Hiding your silver and gold can be challenging. You want a spot that nobody will think to look, is hard to access, etc., but sometimes that may involve cutting into drywall, flooring, etc., and that may not be an option. Renters could lose their deposit doing something like that. For others, time or lack of tools could be a deterrent. A stash box may be just the solution you need.
Buying A Stash Box
Before getting into how to make one, there are pre-made options out there for those wanting something quick and easy. They start around $19 and can go all the way up to $50+ depending on how big of a box you want.
Family1st Magnetic Storage Box – $19
3.7″ x 2.6″ x 1.9″
Kaguster Magnetic Stash Box – $27
6.8″ x 3.8″ x 1.5″
Spy Spot Magnetic Stash Box – $38
5.5″ x 3.5″ x 1.5”
MaKe It Yourself
As you can see, the dimensions don’t vary much, so you may want to consider building your own if those won’t work for you. Building one is fairly simple. You simply need a case that has a thin wall (No more than about 1/8″ thick), which most are if you’re shopping on Amazon.
For my project, I went with a Shanrya brand plastic storage case, because it measures 7.55″ x 4.8″ x 2″. The box cost me $14.24.
I then found a set of magnets that are rubber coated, which can attach to any object you want via screws. The set cost me $12.99.
I only needed two magnets, but the hardware set leaves me extras to build another box later. So all-in costs for this setup are roughly $27.50 for one box. If I were to build a second one, it’d be basically $20.84 each, which isn’t far off from the median price of most pre-made boxes. This way I got the size I wanted.
Drilling The Holes
This part is easy. You’ll want a 9/64″ drill bit. This makes it so the hole is large enough that the screw can pass through, but small enough so the threads will apply pressure to the hole and grip. This way you’re not relying solely on the pressure from the crush washer to hold everything together.
Note: With this type of case, I chose to drill the holes in the bottom of the case, so the latches face up when the box is in place.
Assembling The Screws
After drilling the holes, it’s time to assemble the screws. Slide the flat washer over the screw first, and then add the crush washer. This way the crush washer is evenly pushed against the wall of the case by the washer.
Once assembled, thread them through the holes by hand, to get them started.
To get these as tight as possible, it’s recommended to use a 7mm socket and bit driver, rather than the wrench that’s included in the package. It also makes the project go much faster.
Tighten the screws 2-3 turns, so the threads are more exposed but the crush washer hasn’t completely been pressed flat against the case wall. Now apply some purple Loctite threadlocker to the interior threads of the magnets.
Now go ahead and thread on the first magnet, and tighten it down as much as you can. Repeat this step with the second magnet. Now you’re done!
I plan to put a small amount of silver in it to bring out and play with when I feel like it.
Hiding Your Stash Box
Your new stash box will stick to any ferrous metal surfaces (Steel, iron, etc.).
The outside of your fridge isn’t a good hiding spot, but this gives you an idea of how well it will hold weight even when attached vertically.
While the box will fit under my wife’s sewing table, I don’t think she’ll appreciate it being there. She might also accidentally bump into it. For larger tables with metal center support poles or beams, this may be a decent option.
Most thieves wouldn’t think to look under a sink. Will it stick? Let’s find out!
Well, what do you know? It sticks! This may just be where I stash a small part of my silver.
Final Thoughts
A stash box can be a great way to hide some of your silver and gold in inconspicuous places, without having to cut into your drywall, floor, etc., to create a hiding spot. You may even find a pre-made box online that fits your needs, and will save you some of the time spent building your own. If not, this whole project took maybe 20 minutes to put together, including taking the time to unwrap everything and put tools and supplies away. A stash box is a great way to hide some of your stack when space, time and money are a concern. Since it’s magnetic, you can also easily move it to different hiding spots.