Ammo boxes: you see them everywhere. In closets, garages, and basements. But do you know how to use them effectively in a survival situation?
Get ready to be inspired by these 25 hidden uses for ammo boxes:
- Store food and water in them.
- Store your survival kit in them.
- Use them as steps or sitting stools.
- Make them waterproof storage for your fire tinder.
- Box an emergency car kit.
- Store handguns in them.
- Wash your clothes with them.
- Use them as field toilets.
- Safely store medical supplies in them.
- Make a makeshift radio from them.
- Fortify your area with them.
- Collect water in them.
- Carry supplies in them.
- Store cash/valuables safely inside them.
- Use them to keep essential documents safe and dry.
- Store seeds safely inside them.
- Store flammable/spillable supplies in them.
- Make them into makeshift room heaters.
- Store necessary electronics in them.
- Use them as pots or pans.
- Use them as survival stoves.
- Turn them into rodent/insect traps.
- Transform them into small solar power plants.
- Use them as dog bowls.
- Turn them into nesting boxes for chickens.
Read on as I explore these 25 uses for ammo boxes in more detail. It will change how you see these metal (sometimes plastic) boxes.
1. Store Food and Water in Them
Food and water are must-haves if you want to survive in the wild. And what better way to store them than in an ammo box? Just line it with something waterproof, like a garbage bag, mylar bag, or a food-grade barrel liner, and you’ll have a makeshift kitchen cabinet.
The problem with military-used ammo boxes is that they’re not always food-grade. So, if you’re going to use one of these, clean it thoroughly first.
2. Store Your Survival Kit in Them
A survival kit is only helpful if you have it with you when you need it. And what better way to keep it with you than in an ammo can? Just pack it tightly so everything fits and nothing moves around.
You can throw in things such as:
- A first-aid kit
- Fire starters
- A multi-tool
- Flashlights
You can stick anything in them that you might need in a pinch.
Looking for Ammo Cans? These are the top sellers on Amazon
3. Use Them As Steps or Sitting Stools
An ammo box can be handy if you need to reach something high or take a load off your feet. Just flip it over, and voila – instant step or sitting stool.
But don’t be tempted to stack them to make a ladder. They can easily topple under pressure, especially if they’re empty.
4. Make Them Waterproof Storage for Your Fire Tinder
Dry tinder is an essential ingredient in any fire-starting situation. An ammo box is one way to make sure it stays dry.
Just throw in your tinder, some matches, and a fire starter, and you’re good to go. You can also add things like lighters and batteries, just in case. The good thing about having everything in one place is that you’re less likely to waste time looking for something in the dark.
5. Box an Emergency Car Kit
If you’re stranded on the roadside, an emergency car kit can be a lifesaver. The idea is to keep a few essential supplies in an ammo box in your trunk, so you’re prepared for anything.
You can have a smaller ammo box for jumper cables, flares, and a first-aid kit. Another larger ammo box can hold supplies like food, water, and blankets.
6. Store Handguns in Them
If you have a gun for self-defense, you must store it properly. An ammo box is an excellent option because it’s durable and can be locked.
Clean the box first and line it with something soft, like foam or cloth. This will prevent scratches on your firearm or even the banging noises that may come up as you roll. Some companies are already making gun cases out of ammo boxes, so you might want to look into that.
7. Wash Your Clothes With Them
If you’re ever in a situation where you can’t wash your clothes, an ammo box can come in handy. Just fill it with water and laundry detergent, and you have a makeshift washing setup.
Of course, this will only work for small loads of laundry. It would be best to put in elbow grease to clean the clothes, but it’s better than nothing.
8. Use Them As Field Toilets
An ammo box can be a lifesaver if you’re stuck in the wilderness without a toilet. Just line it with a garbage bag, and you have a makeshift toilet.
This is not going to be as comfortable as an actual toilet. But in a pinch, it will do the job. Just bury the waste when you’re done. This will throw off predators and potential enemies.
9. Store Medical Supplies in Them
This is one of the most important uses for an ammo box. In a survival situation, you need to have access to medical supplies. And an ammo box is a great way to keep them organized and dry.
Pack things you might need in case of an accident or injury. This can include the following:
- Bandages
- Gauze
- Antiseptic wipes
- Pain medication
- Small scissors
- An ACE bandage
You can also add a first-aid manual for reference.
10. Make a Makeshift Radio From Them
In a survival situation, information is key, and a radio can be a lifesaver. If you don’t have one, an ammo box can house all the electronics that make a makeshift radio.
You’ll need a shortwave receiver, an antenna, batteries, and speakers. Add a little ingenuity, and you can fashion yourself a working radio. This can be a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and weather reports.
11. Fortify Your Area With Them
You need to be able to defend yourself in a survival situation. And one way to do that is by fortifying your area. An ammo box wall can be a great way to do that.
Fill ammo boxes with dirt, stack a few up, and use them as barriers for your sleeping area. This will also double as fire cover if you’re under attack. And if you have a gun, you can use them as a shooting platform.
12. Collect Water in Them
Water is vital in every survival situation. An ammo box can help you collect rainwater and store it. While this might not be the most sanitary way to hold water, it’s better than nothing.
You can also use a solar still to purify water. Or you can use water purification tablets. Either way, an ammo box can help you collect the water you need to survive.
13. Carry Supplies in Them
You need to move quickly in a survival situation, and an ammo box can help. You’re ready to throw all your essentials in an ammo box. This is especially useful if you need to evacuate in a hurry.
You can grab the ammo box and move. They’re relatively small, so try limiting yourself to necessary, must-have items.
14. Store Cash/Valuables Safely Inside Them
We all know that having an emergency fund is crucial, and ammo boxes are the perfect way to store your valuables. They are small, inconspicuous, and can be hidden easily.
Just make sure you don’t put all your eggs in one basket. You don’t want to lose everything if your ammo box is stolen or lost.
You can also use an ammo box to store jewelry and other sentimental items. This way, you can bury them somewhere safe until the situation cools down.
15. Use Them to Keep Essential Documents Safe and Dry
In a survival situation, you might need to prove your identity. Or you might need to store essential documents. Either way, an ammo box can help you keep them safe and dry.
However, include things like your driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, and anything else that might be useful. You can also have copies of essential documents like your will and insurance policy.
16. Store Seeds Safely Inside Them
If the survival situation stretches long enough, you might need to grow your food. An ammo box is one way to protect your seeds from the elements. Of course, this will only work if you keep them away from heat sources.
You can also use an ammo box to store other gardening supplies like fertilizer and tools. This way, you can have everything you need in one place. The good thing about seeds is that they have a long shelf life, so you can store them and use them later.
17. Store Flammable/Spillable Supplies in Them
Because you can seal an ammo box, it’s a great place to store flammable or spillable supplies. Just label the box clearly, so you don’t accidentally place them near a heat source.
You can also use an ammo box to store things like paint and cleaning supplies. You can keep them organized and away from children and pets.
18. Make Them Into Makeshift Room Heaters
You will still want to heat your tent or room in a survival situation. And an ammo box can help you do that. However, you’ll have to destroy the box to do this, but it’s still a good use for one.
Take the side of the box and puncture it a few times. Then fill it with fuel and light it on fire. The heat from the fire will help warm your space, while the ammo box protects your shelter from the flames. Still, it would be best to extinguish the fire before going to sleep.
19. Store Essential Electronics in Them
Walkie-talkie radios and solar-powered flashlights are a must-have in any survival situation. However, if you don’t have a place to store them, you’ll be surprised at how fast they can be damaged or lost. An ammo box is a perfect solution because it’s durable and will protect your electronics from the elements.
I like to throw in a few extra batteries in my radio box. That way, I know I’ll have power when I need it. The only downside is that ammo boxes can be heavy. So be careful not to pack too much gear, or it will slow you down.
20. Use Them as Pots or Pans
You’ll need to cook food in a survival situation, and an ammo box can be used as a pot or pan. Place rocks or hot coals in the bottom of the box to heat your food.
It’s also worth noting that this method works best for brand-new boxes. If you’re using a military ammo box, clean it out first. Otherwise, you might end up with nasty chemicals in your food.
21. Use Them as Survival Stoves
An ammo box can be turned into a survival stove with a few modifications. This is a great way to cook food or boil water.
You’ll need to cut a few holes in the sides of the box. Then you can insert a metal tube. This will act as your chimney. Fill the bottom of the box with fuel and light it on fire.
One downside to this method is that you will constantly need to feed the fire, so it’s not ideal for long-term use. Still, it’s a great way to cook a meal in a survival situation.
22. Turn Them Into Rodent/Insect Traps
You might need to trap an animal for food in a survival situation. An ammo box can help you do just that.
There are many ways to build a trap; the best method depends on the rodent or insect you are hunting. One downside to this method is that you’ll need to check the trap regularly. Otherwise, the prey will starve to death.
23. Transform Them Into Small Solar Power Plants
You’ll need to find alternative power sources in a long-term survival situation. This is where an ammo box powerplant comes into play.
You’ll need to add a solar panel to the top of the box. Then you can wire it up to a battery and charge the controller inside. This will create a small solar power plant that you can use to charge your electronics.
Just make sure to keep the solar panel clean and free of debris. Otherwise, it won’t work as well as it should.
24. Use Them As Dog Bowls
If you have a dog – or any pet – with you in a survival situation, you’ll need to feed it. You can do this easily with an ammo box.
You’ll need a bigger box if you have a large dog. But a medium-sized box will work in most situations. Remember to clean the bowl regularly to keep it sanitary.
25. Turn Them Into Nesting Boxes for Chickens
One way to use an ammo box is a nesting box for chickens. Just drill a few holes in the sides for ventilation and place it where your chicken lays. The chickens will love having little space to lay their eggs – which is surprisingly crucial if you want to keep those eggs coming.
