Old Plastic Ammo Boxes

[ExAgoradzo]

Strange question:
I have some Herter's plastic boxes for 38 spec/357 mag from the 1960's or 70's. I am way too cheap to throw them out. But they stick. The lid has to be wrangled off. I drilled a small hole so it isn't an air suction issue. So I went on line and I saw places say silicon spray. Wally World has some silicon spray but it says in all caps "Do not use on plastic".

What would you guys lube those with so the lids will come off? And will I spend more money than the boxes are worth??? LOL!

Thanks again THR!!! I appreciate you!
Greg

 

[Scooter22]

Try some talc powder or flour. I have a couple for shotshells and they are "sticky". One of the two worked but I don't remember which.

 

[rfwobbly]

Find some "mold release", which is an aerosol product they spray on the molding equipment to get the plastic to pop out after manufacture. But I gotta tell you, most of the mold release agents I'm seeing on Amazon contain silicone !!

 

[troy fairweather]

dip in soapy water and let dry, don't rinse off.

 

[Bfh_auto]

Corn starch might work if you have some. Baby powder works.

 

[Demi-human]

I like OneShot. Many people use Unique, but I prefer a spray.

Oh, wait....


Really though, scrub them up and wax them. Bee's wax, Unique, soap, paraffin, shoe polish,....

 

[ExAgoradzo]

So, in my less than fully scientific attempt.

I keep bees, so bees wax is easy to come by. I used some filtered wax and it did not help.

I bought the $3 silicone spray at Walmart and it seemed the absolute least helpful.

Washing them in the Equate Dawn and leaving them to dry un-rinsed seemed most helpful.

Just scrubbing it with a dry shop towel (after polluted by the silicone spray and bees wax) was the second most helpful.

Now two of my boxes are (better) but not optimal. The rest work and a few work we’ll.

Thanks again THR!

Greg

 

[alfsauve]

Egads. Those are almost collectibles. I'd be hesitant to use any petro based lube on them, even one shot.

I'm thinking either animal/plant based or powder.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I am past frugal to cheap but I would not spend the time on those. Wait for a sale and replace them. IMO

 

[ExAgoradzo]

I have 8
I’ll sell them to you for whatever it would cost me to buy 400 round worth of boxes

And shipping...

Greg

 

[Legionnaire]

I'm late to your question, but I don't think I'd lube them at all. I'd try sanding the mating surfaces with some 1000 grit sandpaper.

 

[Demi-human]

I keep bees, so bees wax is easy to come by. I used some filtered wax and it did not help.

Well, darn.

Rest assured you have spent the requisite amount of time and effort to warrant new boxes for the ones not saved.

 

[shoobe01]

Stop shopping at Wal Mart. Get good silicone spray that doesn't melt plastic.

 

[sequins]

Midway sells 100rd MGM boxes for $4/ea- I have a thousand rounds worth for the calibers which I reload.

 

[jeeptim]

Since the 70s? Like 1970s? I'm thinking they are way past the expiration date .
Part with a few bucks it will make you feel pretty and the lids won't stick