sheet metal?

Improve this answer
2
  • can you send me a link of a place I could custom order something like this online? Thanks
    – zoops
    Mar 12, 2018 at 17:29
  • 1
    emachineshop.com
    – Caleb
    Mar 12, 2018 at 21:49
1

I think your best bet will be to look for "campaign furniture" corners. A quick search turned up this for example. Though, on re-reading your question, the linked example does not have the extra lip you want, I still think this is the right terminology for the thing you are looking for.

Improve this answer
1

A few search's led me the term "plastic stacking corners" OR "box stacking corners".

Here is one example.

There are several kinds of those but i was not able to find metal ones.

I did find a metal corner that is not what you have referenced but could work.

It seems you could also use a piece of angle aluminum fastened around the the outside corner (or inside corner) with screws, so it sits just higher then the top of the box.

Improve this answer
0

The best solution at this point is to contact a local fabricator that can fabricate a piece like this since the exact thickness of the wood is needed in order to work with the bracket.

Improve this answer
0

Try corner protector for boxes. I found some similar ones using that search. I didn’t try hard enough to find those exact brackets but some came close.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.