I am trying to find a way to store a few move vasoline cotton balls in my Altoids kit. I currently have a few inside two plastic straws set lengthwise in the tin, but I have a "hole" of available space left I could cram a few more in. Dimensions slightly larger than 1" x 0.5" Any ideas for a good "holder"? The oft-recommended 35mm film cannister is way too big for an Altoids tin obviously.

I've been toying with those plastic coin tubes you can get at hobby stores. More than 1" long, but they can be cut down and the screw-on cap functions OK if you just press it on (after you've sawed off the threaded part of the tube). They probably wouldn't withstand long term submersion, but an occassional dunking would most likely end up with dry contents, especially if the cap was wrapped with electrical tape. These seem to work OK for the dime-size tubes, but they bulge the tin's lid a little when closing - however they still fit it you hold things together with ranger bands.

I've also found a cylindrical metal lid off an old perfume bottle (not mine, the wife's!) fits this space perfectly - except it has an open end. Duct tape to the rescue, I suppose.

Does anyone have any alternate "little tube" or "little box" suggestions for a 1" x 0.5" space?

Ziplock baggie, matchbox sized ?

Link missing?

I store mine by rolling them up in Saran Wrap. This way they can be any size or shape you want. After rolling them up I fold the ends over tight fold it in half and put a rubber band around it to secure it. I’ve also rolled it in wax paper so I would have something else to burn using masking tape to keep the roll together and sealed. I would not scuba dive with it but its pretty damp resistant and very light weight.

Were you refering to VisiPak?

I just put in a request for one of their 3/4" extendable tubes(argh...I just think that I may have put 1/4" in the field... argh)

I also requested that they send me info on any distributors they have have, that will sell in smaller quantities.

Please let us know what you find.

I just requested a free sample:
http://www.visipak.com/request.html
I'm estimating 2.5 in long by .5 in. in diameter for a tube that'll fit in an Altoids tin.

I use a little zip lock bag,that are used by jewelers,for thecotton balls with vaseline also I use them for
fishing hooks, matches, sewing kit, etc

How about a small balloon? It should stretch to fit any shape or size. But the latex does degrade in time.

Sue

I use the tylenol travel size tube to store vaseline soaked cotton balls and a small ziplock with dry cotton inside a altoids tin. When and if i need the tinder i could take a small piece of the vaseline soaked cotton ball and mix it with the dry ones.

I just got a bunch of those fishing license heavy duty zip locks and i may use one to store cotton tinder. I got em on clearance at wally world....