So what information did you get from this video? That you can store ammo baged, loose or boxed in ammocans? Quite impressive to see. I would have never thought about that use of a ammo storage can.
Don't use oil or anything else petroleum-based on the seals in the lids. Petroleum products will gradually degrade the seals. Use a silicone-based product instead. A cheap and easy lifetime supply can be had by picking up a tube of dielectric grease at walmart or a local auto parts store. It comes in handy for lubricating anything plastic or rubber.
Yes. Dielectric grease is perfect. WD-40 is also good for keeping the seal soft and pliable. WD-40 is not petroleum based but uses fish oil, so it won't dry out and degrade the rubber.
I'd also throw a desiccant into any ammo cans which are being used to store moisture sensitive items such as ammo, fire starters, seeds, ect., just for an added layer of protection. Nothing worse than coming prepared only to find something damaged and unusable! Love the video!
Careful with cooking or heating. The when heated, the galvanized coating will release fumes and chemicals that are harmful to you. So if you intend to use it as a heater or stove, make sure you burn it in a well ventilated area for quite a while before you intend to seriously use it.
Don't put that car "kit" in your car, unless it's in the trunk. You don't want to see what a 8 lb. can will do to a human head going 60 mph in a accident.
EX infantry myself I kept and collected over 500 various sizes 20 years later i have them in storage and pristine over all them years i bet they will last a lifetime, the thought of them being scrapped is horrendous. they are the best designed metal box ever designed in the whole world.
I loved surplus Ammo cans. To ensure a tight seal, I take an empty Ammo can and light a candle inside, lock it down and let it burn the air out. When you go to open it, if the can is hard to open and sucks air in on opening - indicating an airtight seal - it’s a keeper.
Fast eddie let me get this right? Add a lit candle in a "AMMO" box with ammo in it? Think i saw that on a Adam 12 epidode. Oops read ur comment again. Good idea for air tight. How about adding a air valve to the can and use a food vaccum machine?
@@dead2selfShema well then lets ensure that you do get it right: No indication was made that this test should be done with live ammo so hopefully you are astute enough to know better.
Sootch- One thing that might/will come in handy, is to use an ammo can as a small Faraday Box for your small radios. Place card board inside on all four walls, bottom and lid. As long as your radios are not touching any metal of the can, they will be safe from an EMP. Also, Trevor Spencer has a good point about all the work you do on the videos. Thumbs way way up, my friend.
My parents didn't know where their original marriage license was until long after my maternal grandfather died. Mom's older brother was given an ammo can that Grampa had for years with documents and trinkets that were important to him. Uncle David found my parents' marriage license in it, in very good shape. My aunt and uncle put together a BEAUTIFUL shadow box for my parents for their 50th wedding anniversary. Made possible by an old military ammo can.
I actually had one under the hood of my Jeep Wrangler, so when I rode around town to wal-mart, etc. with my hardtop off, I didn't worry about certain items being stolen. Who would think to look under the hood?
Lonnie Burford I have the same thing with my old truck, couldn't help but laugh when I saw this comment. I always thought "If they get in the truck, I doubt they'll look under the hood"
I have been using an ammo can as a fishing tackle box for more years than I can remember. It carries everything I need to go fishing. U.S. Army, Ret. Texas
Ok you ask for it, I knew a family the wife she was about 90# woke up at about 0300 she went to get some water in the kitchen and found the back door open she though her daughter hadn't closed it right locked it and was going back to bed this time she glanced in the daughters room and saw a man standing next to her bed she grabbed a 30 can that was sitting next to the gun safe in the hallway burst through the door and hit the stupid man nearly to death the police found him laying asking the husband to stop beating him. He weight about 150# and was happy the police arrested him to save his ass from a house wife that weighted 90#.
This is the only time I've actually seen someone use the pound key like that online. Most of my generation doesn't even know it was originally called a pound key and not a hashtag.
A while back I picked up a dozen large 30 mm ammo cans. Great for documents and certificates. Works better than a Kzinti Stasis Box. I stored things like this after I saw my dad's papers and momentos getting destroyed in rain-soaked cardboard and wood boxes in the garage. A lifetime of World War Two history gone.... Never again. Store it tight in a US Army ammo can.
Great info, I made a generator out of mine, basically Battery, with some 12 volt out lets on exterior with a 800 inverter mounted on top for some 120volt power, for camping, or when we had hurricanes knocking our power out, they came in very handy. Keep up the good work
You can use it as an improvised weapon. -attach it to a pole and use it like Mjolnir -as a weight, with sand or dirt for working out -as a mold for making cement blocks -use it for sheet metal -cut knives out of it
You missed one really good use.. Stuck in dessert or urban areas and no cooker, firewood or heat available? Enter... The "Benghazi Boiler!" Take off lid, fill 3/4 with sand, add a pint - quart (depends on the size) or about 1/4th to 1/3rd full of diesel (or white gas, etc. just burns faster, use less fuel, be careful...) and light ! The sand holds the bulk of fuel letting the fumes rise and burn and make a great imromptu cooker. Place grate, expanded metal or some metal rods, etc. on top to hold cookware. Use pot for boiling or pan for frying, don't cook food directly in flames. Also good emergency heater if vehicle breaks and you're caught in desert, etc. and no firewood or other flamables are available. Drain fuel from vehicle. You should always have a sand bag in vehicle anyway! :) Replace lid to extinguish. Saved our butts a time or two...
Boomer Taylor you missed a trick,get ammo box insulate with a palm tree install some solar electrics a hey presto you be got the Mumbai micro wave.saved our Bum holes a few times. 10/4 gud bud
Tape the outer seams with metal tape and use them as a faraday case. Make sure the tape sticks tight. Be sure to sand the taped areas before hand. You can always paint over the tape and exposed sanded areas to keep from rusting.
I have used them for storing my cans of black powder and when heading out to cowboy fast draw meets, they are great for carrying 200 rds of 45lc , 200 shotgun primers, and cleaning kit all in a little 50 cal ammo can
Put you dirty clothes in the ammo can with soapy water close the lid and shake or swing it around. It will be like a washing machine agitating the clothes in soapy water.
Or just put in the vehicle and go for a good cross country drive :-) Also keeps your spare kit dry. Pack in plastic bag into box and you have dry kit .
NO PETROLEUM PRODUCTS on your gaskets! It will slowly eat the rubber. Use silicon grease. I strongly suggest 100% silicon dive grease. It's used to preserve the O-rings on divers gear. I've researched this DEEPLY. C'mon Sootch. Get it together buddy.
"Silicon" is basically sand, whereas Silicone is a chemical compound. It's just one letter different but it's incredibly different. Silicone grease will work well on the rubber gaskets, whereas silicon would remove the paint from the cans and many other bad things.
Great practical ideas. My dad used ammo cans to store mechanic tools. We also used a 3'x2' ammo can to store chicken feed, too. And the eggs were delicious!
Car emergency kit, brilliant! Way better than the plastic tote we're currently using. I always learn something from your videos since you are so engaging. Thanks
4:50 You could put a string under one of the ammo boxes that would come out at both sides of the box. So instead of trying to get a grip on the box with your fingertips, you just pull the first box out by the string, then the extra space gives you further access to remaining boxes.
I never thought of using a fat 50 for portable latrine. Great idea! I use 2 50cal cans for first aid supplies. Painted them white then stenciled a Red Cross on top and both sides for easy ID of same.
My two cents: I was using poly ammo cans and thought I was beating the high cost of proper storage. The problem with poly is the more weight inside the box, the more the lid will flex when lifted or expanded and contracted. I noticed that on all my poly boxes that the sides moved or lost seal. I converted to all 50 cal. metal ammo cans, use desiccant and O2 absorber and have not noticed any deterioration of contense or performance.
I have about 30 of them in my garage some with the lids off that I built a rack for and use as a storage rack system for odds and ends. Not to mention a few of the uses you shared in the video. Great video as usual Sootch
I use one ammo can to carry spare wheel bearings for my tandem boat trailer. It also holds pieces of pipe that can be used to drive out the bearings, extra grease, a couple blocks and emery cloth. A second ammo can is used to carry my 20 foot log chain along with a paddle lock which just fits.
Buy these and clean them up and paint them with the flat cammo paint. I used different colors for .22, .223, 40 SW, 12 guage, and 7.62 x 49. I painted contents on the end and top of each can as well. Great container for a lot of things!
I would NOT store ammo in cardboard boxes long term in these cans--or any other cans, for that matter. I put away about 1500 rounds of 7.62 NATO in 20 rd boxes around 1999, and when I looked in on them around 2005, the brass had begun to corrode. My belief is that the cardboard has absorbed atmospheric moisture prior to storage, and sealed in the ammo can, was unable to dry out. While I think silica gel could have helped, I believe that dispensing with the cardboard boxes would be safest...
Sorry to say this but if your not sure of it some of the older 7.62 ammo was corrosive to start with and designed that way and would destroy a gun barrel so it isn’t necessarily the cardboard
One word of caution, when using the ammo can for pressurized items or, items with strong vapors... when the can is closed/ sealed, the can may pressurize and you won't know it until you open it. Speaking from experience. Fortunately, I opened it slow so, the lid did not blow off and make my "SHTF"-🤣. GREAT VIDEO
If you can receive a cell signal inside a container, it's not EMP proof. There are a lot of ideas in the comments so we're going to do a upcoming video about it. Thanks.
You might want to pour in dry sand, add the hot rocks, cover with dry sand, etc until full. The sand will keep the heat in a bit longer and will also keep hotspots from showing up quite as strong on the metal outside, reducing the chances for burns while providing steady heat.
My Gramps used to use these as spanner/wrench boxes, My first encounter cost me my knuckles because man that front latch was tight! Only down side I have seen with these is that they can sweat but this can be prevented by throwing a bit of rice in the bottom or one of those little silica gel packs that seem to be with everything nowadays. Great video Don, always enjoyed and love the bloopers at the end haha #LLTR Chris UK
One key point I would make if you're storing items that water or moisture can damage is to keep a supply of Silica Gel on hand. Silica Gel is the same product florists use to make dried flowers. Silica Gel turns colors as it takes in moisture. This can add an extra level of protection to items that very well can be damaged by moisture. Silica Gel can be reused (the moisture driven off) by nuking it in the microwave in short bursts of 10 to 15 seconds at a shot. When it returns to its original color it's ready for reuse. You often see it packaged in small packs added to electronic items shipped from the manufacturer. You can make your own packs up in whatever size you need. I would recommend adding it to survival items, medical supplies, emergency items, and emergency food, and electronic items.
I was right there with you when you said do not store food in an ammo can because of lead and powder residue - and then you packed medical supplies in one. Could you safely store packaged food in the can? For example, flour in a freezer bag, then in a second freezer bag, then in the ammo can? Or maybe canned food? (In our climate, cans rust if they are kept outside of air conditioned spaces.). Granted you'd need to rinse off the can before opening. I would not have thought about this except for you packing medical supplies.
I have used mine for that purpose, washed it thoroughly ten left the can and the lid outside for several hours in the hot sun, before putting packaged food in it. never hurt me.
Great video! I had a lithium ion battery fire, exciting and dangerous. Fortunately no injuries or damage. Another hobby video on You Tube recommended these ammo cans to store the batteries safely. They proposed that taking the seal out would keep the batteries from exploding. Burning yes, but containment was much safer. Great ideas SensiblePrepper. Now I have a bunch of fresh ideas about what to do with a tool shed full of ammo cans I've been hoarding since 1976.
I saw the grill, haha, awesome. Might get paint fumes in your food, though. I've seen them used as wood stoves for portable heating. Might work as a decent faraday cage, too. Keep a small folding solar panel in it, with a tablet PC that's loaded with survival info. Probably be worth more than it's weight in gold in a long-term grid down or EMP situation.
If you do want to use one as a buried cache, you can get a rattle can of rubber undercoating from any big chain auto parts store. Fill your cache, close the can, spray the whole thing. Cut along the seam when you need to open it back up.
As a retired Army Infantryman, ammo cans are used in countless ways but here’s something you might find interesting. Get a “fat 50” 50 caliber ammo can, line it with some 1/8 inch rubber or similar matting and put a smaller 12 volt car battery. This can be used as a jump start battery by drilling a couple holes on the side and connect battery terminals and cables, best to use a set of thick gauge jumper wires (the thicker the copper wire gauge, the more amps it’ll push to the dead battery making it faster to get the dead battery levels up. Aside from that, you can safely store a spare car battery as long as it’s not kept in a hot garage. You should also drill a small hole (around 1/4 inch) to allow any gases to escape. The GI type ammo cans are rugged, you can toss them in a truck without damaging them, try that with the plastic ammo boxes.
And that was for the 2 of them... the 30 cal inside the 50 cal.... The original real ones I see at army surplus places for 14.67 and 19.87 sold individually. So for 18.47 at Costco you get both... Mind you the Costco ones aren't "Made in USA".
Great vid I use these things all the time , my latest thing being a cigar man as well they make great humidors if you line them with good cedar and put a moisture pad of some kind in them .
I have several of the Fat 50, cans. When full of ammo, they weigh about 40 lbs. +/- Each! I am also using the Fat 50 can, as my Ham Radio "Go Box". Its a portable radio, base station for SHTF, Field Days, Camping, etc. It has a small, mobile, 2M / 440 radio, Batteries, 110V power supply, antennas, small solar panel, and a few other bells & whistles.
I keep one packed with toiletries, wash cloth & towel. I don't have to worry about gathering things up just before I leave, its ready to just grab and go, and you don't forget things either. It's great for when you decide at the last minute to take a road trip, or go camping, etc.
You're very welcome! Here's another one for ya ... I also organized my truck tool box with the ammo cans. I keep extra quarts of oil in one; jumper cables in another; bungie cords and tie downs in another; brake fluid, transmission fluid, fix-a-flat, de-icer & flashlights in another; hand tools in another; an extra pair of shoes and a few pairs of socks in another (ya just never know when you're gonna get your feet wet!); a jacket in another; I even have a few picnic supplies in one, in zip-lock bags of course; toilet paper, wet wipes, couple of washcloths and hand towels in another; shop towels, degreaser, hand cleaners and hand sanitizer in another ... you get the idea! I have 10 in there, and everything stays clean and protected from anything else I might happen to throw in on top of them temporarily. Everything is so much easier to find now, plus it freed up a lot of space in the tool box! I've found so many uses for these ... I love 'em!
Clara Beall i do the same, +nail file combe ball bag moisturiser hair gel conditioner anal sand paper shaving kit ect.i pride my self on my appearance. You only get one chance to make a first impression in the wild grrrr....
I use my ammo cans to store more ammo cans And FYI, a PVS-14 ammo can with the foam in tact will securely hold a monster box of Canadian silver maples perfectly. Obviously takes up more space, but allows you to hide your precious metals in areas otherwise not possible
HotLZdk if you put wheels on it you can use it as a dump truck if you want it right you you could fit it with drum brakes and power steering ! 10/4 gud bud
I keep my firearm cleaning kits inside a .50 cal can! I got tired of balancing the bottles of Hoppes No. 9 on my closet shelf and them spilling in the middle of the night. Now everything stays upright, and the smell can’t escape
Drop in Dry Ice. It will replace the Oxygen, check with a match, match goes out, easily close lid. Mark as "sealed, backfilled w/ CO2 do not open till use "
I just dug up the guns and ammo I hid from the gun grabbers 5 years ago. Ammo was stored in ammo cans with moisture absorbing satchels. Perfect condition, like the day I buried them. A little surface rust on the ammo can, but that is impressive for a wet northern climate.
I looked thru several to make sure I didn't bump someone else's comment. I've used them as dry boxes for float fishing. Also have used 3 tied together as a flotation device. And please don't forget the next best thing to use as a bench rest on the range. GOD BLESS THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS.
I've used them during winter when we have a case where our power goes out for weeks at a time due to weather and even after the snow is gone we are waiting for them to get the power up, I take our food and put our refrigerated goods and put them in cans and set them in the river that's almost under our deck. Keeps everything dry, but also cold so I'm not losing anything. And keeps animals from getting it if you just put stuff outside in the cold. Also keep a few large ones filled with gravel for winter weather to put weight on the back of the truck.
Health ranger submerged 3 cans for a year (in a pond), all of them stayed dry on the inside. the aftermarket plastic ones didn't. just the legit US surplus ones.
Like I said in my comment earlier. I've used these for dry boxes to go float fishing and also have tied 3 in a triangle to make a flotation device from.
When my friends and I were a little younger we would store our plastic Airsoft BBs in ammo cans. Kept them clean and it was a great way to grab a bunch without worrying about spilling them out of a bag or something.
I use Ammo Cans for all my Caching, and other uses. Mil Surplus Only, because they are tested to extremes YT Influencers cannot replicate. I do have a process for preppin a can for Caching (Burying). After insuring the seal and integrity isn't compromised, cans are washed and dried, then bead blasted to prep for an Epoxy Enamel finish I apply inside and out (4 coats). I have cans that have been buried for nearly 20 years, and are still sealed and uncompromised (checked ever 2 years).
In the military we called that "The Rimmer". We used the 20 mm cans. If you put two closed ones on each side they are a tolerable head. If you have the two beside them full of kitty litter and a hand shovel you can use the rimmer for months.
It's too bad you specified "survival" uses only, because otherwise I'd tell you that a properly cleaned ammo can makes for an awesome personal cigar humidor.
1st great vids keep it up , just wanted to mention the large can on the right is refered to as a saw size can where i,m located and they are the perfect size for rifle magazines standing up loaded , still heavy but manageable , the 50 cal is what i use for ammo storage they are perfect for that and everything else you mentioned , u da man Sootch ;-)
I actually thought of using ammo for a Scrambler motorcycle, years ago. But my supply sergeant keeps stealing them for himself, every time we go to the qual range.
Bass pro has a 2 pack for $25. You get a 50 caliber and 30 caliber can. Bought 4 of them, sprayed them down with silicone spray, filled em up, put em away. Glad to know my precious metals are safe and dry.
I have a few dozen of the small .30 cal cans and got them all for $3-$5 each online, yard sales and peddler malls. Have some .50s as well. I repainted all my cans and put stencils on them. Like you, ammo and other things but not food.
Put your electronic devices in Plastic Bags to insulate them, wrap the plastic bags in Aluminum foil, put THAT in another plastic Bag, and then all into the Ammo Can. You have a Poor Man's EMP Shield!
Where do you find the foam inserts for carrying the pistols? On my 4x4 truck I stowed a 50 cal box under my back seat loaded with 2 tow chains and a tow strap. Thanks for the other great ideas. The hot rocks for the in-tent heater sounds ideal too.
With the use of foam and a ground then putting the cans into a galvanized trash can, you have an inexpensive mini Farraday cage. Just make sure to buffer the edges from each other. Also use a good gasket on the trash can and a desiccant pack
The Browning Hi Power and the CZ75 are almost Exactly the same Pistol,at a quick glance I might even mistake one for the other!! Was that a Browning Hi Power in that Ammo can or a CZ75???
great video and a lot of good ideas. the only thing I would have to disagree with is the washing of clothes in them when they cannot hold drinking water. the lead residue in there may react with whatever your soap is and then end up in your clothes, or it will just end up in your clothes without the soap through the movement of water, which is not good, as lead is absorbed through the skin. generally it is much less than if you'd drink that water, but it will end up in your body and it will stay there forever. the rest, however, are good to very good ideas.
You could post twice a day and I'd still make time to watch them all. The work you put into making these is much appreciated.
That is a high compliment my friend and you've made my day. Thanks Trevor!
SensiblePrepper you're more than welcome!
I agree 100%. Great videos and very useful information. Thank you for your time and dedication.
So what information did you get from this video? That you can store ammo baged, loose or boxed in ammocans?
Quite impressive to see. I would have never thought about that use of a ammo storage can.
Peter August
Try to have a better day.
Tupperware for real men!
Now that's freakin funny...and true.
Ctfu!!!😂😂😂😂
Dang! I wish I'd thought of that...!:))
I knew I would find this comment.
Trooperware
Don't use oil or anything else petroleum-based on the seals in the lids. Petroleum products will gradually degrade the seals. Use a silicone-based product instead. A cheap and easy lifetime supply can be had by picking up a tube of dielectric grease at walmart or a local auto parts store. It comes in handy for lubricating anything plastic or rubber.
Ballistol works great, it doesn't degrade rubber and it leaves a protective film
Seen some in wax coating
Would silicone grease (dielectric) work?
Thx Dennis!
I didn't know that...
Yes. Dielectric grease is perfect. WD-40 is also good for keeping the seal soft and pliable. WD-40 is not petroleum based but uses fish oil, so it won't dry out and degrade the rubber.
You basically spent 13 minutes telling us "This is a box" yet I still enjoyed watching it lol
🤣 my hubby sent this video cuz he knows I have an OCD about Needing Boxes 🤣😂
I'd also throw a desiccant into any ammo cans which are being used to store moisture sensitive items such as ammo, fire starters, seeds, ect., just for an added layer of protection. Nothing worse than coming prepared only to find something damaged and unusable! Love the video!
Careful with cooking or heating. The when heated, the galvanized coating will release fumes and chemicals that are harmful to you. So if you intend to use it as a heater or stove, make sure you burn it in a well ventilated area for quite a while before you intend to seriously use it.
I actually did some research on what ammo cans are made of. Thankfully they are only made of metal without a galvanized coating.
The paint is toxic, if it's the same as the paint on the vehicles.
@@weatherstorms CD
25 survival uses that could be summed up in 1 sentence. "Put stuff in them."
I swear this guy reminds me of Burt from Tremors. That is a compliment.
Where's Reba?
Well Burt *only ran outta ammo once...*
I can see that!! Man...what a great movie!
I thought that also. Maybe they should do a remake and put him in the spot
Jeremy Miller omg you are right 😂😂
Don't put that car "kit" in your car, unless it's in the trunk. You don't want to see what a 8 lb. can will do to a human head going 60 mph in a accident.
Buckle it up like a child.
People ask why I wear a helmet while driving my jeep, in case the tools come unsecured in an accident!
Jacy KoKo’s Red dead life people ask me why I wear a helmet in the bath I always say just iin case. Anyway they’ should nt be looking! 10/4 gud bud
Some 1poisoned the water hole go for it mate
Jacy KoKo’s Red dead life is gonna knock u out
You can never have enough ammo can's.... although my wife would disagree with me! Great video and info!
TrailRecon what if you had one million , ? You mig have to make a giant one to put them all in! What do you think 🤔
DIY Stove
My wife must know your wife because she thinks the same thing!
They're even better full.
I agree I have so many it’s not even funny anymore
EX infantry myself I kept and collected over 500 various sizes 20 years later i have them in storage and pristine over all them years i bet they will last a lifetime, the thought of them being scrapped is horrendous. they are the best designed metal box ever designed in the whole world.
Grab some Krylon paint in “The Colors of Preping” for what you put inside. Red for first aid, orange for fire, etc
Smart.
The 50 cal ammo cans can hold up your jeep if you have no jack and need to swap your spare tire. Ask me how I know.
Thanks for the idea and sharing your experience : )
Well how do you know
Ivan Castillo we've done it, ha
Heard your stuck under that truck to this day
Yeah until you have a jeep stuck on you....
I loved surplus Ammo cans. To ensure a tight seal, I take an empty Ammo can and light a candle inside, lock it down and let it burn the air out. When you go to open it, if the can is hard to open and sucks air in on opening - indicating an airtight seal - it’s a keeper.
Fast eddie let me get this right? Add a lit candle in a "AMMO" box with ammo in it? Think i saw that on a Adam 12 epidode. Oops read ur comment again. Good idea for air tight. How about adding a air valve to the can and use a food vaccum machine?
@@dead2selfShema well then lets ensure that you do get it right: No indication was made that this test should be done with live ammo so hopefully you are astute enough to know better.
@@fasteddie4107 well did try it without actual ammo, used water pistol ammo and couldnt light the candle unsure why?
Or just put some water in it and turn it upside down to see if any leaks out. Why would you light candles lol?
Watertight is not airtight...
Sootch- One thing that might/will come in handy, is to use an ammo can as a small Faraday Box for your small radios. Place card board inside on all four walls, bottom
and lid. As long as your radios are not touching any metal of the can, they will be safe
from an EMP. Also, Trevor Spencer has a good point about all the work you do on the videos. Thumbs way way up, my friend.
You answered my question thx!
My parents didn't know where their original marriage license was until long after my maternal grandfather died. Mom's older brother was given an ammo can that Grampa had for years with documents and trinkets that were important to him. Uncle David found my parents' marriage license in it, in very good shape. My aunt and uncle put together a BEAUTIFUL shadow box for my parents for their 50th wedding anniversary. Made possible by an old military ammo can.
I actually had one under the hood of my Jeep Wrangler, so when I rode around town to wal-mart, etc. with my hardtop off, I didn't worry about certain items being stolen. Who would think to look under the hood?
Me
Lonnie Burford I would now...
Lonnie Burford I have the same thing with my old truck, couldn't help but laugh when I saw this comment. I always thought "If they get in the truck, I doubt they'll look under the hood"
Lonnie Burford i
Now I know where to look in those jeep wranglers!
I have been using an ammo can as a fishing tackle box for more years than I can remember. It carries everything I need to go fishing. U.S. Army, Ret. Texas
Ok you ask for it, I knew a family the wife she was about 90# woke up at about 0300 she went to get some water in the kitchen and found the back door open she though her daughter hadn't closed it right locked it and was going back to bed this time she glanced in the daughters room and saw a man standing next to her bed she grabbed a 30 can that was sitting next to the gun safe in the hallway burst through the door and hit the stupid man nearly to death the police found him laying asking the husband to stop beating him. He weight about 150# and was happy the police arrested him to save his ass from a house wife that weighted 90#.
This is the only time I've actually seen someone use the pound key like that online. Most of my generation doesn't even know it was originally called a pound key and not a hashtag.
Frederick Kaludis did the poor woman get her back door kicked in mmm painful 😖
A while back I picked up a dozen large 30 mm ammo cans. Great for documents and certificates. Works better than a Kzinti Stasis Box.
I stored things like this after I saw my dad's papers and momentos getting destroyed in rain-soaked cardboard and wood boxes in the garage. A lifetime of World War Two history gone....
Never again.
Store it tight in a US Army ammo can.
Great info, I made a generator out of mine, basically Battery, with some 12 volt out lets on exterior with a 800 inverter mounted on top for some 120volt power, for camping, or when we had hurricanes knocking our power out, they came in very handy. Keep up the good work
I bolted em in my jeep for tool kits. Used em all the time. Best mod ever!
I told my wife to put my ashes in one.
China North Airguns - if you prepay for the funeral, most funeral homes will put that in a binding contract.
THAT'S A GREAT IDEER!! Funeral outfits will rip u off for ashes can $250+ BULL! Use 30cal can and save ur $$.
@@howardfortyfive9676 👍
I told my family that after I had died I wanted my remains scattering around my ex-wife's home, but I didn't want to be cremated first...
@@uncledodge9396 winning comment today!
You can use it as an improvised weapon.
-attach it to a pole and use it like Mjolnir
-as a weight, with sand or dirt for working out
-as a mold for making cement blocks
-use it for sheet metal
-cut knives out of it
You could always beat the crap out of someone, if worse came to worst.
Handbag for a trollop
I was thinking the same thing, just fill it with rocks.
Lol
"Dang! That's gonna leave a mark...!"
I just love your positive spirit and friendly approach. No profanity....my grandchild could watch all your videos. Thanks so much.
You missed one really good use..
Stuck in dessert or urban areas and no cooker, firewood or heat available?
Enter... The "Benghazi Boiler!"
Take off lid, fill 3/4 with sand, add a pint - quart (depends on the size) or about 1/4th to 1/3rd full of diesel (or white gas, etc. just burns faster, use less fuel, be careful...) and light !
The sand holds the bulk of fuel letting the fumes rise and burn and make a great imromptu cooker. Place grate, expanded metal or some metal rods, etc. on top to hold cookware.
Use pot for boiling or pan for frying, don't cook food directly in flames.
Also good emergency heater if vehicle breaks and you're caught in desert, etc. and no firewood or other flamables are available. Drain fuel from vehicle. You should always have a sand bag in vehicle anyway! :)
Replace lid to extinguish. Saved our butts a time or two...
Used this in the first Gulf War, we added twisted TP to make kind of wicks, it keep it going. Had a hot drink dozens of times thanks to this stove.
Boomer Taylor pretty sure the metal is galvanized those fumes can get you pretty stick
no the metal in USGI ammo can is not Galvanized.
Boomer Taylor you missed a trick,get ammo box insulate with a palm tree install some solar electrics a hey presto you be got the Mumbai micro wave.saved our Bum holes a few times. 10/4 gud bud
Tape the outer seams with metal tape and use them as a faraday case. Make sure the tape sticks tight. Be sure to sand the taped areas before hand. You can always paint over the tape and exposed sanded areas to keep from rusting.
Hi great video I filled one with rocks and shot it on my channel I could believe how much it stopped the only thing that went through was a 50 BMG
Great idea! I've been planning a sand test to see how much it would take. 50 BMG is a beast round! lol!
You should fill one with Tannerite, & seek cover.
I have used them for storing my cans of black powder and when heading out to cowboy fast draw meets, they are great for carrying 200 rds of 45lc , 200 shotgun primers, and cleaning kit all in a little 50 cal ammo can
Put you dirty clothes in the ammo can with soapy water close the lid and shake or swing it around. It will be like a washing machine agitating the clothes in soapy water.
Great idea. Thanks yogi!
yogidaherfman never thought about that shit. Nice
It's called a washing machine.. bro
Or just put in the vehicle and go for a good cross country drive :-) Also keeps your spare kit dry. Pack in plastic bag into box and you have dry kit .
Oh right; people are usually tripping over all the washing machines they'll encounter in a wilderness/survival situation.
NO PETROLEUM PRODUCTS on your gaskets! It will slowly eat the rubber. Use silicon grease. I strongly suggest 100% silicon dive grease. It's used to preserve the O-rings on divers gear. I've researched this DEEPLY. C'mon Sootch. Get it together buddy.
Hans S. Related to never using vaseline on condoms. Vaseline is bad for rubber.
Hans S. l would nevey put petroleum products on my gaskets or my o ring no siree not me 10/4 gud bud
"Silicon" is basically sand, whereas Silicone is a chemical compound. It's just one letter different but it's incredibly different.
Silicone grease will work well on the rubber gaskets, whereas silicon would remove the paint from the cans and many other bad things.
@@mikey4016 You are correct. However, I doubt anyone would try rubbing silicon granules on thier seals. Got to love spell check.
Great practical ideas. My dad used ammo cans to store mechanic tools. We also used a 3'x2' ammo can to store chicken feed, too. And the eggs were delicious!
Great additions. Thanks vault!
the eggs flavor has nothing to do with storing it in an ammo can
vault426 did the chickens pack any hardware to protect from foxes 🦊 10/4 gud bud
Whaaat? Bike Panniers! Mind. Blown.
Love the camp laundry idea, too. So many great ideas!
Car emergency kit, brilliant! Way better than the plastic tote we're currently using. I always learn something from your videos since you are so engaging. Thanks
4:50 You could put a string under one of the ammo boxes that would come out at both sides of the box. So instead of trying to get a grip on the box with your fingertips, you just pull the first box out by the string, then the extra space gives you further access to remaining boxes.
Simple but great idea
Hell back in my army days there was times I used one as a pillow.
Yep..
Thanks for your service Kenneth!
Like a fuckin boss
Kenneth Oson Lol
And a bed at times when in nothing but mud! Lol Took a few for a 6' 3" frame though!
I never thought of using a fat 50 for portable latrine. Great idea! I use 2 50cal cans for first aid supplies. Painted them white then stenciled a Red Cross on top and both sides for easy ID of same.
My two cents: I was using poly ammo cans and thought I was beating the high cost of proper storage. The problem with poly is the more weight inside the box, the more the lid will flex when lifted or expanded and contracted. I noticed that on all my poly boxes that the sides moved or lost seal. I converted to all 50 cal. metal ammo cans, use desiccant and O2 absorber and have not noticed any deterioration of contense or performance.
Tom n do they still look nice 👍
Poly cans i use for organization only. Not for critical storage. So they are handy though limited.
I have about 30 of them in my garage some with the lids off that I built a rack for and use as a storage rack system for odds and ends. Not to mention a few of the uses you shared in the video. Great video as usual Sootch
Morning coffee with Sensible prepper! The day just got a whole lot better
Thanks Eric!
Everything's better with a good cup of coffee. Thanks Eric!
that's another thing you can use them for....making coffee. sure it's a lot of coffee, but there's no such thing as too much coffee, lol.
@sean Amen!
i have made stoves. from ammo cans they work great
I use one ammo can to carry spare wheel bearings for my tandem boat trailer. It also holds pieces of pipe that can be used to drive out the bearings, extra grease, a couple blocks and emery cloth. A second ammo can is used to carry my 20 foot log chain along with a paddle lock which just fits.
I've been a subscriber for a long time and I've never seen a video of yours that was less than awesome. LLTR!
Now that's a high compliment! Thank you my friend~ LLTR!
SensiblePrepper you're welcome and thank you sootch!
So many uses! I have 2 of the small ones from my Dad when he was in Korea in the 50's. Just have them stored away. Thanks for the ideas.
I buy new ones from harbor freight they work just as great, my local surplus store has used beat up cans for $17, HF sells them new for $15
It’s a huge crap chute on ammo cans. I’ve seen bent and battered 30 cal cans go for $20, and just picked up a couple nice 50 cal cans for $10 each.
Menards has plastic ones for $4 use them for 22 ammo and loose shot gun shells
I read HF as "he fucking"
Walmart has them for $12.84, but I bought all my local store had! Ha ha.
Buy these and clean them up and paint them with the flat cammo paint. I used different colors for .22, .223, 40 SW, 12 guage, and 7.62 x 49. I painted contents on the end and top of each can as well. Great container for a lot of things!
I would NOT store ammo in cardboard boxes long term in these cans--or any other cans, for that matter. I put away about 1500 rounds of 7.62 NATO in 20 rd boxes around 1999, and when I looked in on them around 2005, the brass had begun to corrode. My belief is that the cardboard has absorbed atmospheric moisture prior to storage, and sealed in the ammo can, was unable to dry out. While I think silica gel could have helped, I believe that dispensing with the cardboard boxes would be safest...
thanks i have 1000 round sitting in boxes in one....taking out tonight
Leonard Urban the same thing happened to my nuclear warheads dam no more mushroom for me ! 10/4 gud bud
Sorry to say this but if your not sure of it some of the older 7.62 ammo was corrosive to start with and designed that way and would destroy a gun barrel so it isn’t necessarily the cardboard
@@bryansaltsman6947 the corrosive primers make salts when fired that stick everywhere and draw water out of the air like a silica pack
One word of caution, when using the ammo can for pressurized items or, items with strong vapors... when the can is closed/ sealed, the can may pressurize and you won't know it until you open it. Speaking from experience. Fortunately, I opened it slow so, the lid did not blow off and make my "SHTF"-🤣. GREAT VIDEO
I built a wood stove out of one of the bigger ones. I wish i had a picture of it. Its great for heating a tent.
What about smoke and carbon monoxide?
@@joshualawson7604 You add a smoke pipe to it and it creates a draw and vents out the top outside.
This is the only “military grade” material that is actually quality...coming from a military guy lmao
Preston Melkerson truth! Usually “military grade” just means cheapest contract to meet minimum spec!
Where? Kongo?
Storing electronics in an Ammo tin, would it have the bonus of acting like a Faraday Cage and protect radios etc. from EMP?.
Excellent question! Will the cans protect electronics from an EMP?
Spam Alot yes as long as u line it
Ah yes the old tin foil hat, beware the mind readers, that's why you have to line your car otherwise it won't act as a Faraday Cage.
Doubt it
If you can receive a cell signal inside a container, it's not EMP proof. There are a lot of ideas in the comments so we're going to do a upcoming video about it. Thanks.
You might want to pour in dry sand, add the hot rocks, cover with dry sand, etc until full. The sand will keep the heat in a bit longer and will also keep hotspots from showing up quite as strong on the metal outside, reducing the chances for burns while providing steady heat.
Excellent suggestion!!!
My Gramps used to use these as spanner/wrench boxes, My first encounter cost me my knuckles because man that front latch was tight! Only down side I have seen with these is that they can sweat but this can be prevented by throwing a bit of rice in the bottom or one of those little silica gel packs that seem to be with everything nowadays. Great video Don, always enjoyed and love the bloopers at the end haha
#LLTR
Chris
UK
When I was in the Marines on a track vehicle we use ammo cans with the plastic bag inside as a toilet
a trap - you remember the old "prop a box with a stick" and then pull the string when the critter is in the right place
One key point I would make if you're storing items that water or moisture can damage is to keep a supply of Silica Gel on hand. Silica Gel is the same product florists use to make dried flowers. Silica Gel turns colors as it takes in moisture. This can add an extra level of protection to items that very well can be damaged by moisture. Silica Gel can be reused (the moisture driven off) by nuking it in the microwave in short bursts of 10 to 15 seconds at a shot. When it returns to its original color it's ready for reuse. You often see it packaged in small packs added to electronic items shipped from the manufacturer. You can make your own packs up in whatever size you need. I would recommend adding it to survival items, medical supplies, emergency items, and emergency food, and electronic items.
John Goodin it will keep your pansies dry
I was right there with you when you said do not store food in an ammo can because of lead and powder residue - and then you packed medical supplies in one. Could you safely store packaged food in the can? For example, flour in a freezer bag, then in a second freezer bag, then in the ammo can? Or maybe canned food? (In our climate, cans rust if they are kept outside of air conditioned spaces.). Granted you'd need to rinse off the can before opening. I would not have thought about this except for you packing medical supplies.
You'd be better off with a food grade pickle bucket, if you have the space.
I have used mine for that purpose, washed it thoroughly ten left the can and the lid outside for several hours in the hot sun, before putting packaged food in it. never hurt me.
Great video! I had a lithium ion battery fire, exciting and dangerous. Fortunately no injuries or damage. Another hobby video on You Tube recommended these ammo cans to store the batteries safely. They proposed that taking the seal out would keep the batteries from exploding. Burning yes, but containment was much safer. Great ideas SensiblePrepper. Now I have a bunch of fresh ideas about what to do with a tool shed full of ammo cans I've been hoarding since 1976.
I saw the grill, haha, awesome. Might get paint fumes in your food, though. I've seen them used as wood stoves for portable heating.
Might work as a decent faraday cage, too.
Keep a small folding solar panel in it, with a tablet PC that's loaded with survival info. Probably be worth more than it's weight in gold in a long-term grid down or EMP situation.
If you do want to use one as a buried cache, you can get a rattle can of rubber undercoating from any big chain auto parts store. Fill your cache, close the can, spray the whole thing. Cut along the seam when you need to open it back up.
Awesome off road tool, chain and rigging boxes.
As a retired Army Infantryman, ammo cans are used in countless ways but here’s something you might find interesting. Get a “fat 50” 50 caliber ammo can, line it with some 1/8 inch rubber or similar matting and put a smaller 12 volt car battery. This can be used as a jump start battery by drilling a couple holes on the side and connect battery terminals and cables, best to use a set of thick gauge jumper wires (the thicker the copper wire gauge, the more amps it’ll push to the dead battery making it faster to get the dead battery levels up. Aside from that, you can safely store a spare car battery as long as it’s not kept in a hot garage. You should also drill a small hole (around 1/4 inch) to allow any gases to escape.
The GI type ammo cans are rugged, you can toss them in a truck without damaging them, try that with the plastic ammo boxes.
Just bought one over the weekend... Costco $18.47. Good thing to keep the protein bars in in the car when you can't stop on the road for lunch.
And that was for the 2 of them... the 30 cal inside the 50 cal.... The original real ones I see at army surplus places for 14.67 and 19.87 sold individually. So for 18.47 at Costco you get both... Mind you the Costco ones aren't "Made in USA".
wow! $14.67 and $1987? i paid just $11.00/ea for my 3. and they're the real deal. i feel better for paying what i did, lol.
Yeah the Costco, Made in China U.S. Army ammo boxes are $18.47 for the nested set of a 30 and a 50 cal.
Thanks Robert! They made a great container in the car.
They just went on rebate. They're now $14.99 where I am.
Great vid I use these things all the time , my latest thing being a cigar man as well they make great humidors if you line them with good cedar and put a moisture pad of some kind in them .
i dont mind promotions in videos bc it helps people keep putting quality videos out, but damn.. Sootch was so smooth with the promotion
I have several of the Fat 50, cans. When full of ammo, they weigh about 40 lbs. +/- Each!
I am also using the Fat 50 can, as my Ham Radio "Go Box". Its a portable radio, base station for SHTF, Field Days, Camping, etc. It has a small, mobile, 2M / 440 radio, Batteries, 110V power supply, antennas, small solar panel, and a few other bells & whistles.
I keep one packed with toiletries, wash cloth & towel. I don't have to worry about gathering things up just before I leave, its ready to just grab and go, and you don't forget things either. It's great for when you decide at the last minute to take a road trip, or go camping, etc.
That's a great idea
Excellent. All together in one place. Thanks Clara!
You're very welcome! Here's another one for ya ... I also organized my truck tool box with the ammo cans. I keep extra quarts of oil in one; jumper cables in another; bungie cords and tie downs in another; brake fluid, transmission fluid, fix-a-flat, de-icer & flashlights in another; hand tools in another; an extra pair of shoes and a few pairs of socks in another (ya just never know when you're gonna get your feet wet!); a jacket in another; I even have a few picnic supplies in one, in zip-lock bags of course; toilet paper, wet wipes, couple of washcloths and hand towels in another; shop towels, degreaser, hand cleaners and hand sanitizer in another ... you get the idea! I have 10 in there, and everything stays clean and protected from anything else I might happen to throw in on top of them temporarily. Everything is so much easier to find now, plus it freed up a lot of space in the tool box! I've found so many uses for these ... I love 'em!
Great for storing condoms too
Clara Beall i do the same, +nail file combe ball bag moisturiser hair gel conditioner anal sand paper shaving kit ect.i pride my self on my appearance. You only get one chance to make a first impression in the wild grrrr....
I use my ammo cans to store more ammo cans
And FYI, a PVS-14 ammo can with the foam in tact will securely hold a monster box of Canadian silver maples perfectly. Obviously takes up more space, but allows you to hide your precious metals in areas otherwise not possible
That cigar, I died.
One of the single best educational and entertaining channels to be found. God Bless.
Used my carkit ammocan as a shovel, to dig a car free which was stuck in sand on the beach.
Ahh! That's a great idea. Thanks
HotLZdk ummm, did you take the top off, or did u use pure strength
HotLZdk if you put wheels on it you can use it as a dump truck if you want it right you you could fit it with drum brakes and power steering ! 10/4 gud bud
I keep my firearm cleaning kits inside a .50 cal can! I got tired of balancing the bottles of Hoppes No. 9 on my closet shelf and them spilling in the middle of the night. Now everything stays upright, and the smell can’t escape
Seemed like 3 uses: Stand on it, sit on it, put stuff in it.
You sir are correct!
This was great, cool ideas, will be getting more of these babies here in spring of 2024! Sootch you look so young, love the mustache. Cheers! ❣️🍀
Drop in Dry Ice. It will replace the Oxygen, check with a match, match goes out, easily close lid. Mark as "sealed, backfilled w/ CO2 do not open till use "
What can co2 be used for?
@@Juicetheeunuch
Dry ice gives off co2 . That's what replaces the oxygen
Thanks Sootch!!! I learned a lot of uses for all my can! Love your channel brother!
My favorite ammo can I've personally used is a 40 mm can I recommend if you can find one to get it.
The 40s are useful... A bit narrow. I have one for all my plumbing stuff.
I just dug up the guns and ammo I hid from the gun grabbers 5 years ago. Ammo was stored in ammo cans with moisture absorbing satchels. Perfect condition, like the day I buried them. A little surface rust on the ammo can, but that is impressive for a wet northern climate.
Always be sure to mark it , so you know what you put in there LOL .
I looked thru several to make sure I didn't bump someone else's comment. I've used them as dry boxes for float fishing. Also have used 3 tied together as a flotation device. And please don't forget the next best thing to use as a bench rest on the range.
GOD BLESS THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS.
Great video. Now I need to buy more ammo cans...
Thanks Brother.... I seem to fill everyone I pick up : )
that's the only downside to watching his videos. it costs me more money, lol.
Palmetto Arms was selling 12 of the big cans (M2A1) for $90. They even have a fresh coat of paint...
Same here! Lol
I've used them during winter when we have a case where our power goes out for weeks at a time due to weather and even after the snow is gone we are waiting for them to get the power up, I take our food and put our refrigerated goods and put them in cans and set them in the river that's almost under our deck. Keeps everything dry, but also cold so I'm not losing anything. And keeps animals from getting it if you just put stuff outside in the cold. Also keep a few large ones filled with gravel for winter weather to put weight on the back of the truck.
hey sootch, do the contents of the cans stay dry when completely submerged for a short period of time? great video as always!
Health ranger submerged 3 cans for a year (in a pond), all of them stayed dry on the inside. the aftermarket plastic ones didn't. just the legit US surplus ones.
Like I said in my comment earlier. I've used these for dry boxes to go float fishing and also have tied 3 in a triangle to make a flotation device from.
When my friends and I were a little younger we would store our plastic Airsoft BBs in ammo cans. Kept them clean and it was a great way to grab a bunch without worrying about spilling them out of a bag or something.
Interesting stuff Mr Sootch is like me some "men's Tupperware!". 🙃
I use Ammo Cans for all my Caching, and other uses. Mil Surplus Only, because they are tested to extremes YT Influencers cannot replicate.
I do have a process for preppin a can for Caching (Burying). After insuring the seal and integrity isn't compromised, cans are washed and dried, then bead blasted to prep for an Epoxy Enamel finish I apply inside and out (4 coats). I have cans that have been buried for nearly 20 years, and are still sealed and uncompromised (checked ever 2 years).
I like the shitting in the ammo can and then leaving for some one to find..........Oh sweet ammo!!!! ......??WTF!!!
In the military we called that "The Rimmer". We used the 20 mm cans. If you put two closed ones on each side they are a tolerable head. If you have the two beside them full of kitty litter and a hand shovel you can use the rimmer for months.
Gonzo10mm
uh....we just dug holes and used the wooden crate that the cans came in as a seat like sensible people
@@whatabouttheearth haha! Yup. Field shitters!
STINK BOMB!!
something tells me you've done that already !
One suggestion coming from so fla hurricane belt when storing important paper work put it in ziplok baggies as another water & dampness barrier:-)
It's too bad you specified "survival" uses only, because otherwise I'd tell you that a properly cleaned ammo can makes for an awesome personal cigar humidor.
cigoLxeL please explain how you turn one into a humidor.....I need to try this
cigoLxeL I was a young humidor
Cool idea, but how well would it retain the moisture? Humidors are made of wood for a reason, not to mention potential for corrosion.
cigoLxeL you must have a good sense of humidor for that’ ?
1st great vids keep it up , just wanted to mention the large can on the right is refered to as a saw size can where i,m located and they are the perfect size for rifle magazines standing up loaded , still heavy but manageable , the 50 cal is what i use for ammo storage they are perfect for that and everything else you mentioned , u da man Sootch ;-)
I actually thought of using ammo for a Scrambler motorcycle, years ago. But my supply sergeant keeps stealing them for himself, every time we go to the qual range.
Bass pro has a 2 pack for $25. You get a 50 caliber and 30 caliber can. Bought 4 of them, sprayed them down with silicone spray, filled em up, put em away. Glad to know my precious metals are safe and dry.
When you threw the radios in, I thought that it would make a great faraday cage for any possible emps
The rubber seal isn't EMP proof...too big an ELECTRICAL gap for the super short EMP frequencies.
Line it with something rubbery. Like rubber shelf paper, it's cheap. And so an I.
I have a few dozen of the small .30 cal cans and got them all for $3-$5 each online, yard sales and peddler malls. Have some .50s as well. I repainted all my cans and put stencils on them. Like you, ammo and other things but not food.
Put your electronic devices in Plastic Bags to insulate them, wrap the plastic bags in Aluminum foil, put THAT in another plastic Bag, and then all into the Ammo Can.
You have a Poor Man's EMP Shield!
It may help some, but the long thin (NON CONDUCTING) gasket will allow a lot of EM energy to flow inside
Bruce Forster where do you store your glue? Remember only sniff it in well ventilated spaces
Where do you find the foam inserts for carrying the pistols?
On my 4x4 truck I stowed a 50 cal box under my back seat loaded with 2 tow chains and a tow strap.
Thanks for the other great ideas. The hot rocks for the in-tent heater sounds ideal too.
Imagine these in stainless steel...
ikr
Or titanium!
SS is 2 expensive.
With the use of foam and a ground then putting the cans into a galvanized trash can, you have an inexpensive mini Farraday cage. Just make sure to buffer the edges from each other. Also use a good gasket on the trash can and a desiccant pack
7:00 my god that is a sexy firearm. Love the *Browning Hi Power*
Harsh haze That's not a CZ pistol, its a Browning Hi power
adam briar thanks for the catch, both are still sexy. Eyes arent what they used to be...
Harsh haze They are definitely easy to mix up when looking quickly. But you're right, both are gorgeous!
The Browning Hi Power and the CZ75 are almost Exactly the same Pistol,at a quick glance I might even mistake one for the other!! Was that a Browning Hi Power in that Ammo can or a CZ75???
great video and a lot of good ideas. the only thing I would have to disagree with is the washing of clothes in them when they cannot hold drinking water. the lead residue in there may react with whatever your soap is and then end up in your clothes, or it will just end up in your clothes without the soap through the movement of water, which is not good, as lead is absorbed through the skin. generally it is much less than if you'd drink that water, but it will end up in your body and it will stay there forever. the rest, however, are good to very good ideas.