If you've just grabbed a brand new hard case, you're likely staring at those apache 4800 foam inserts and wondering precisely how to set them up without ruining the whole thing. It's a common feeling. You've obtained this rugged, water-proof box that seems like it could survive a container run-over, but the inside is loaded with what looks like a giant gray sponge divided straight into tiny little squares. These cases are usually an absolute steal for the price, especially if you snagged one upon sale at Harbor Freight, but the secret to producing them actually useful lies in the way you handle that foam.
The share foam that comes with the Apache 4800 is exactly what most people call "pick and pluck" or even "pluck and pull. " It's pre-scored into small cubes, usually about fifty percent an inch wide. Theoretically, you simply pull out the particular squares to match your gear. Within practice, it requires a small amount of planning in case you don't need your case looking like a jagged mess after two weeks of use. Let's dive into exactly how to make these inserts work for you and a few tips to keep all of them from falling aside.
Getting the particular Layout Right the particular First Time
Before you actually touch the foam, you will need a plan. I've seen so several people start pulling chunks out associated with their apache 4800 foam inserts simply to realize halfway through that their own camera lens is too long or even their pistol hold is bumping directly into the edge of the case.
The best way to start is definitely by laying every thing out on top of the foam first. I generally take those foam away of the situation and lay it on a smooth table. Space your own gear out, leaving behind at least two pieces (about an inch) of foam in between each item. If you put things too all together, the thin wall of foam between them will certainly eventually tear, and then your expensive gear will simply be clanking towards each other in the case.
Once you including the layout, make use of some toothpicks or chalk to mark the corners of your items. Chalk is great due to the fact it is found upon the dark gray foam but rubs off easily. If you utilize toothpicks, just poke them into the particular corners of the particular squares you would like to eliminate. This gives a "connect the dots" map to adhere to as soon as you start typically the actual plucking procedure.
The key in order to a Clean Pluck
Now, you could just use your fingers to rip the particular foam out. It's made for that, right after all. But if you want an expert look, don't just tear it . Even though it's pre-scored, the foam may sometimes tear unevenly, leaving you along with fuzzy edges or holes that are usually bigger than a person intended.
I actually highly recommend making use of a long, slim blade—like a fresh hobby knife and even an electric bread blade if you're sensation fancy—to slice throughout the scored lines. You don't need in order to cut the whole way through if you're just performing a shallow depth, but cutting the particular vertical lines makes the finished product look ten times solution.
Another tip: don't dispose of the pieces you pull out. If you find that a pocket is too deep for a specific accessory, a person can cut the "plucked" foam cubes to a shorter height and drop them back in to the hole. This particular creates a custom-depth shelf so your gear sits flush using the top of the foam.
Why the "Plasti Dip" Trick is really a Game Changer
One of the biggest complaints about the normal apache 4800 foam inserts is that they eventually begin to crumble or even pull apart. Considering that the foam is made from thousands of tiny pre-cut cubes, every single time you pull a piece associated with gear out or even shove it back in, you're placing stress on these little foam "bridges. " With time, the case starts to look "shaggy. "
This is usually where the legendary Plasti Dip compromise comes in. Once you've finished plucking your shapes with regard to your gear plus you're 100% joyful with the layout, take the foam insert outside. Buy a can of black Plasti Dip (the spray version) and give the top surface of the foam a few light coats.
What this does is basically coat the foam inside a thin layer of flexible plastic. It bonds the particular tops of almost all those little cubes together, making the whole insert much more durable. It also gives the foam the darker, more completed look that hides the "grid" design of the pick-and-pluck style. Just create sure you allow it dry completely—like, 24 hours—before you put your gear back in. You don't need your expensive consumer electronics smelling like silicone or, worse, obtaining stuck to the particular foam.
Considering Solid Foam Substitutes
Sometimes, the pick-and-pluck style just doesn't cut this. If you're carrying very heavy tools or equipment with sharp edges, those apache 4800 foam inserts may fail you right after a couple of months of large use. In that case, you may want to consider aftermarket solid foam.
Closed-cell polyethylene foam is the gold standard intended for high-end gear instances. It's much denser compared to "squishy" open-cell foam that arrives in the Apache cases. It doesn't absorb moisture, which usually is a huge plus if you're storing firearms or sensitive metal parts that may rust.
You can buy sheets associated with solid foam and cut them in order to fit the Apache 4800 dimensions. It's more work because you have to use a hot cable cutter or the very sharp knife to carve out there the shapes manually, but the outcome is a custom fit which will literally last a lifetime. If you're a "buy once, cry once" kind of person, replacing the share inserts with strong foam is a solid move.
Organizing for Different Gear Types
The Apache 4800 is a mid-sized case, which makes it a "Goldilocks" size for a number of various hobbies. Here's exactly how people are usually setting up their apache 4800 foam inserts :
- Photography Gear: You can usually fit a DSLR body, two or three lenses, plus a handful of batteries. I love to keep the lenses up and down to save space, but make certain you have plenty of foam at the particular bottom to cushion them from impact.
- Handguns and Ammo: This case is a preferred for the range. A person can easily match 4 or five full-sized handguns when you "stand" them up vertically in the foam. Just create sure the clip or barrel is pointing straight down and there's a lot of padding between your slides.
- Drones: For something such as a DJI Surroundings or Mavic, the 4800 is perfect. You can make dedicated slots for the drone, the control, three batteries, as well as the charging hub.
- Audio Products: In case you're a podcaster or musician, these inserts are great for protecting microphones and small interfaces like a Scarlett 2i2.
Servicing and Longevity
Believe it or not, you really have to maintain your own foam. This might sound silly, but foam is a magnet intended for dust, pet curly hair, and lint. If you notice your apache 4800 foam inserts are looking the bit gross, don't try to vacuum cleaner them with the high-powered shop vac—you might just pull a chunk of foam out. Instead, use a lint tool or a bit of masking tape to raise the debris away from the surface.
If the foam gets wet, consider it out of the case immediately. Open-cell foam acts like a sponge and may hold onto that moisture forever if it's trapped inside a sealed, airtight situation. This is the recipe for mildew or, if you have metal gear, a lot of rust. Let the foam air dry in a well-ventilated area before sealing it in return up.
At the end of the day, the Apache 4800 is one associated with the best ideals in the gear world. While the particular foam it is about along with isn't "luxury" grade, it's incredibly functional if you take ten extra mins to plan your own layout and probably use a small spray-on rubber in order to toughen it up. Whether you're safeguarding a vintage camera or a set of expensive skin icon machines, a well-set-up foam insert can make all the distinction in the globe. It's the in between your gear surviving a fall and your gear becoming a pricey paperweight. Plus, there's just something extremely satisfying about clicking those latches close and knowing every thing is exactly where it's supposed to be.