Pelican Case knock offs

[wasyoungonce]

Starting a thread shameless stolen from "Whirlpool forums (http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1186970)" about Bunnings selling various sized cases that are very very much like Pelican cases.

These are being sold for around $69 and are reported to be an excellent cheap "knock off" (http://img31.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=img4081m.jpg).

It currently appears that a few Bunnings stores currently have them so I emailed Bunnings & they said they would be in for Fathers day sales.

I believe some are yellow some are black but at that price...who cares. They all have pluck foam and would make excellent cases for cameras and such like.

So, if you want a good case at a bargain....the time is near (neigh)!

[jjjnettie]

thanks for the heads up!!

[renormalised]

Good to know!!

[[1ponders]]

Mitre 10 had very similar ones (same case different brand) about 12 mths ago. They were great.

[dugnsuz]

"It currently appears that a few Bunnings stores currently have them so I emailed Bunnings & they said they would be in for Fathers day sales."

Let the hint-dropping begin!!

[erick]

I have three children so I should expect three cases?

[[1ponders]]

Or 1 big one that will fit 3 children. ;)

[erick]

It'll have to be big. 6'4"/95 kg, 6'1"/110 kg, 6'/90 kg! :D That's the problem if you feed them when they are younger!

[[1ponders]]

You should get a damn fine size case then. :D

[renormalised]

Too many Big Mac's:P:D:D

That's all those hormones and stuff they feed cows these days and then it goes into the meat patties:eyepop::P:D

[AstralTraveller]

Good grief. Feedin' time must be quite a sight. A distant relative of mine had four boys and he reckoned he was going to write a cook book call "How to Feed a Family of Four or a Fourteen Year Old Boy".

[Jen]

:lol::lol: lol Erick

[stephenb]

Agree!

mmmm Bunnings and Home Hardware, my two "second homes".

Thanks for the head up on the cases.

[Octane]

wasyoungonce,

They look fantastic. Thanks for the heads up.

I wonder if they're big enough to hold a G-11? I held off on buying the cases available at JayCar.

Regards,
Humayun

[GrahamL]

I have one of the smaller pelicans and have had a decent look at it beside one of the knock offs ,while I can see they are a little differant
in there build , but for what we do with them you could sure save some dollars and be pretty happy :thumbsup:

[CoombellKid]

Just brought a pelican case for my EP's, do you reckon these knock offs
are water tight? and as solid as a pelican? What sizes do they come in?

I've been seriously thinking of getting another pelican for my camera
gear. Not sure if the current pelican will except a knock off sitting
beside it.

Cheers,CS

[[1ponders]]

I've got a pelican for my SBIG and there is not much difference in them. The Pelican plastic is a little bit thicker by the look of it. The yellow knockoffs have a very good seal and very positive catches.

[jjjnettie]

Rob, your Pelican won't mind sitting next to the knock offs. It will revel in the chance to show off it's superior quality and design. ;)
I use a Pelican for my eyepieces and a smaller JayCar copy for the Gstar.
I'll be buying one of the Bunnings cases for my camera lenses.
I'd go over the case before purchase though, cause their quality control may not be the best.

[CoombellKid]

Thanks guys,

I'll check them out in Bunnings on Sunday when I'm over that way. Is
there just one size or do they come in different sizes?

Cheers,CS

[jjjnettie]

Dunno Rob. I'd say it's one size fitz all.

[erick]

Grabbed two. Only one size in the store I was in. Look in the Tool section.

They opened up and removed plastic so I could check it out. Not precision, but looks robust and should keep general rain and dirt out. Not sure if you drop it in the lake or subject it to a dust-storm!

Only one thing - I'd prefer black.

[Kal]

Got dimensions of what it can take inside Erick? Like Humayun, I'd be interested in getting one to hold my G11 head.

[CoombellKid]

I went in this afternoon as I had to go to Lismore to pick up my
youngest, The ex's lift didn't show up. I looked all over the case
section next to the tool section and couldn't find it. Eric, you
wouldn't happen to have the product code, might be on your
reciept.

Kal/Andrew, that's a fantastic idea. I've been looking for something
to put my EQ5 in. So I'd be interested in the inside dimensions
myself.

Cheers,CS

[wasyoungonce]

I believe there will be 3 sizes of cases. I do not know the sizing.

Not all stores have them in stock yet.

My local store has not got them yet but they will start to appear at most stores closer to fathers day.

waiting waiting....

[erick]

I'll run my tape measure over the inside, but cannot do so before Saturday sometime.

Yes, what about my EQ5 head - perhaps I need another! :P

And the camera gear! :help:


Oh, and sales receipt says:-

& 69457832016390 CASE SAFE CRAFTRIGHT BLACK PLASTIC NJ-138-18

But mine were yellow? I'd rather have black - I'll go back and check all stock.

[Moon]

I might get one and try to fit my EQ6 inside.

[CoombellKid]

wasyoungonce, that's good to know :thumbsup: I'll keep a look out.

Eric, thanks for that :thumbsup: look forward to seeing the dimensions of yours.

I think I'll get one for the EQ5 head + counter weights, if they come in
an appropriate size. And if it can handle that, I'll get a smaller size for
my camera gear. If not I'll get another pelican.

Cheers,CS

[astroron]

When is Fathers day:rolleyes:

[CoombellKid]

I usually tell by the "Fathers Day" sale signs :lol:

Cheers,CS

[CoombellKid]

The good thing about yellow is they'll be more obvious in the dark of
night. The bad news is they'll also be a becon on the backseat of
your car.

Cheers,CS

[Moon]

its too small for an eq6 head. Camera phone images attached

[wasyoungonce]

James did you buy that case? If so where from? Your only a few Klms from me but my local store does not have them yet!

Sigh!:shrug:

[Moon]

No I didn't get it, just took some snaps for you guys. The store I went too had heaps. Check a few stores I suppose. I hope they get some bigger sizes.

[CoombellKid]

Looks like it could/would possibly fit an EQ5 going off the outside
measurements.

Cheers,CS

[stephenb]

I went to two Bunny's today in Melbourne and they had them on sale already for $69.

[MrB]

Nice.
Might have to have a chat with my old-man to get me a few of these with his 20% staff discount ;)

[GrahamL]

Better still Simon who do we have to talk to about bigger sizes and
the price of a pallet of the suckers :)

[JethroB76]

They've had these before and only had them in this current size, so I'd be a little surprised if they get any others. Where did you hear there would be different sizes? - great if they do, I might have to go back and get some more.:lol:

[acropolite]

There are different sizes available, whether bunnings has them all is another matter. The biggest I've seen would go very close to housing an EQ6.

[wasyoungonce]

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1186970#r18

;)

Edit forgot to say Jaycar has similar cases in differing sizes ...and of course higher costs:

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productResults.asp?FORM=CAT

[JethroB76]

ah, I must have missed that post the first time I read the WP thread a few weeks ago:lol:

[erick]

OK, here are some dimensions:-

Base:- 430mm x 290 x 120mm. The foam insert may well be a better measure and it is 425mm x 285mm

Lid:- 426mm x 286mm x 38mm

(EDIT - I wanted to get the internal height. I measured the stack of foam - I make it around 145mm. The heights/depths I measured above are from approximate bottom to highest ridge, but the lid and base press into each other onto the seal.))

The base and lid have rounded edges at bottom and top respectively, several mm would come off these dimensions there.

My EQ5 head and two counterweights just fit. Counterweight bar is off and may not fit as well.

Photos below and following.

[erick]

There are two layers of pluck foam - same dimensions. By the way, it is 30 mm thick. The lid piece of eggshell foam is thicker that the lower piece - 50 mm compared with 30 mm (to the peak of the "mountains").

The lid pushes through a "tight" spot on the two hinges, presumably designed to keep the lid from coming down on your fingers.

Anyone know what the front screw hole is designed for? It comes with a knurled bolt with included o-ring.

[erick]

And here it is with my EQ5 mount head, two counterweights and the basic counterweight bar.

[wasyoungonce]

Air vent hole. Meant to be open when transporting by air to allow the internal air to equalise with external air pressure. Otherwise kept closed on other occasions...especially when wet.

You don't need to completely unscrew it to all venting, just unscrew it around 1/2 a turn.

Edit:

Thanks for the measurements Eric.

[erick]

I wouldn't have thought of that! Thanks. :)

edit: also explains why the "off" "on" directions didn't make sense. It means pressure equalisation off and on!

[Waxing_Gibbous]

Hermmmmmnnn!
Pelikan (or Peli) cases are really very, very good.
I dropped a DSLR from 8 mtrs. with no ill effect.
Wouldn't trust any valuable gear to a knock-off.
"Penny-wise and Pound foolish" as they say.

[wasyoungonce]

Hey....no raining on my parade...I'm living the dream here!;)

[[1ponders]]

I carried one of these cases as camera carry on luggage on a plane from Sydney to Brisbane. Halfway home I opened it up, it fairly popped open. I wasn't thinking. Then when I got home and tried to open it again I couldn't budge it. I was seriously thinking of getting out a pinch bar to lever it open. :P Then I noticed the vent. :doh: They have quite a good air seal. ;)

BTW mine are labelled "Kinchrome"

[citivolus]

Picked up one of these from the Victoria Point Bunnings today. Construction seems decent, I'll probably grab 1 or 2 more to supplement my Pelicans.

[snowyskiesau]

At the risk of being (slightly) off topic, there are some second hand Pelican boxes for sale/auction over at Grays Auctions (http://www.graysonline.com/Sale.aspx?id=52992).
There are a number of other travel cases offered in the same auction. Pickup NSW only I'm afraid.

I was looking at the machine tools in this auction but thought the cases may be of interest to others here. I would have posted yesterday but my internet connection has been down for the last day. :mad2:

[wasyoungonce]

Finally....I have my hands on 2 of these little beauties. I thought I was going to miss out:mad2:.

Not all Bunnings stores will get shipments of these. My store (Croydon) was not on the list but another nearby (Bayswater) store had them. Although they were hidden in the tool area & there was only 5 or so left.

They are listed on page 16 of the latest Bunnings catalogue. So if you want one, ring your local store. They are identified as a CraftRight "safe case" and have the this Bunnings code:I/N5810146.

They are not "Pelican cases" but they are the nearest thing for $69 each!

Attached is a few pictures, one with a Williams Optics SZ70ED inside.

[jjjnettie]

I bought my case today.

[erick]

Gee, going to have to paint black comets and stars on mine so they don't all get mixed up at the next star party!

I wish I could have bought black.

[jjjnettie]

Thanks for the idea Eric.
I'm going to attack mine tonight (it's cloudy so no star gazing) Got some quite cool designs in my tattoo books that I'll apply in indelible ink.

[Jen]

:lol::lol: would be good for the person that dosnt have much stuff in there case and scores a case full of goodies :lol:
:whistle:

[dumdidum]

Thinking about getting one of these...they would be fine to sit down on wet grass correct?

[citivolus]

Yes, they would be fine with a bit of moisture. They have both a gasket and pressure release seal.

I had my Canon lenses & camera in one during Astrofest, along with a small desicant can, with no signs of any moisture buildup.

Regards,
Eric

[dumdidum]

Cheers Eric, I'll be picking one up tomorrow :D

[Kevnool]

I,ll give Mildura store a go next weekend.
Cheers Kev.

[Kevnool]

Gave Mildura a ring they dont stock it but they will try to get them in.
We will see as i have heard it before.
Cheers Kev.

[astroron]

I Bought on , brought it home:)saw it was not what I was after:( took it to Astrofest and sold it.:)
I made one dollar profit:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Kevnool]

Yay Mildura rung me back they have 4 in the shop and they put away 2 for me to pick up next thursday night.
2 left in Mildura.....Going Going.

Cheers Kev.

[erick]

One dollar operational surplus - now deduct "handling and shipping". I think the apparent profit will turn into a loss :sadeyes:

[astroron]

I did work that out, so I was not going to sell it for less than I paid for it:rolleyes:

[jjjnettie]

I only just took mine out of the box now.
There's a fair bit of back lash in the hinges. The darn thing jumped backwards when I opened it and on closing, it leapt forward and bit me on the little finger.
Maybe I need to stroke it along it's back before opening, a la the "Monster book of Monsters".

[erick]

I opened one of mine and it behaved itself. What have others found? Perhaps you want a return and replace from Bunnings, Jeanette?

[dannat]

are the yellow containers waterproof??
also do they have the pluck apart foam or something else?
thanks daniel

[erick]

Plenty of info and photos earlier in the thread Daniel ;)

Pluckable foam. Plastic clamshell with a "rubber" seal. Pressure equalisation hole with "rubber" seal. I expect definitely waterproof, probably even float and, if properly closed, probably not admit water in a heavy downpour.

Edit:- Just checked. It claims "Water resistant, air tight and dust proof"

[jjjnettie]

Nah, I like that it has personality.

[Jen]

:lol::lol::lol: lol jjj

[jjjnettie]

If it tries to bite it's owners fingers off, imagine what it'd do to someone trying to steal out of it.

[dannat]

my father picked up 1 from wagga store - none at broadmeadows

[Kevnool]

Picked my 2 up yesterday.
great stuff smooth action on the hinges, It stays sprung back when opened.
One for my puter and one can just sit in the cupboard for a rainy day.
Cheers Kev.

[jjjnettie]

If I had the spare bucks I'd buy another too.
I like that they have the 3 layers of foam, not so much plucking to do.

[Kevnool]

For my notebook i took all the 3 layers of foam out put the lumpy foam on the bottom, Then a layer pushed out to accomadate the external HDD and cables , Then the notebook sits on top of it all , Then close the lid.
Cheers Kev.

[DJDD]

thanks for the heads up!
I bought two just then (his and hers matching set).
There are still two left at the Bunnings in Oakleigh South (on Huntingdale Rd?).

[PeterM]

Hey Ron,
I hope that dollar turns into a scratchie that wins you $25,000.
If it does don't forget who gave it to you...
PeterM.

[jjjnettie]

Party at Ron's house, yes?

[astroron]

Yes if you bring your own food booze and music:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Harb]

Jaycar also do various ones.......

[Moon]

Sorry to dig up this old thread, but they have a new Craftright Aluminium tool case at Bunnings that might be of interest. Images attached.

Price $29.90
Looks like 466W x 355D x 160H if I am seeing the image correctly.

[wasyoungonce]

Thanks for the heads up James.

I already have one of these from Bunnings last year. They are quite good for accessories. Jaycar (http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=HB6352&CATID=29&form=CAT&SUBCATID=805) has them for $69.95.

That is a big price difference.:eyepop:

[GrahamL]

I had one of the cheap ones ( like craftright ) go a little mouldy once , looked to be that under the inserts is like a bonded cardboard that can take on a little
moisture over time .. long time ago but I'd still be a little suspect on putting pricey, need to stay dry , items in one .

[jjjnettie]

You can always use another case.

[Kevnool]

Kingcraft tools have jumped on the bandwagon also and selling them.
Cheers Kev.

[jjjnettie]

If they're prone to just a little moisture, you can buy those sachets to absorb it. $6 for a pack of 3. Lasts for months.

[kustard]

I grabbed some cheapy cases but they didn't come with any foam inside. Does anyone know where you can get the foam cube and eggshell foam from? I've checked a few places online but it seems rather expensive, would be better off buying a case with the foam provided.

[rogerg]

http://www.clarkrubber.com.au/

[erick]

Clark Rubber aren't particularly cheap for the good stuff, but at least it's readily available and they will cut it to size for you with the right tool.

[wasyoungonce]

I believe Bunnings are selling new "craftright safe cases", 515L x 435D x 225H..in black. These are bigger than the previous craft right cases, $89.

I believe they are also selling the older yellow cases as well, for $65.

More info?... shamelessly stolen from o'clockeraust (http://forums.overclockers.com.au/showthread.php?t=897774).

They went like hot cakes last fathers day!

[casstony]

I picked up a black one from Morwell Bunnings today - plenty more there, though the quality is a step down from my older yellow version. It's still good enough to do the job, but any lower quality and I wouldn't buy it.

The moldings are rougher with some internal dags that need rubbing off and the seal at the front of the case is not as tight as the one on the yellow case.

[mithrandir]

There must be some difference between Vic and NSW Bunnings stock policies. I can never find these at either of my local Bunnings.

[wasyoungonce]

I had trouble last year and emailed Bunnings to find where they were being sold.

[mithrandir]

OK they have those. What chance a G11 will fit in one, without needing any disassembly.

[wasyoungonce]

The motors...won't somebody think of the motors...aka..you'll have to remove them to fit! Missed by that much!:sadeyes:

[Astrobserver99]

Bought one today from the Bayswater store...they have a shelf full of them. Cost about $89.00. Nice product, will probably get a couple more.

[DavidTrap]

It's a pity they were $29 last year - I'd put $2 on the fact they are from the same factory.

DT

[Astrobserver99]

It's a bigger case made from ABS. Craftright brand. 515L x 435D x 225H

Has purge valves for an airtight seal, ABS construction, egg shell foam in the lid, two layers of pluck foam, stainless steel hinge pins, O-ring seals and solid catches. Waterproof and airtight. Similar ones are $130.00 at Jaycar.

Takes all my accessories in one case instead of having two:).

[DavidTrap]

Thanks Rob,

I thought the ones I saw at my local Bunnings for $89 were the same size as the $29 ones I bought last year. Might have to have another look and see if they are bigger. Hmmmmmmm...

DT

[Moon]

Got one today. EQ6 + counterweights seem to fit ok.:thumbsup:

[gb_astro]

But can you lift it? :)

gb.

[Moon]

It's not too bad (without the counterweights :P).
I might put the counterweights into a different box along with the power leads and tripod spacer.


btw bunnings also had a smaller yellow case (430x380x154) for the same price. Make sure you get the right one. :confused2:

James

[apaulo]

Hi guys, :P

After receiving an email from James I decided to go down to Bunnings as see the case for myself :eyepop:. Didn't take me long to open the wallet. It was easier because my wife was at Uni! ;)
So once you bring the case home you will notice the strong latches and hindges. The Eq6 plus the weights makes the case rather heavy, please if you decide to put everything in one case becareful, lift it using your legs not your back :thumbsup:
There is foam padding which you can shape the unit. I have included some photos to help.
Thank you James for the email :)
Regards Paul (OH&S) aware :lol:

[wasyoungonce]

More yellow knock-off type cases, of various sizes, are available from Autobarn...refer their catalouge. They are more expensive but meh!...cheaper than the real thing.:shrug:

I don't know if it's nation wide..but they appear available in VIC.

Small.. 210 x 167 x 90mm $39
Med...330 x 280 x 120 $69
large...430 x 380 x 154 $89
Safe case...515 x 415 x 200 $129

[Esseth]

I picked up one of the smaller ones from Bunnings for around $50, perfect since i have started EP's that i really would not want to break.

[mithrandir]

But they still won't fit a G11. :(

Supplier should have a Pelican 1620 for me tomorrow.

[wasyoungonce]

Ha...I knew I'd be (and should be) publicly flogged for that:lol:

[Astrobserver99]

Just about to go back to Bunnings to buy another:D. The first has my EP, Filters, Barlows, Diagonals and FR/Flatteners, The second i use as a microscope storage case...the third will be for my guidescope/camera and finder:)