Packaging ideas to protect plastic guide pins

[mreinsmith]

Just looking for some ideas for some packaging

Below is a picture of a tractor grille that has guide pins on it that, when installed, help create a good solid fit

I'd like to prevent those from getting snapped off during shipping (and storage for that matter)

I've used strips of Styrofoam and that works OK, but that doesn't protect them from both directions

I'm looking for a practical and quick solution, and I know I've seen things like this before

Mind you, it's not a huge concern for this item, but it might also help for other items

Thanks

[dbfolks166mt]

     I use water pipe insulation to wrap a lot of things in. It may offer a solution. It comes in various sizes and can be cut with a pair of scissors. 

[mreinsmith]

Good idea, I actually use them already for protecting the edges of glass

Thanks

[a_c_green]

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@mreinsmith wrote:

Below is a picture of a tractor grille that has guide pins on it that, when installed, help create a good solid fit

I'd like to prevent those from getting snapped off during shipping (and storage for that matter)

I've used strips of Styrofoam and that works OK, but that doesn't protect them from both directions

I'm looking for a practical and quick solution, and I know I've seen things like this before

---

I think I would build up the protective padding around them, but not actually pressing some rigid material like Styrofoam directly onto them, because any shock to the outside of the that material could snap off the pins at the base. You could use some rigid Styrofoam pieces to build up around the connector pins, leaving them in a small open space inside, where they would not be affected by any hits to the outside.

[mreinsmith]

Yep, it would probably put more stress on them

I have a hot knife for foam, this way I should be able to slot them right over the edge

Thanks 

[ten_o_nine · Accepted solution]

Just cut a sponge in cubes and make the necessary cut to fit and tape around them, I would also look into new ones and similar items to see how the manufactures protects them. I would assume Styrofoam

[mtgraves7984]

Stack some 'O' rings on them?

[mreinsmith]

Excellent, love the sponges

Cheap and easy

What I'd love to find is that tape manufacturers put on products to hold things in place but comes off without marking anything 

Know what I mean?

Thanks 

[mreinsmith]

Or maybe cut off a piece of small tube or hose

Good one

[postcardcountry]

Just remember what ever you do, it should be easily undone by the buyer.

You know....no broken clips by hands in a hurry.....

(recommended by the voice of experience. )

[dbfolks166mt]

What I'd love to find is that tape manufacturers put on products to hold things in place but comes off without marking anything 

Know what I mean?

Painters tape works well for that. 

[mtgraves7984]

@dbfolks166mt 

Good one. You can also get athletic tape pre-wrap. It's kinda 'spongy', too.

[mreinsmith]

DUH

I use it all the time for temporary labels 

I just had my blinders on

Thanks

[mreinsmith]

Another good one, thanks!