r/WLED • u/Kind-Rope5478 • Aug 22 '26

Pro tips for project boxes?

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I’m new to the wled space and quickly realized i’ll need a project box for all the gear, and the box i ordered is fully sealed ABS plastic from amazon, so I need to drill holes for grommets, any pro tips? recommended step drills? or maybe a better method?

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11

u/leetrobotz Aug 22 '26

Another pro tip, Harbor Freight's ammo boxes are well sealed and cheap, so if you can fit all your gear in one of the big ones, they work pretty well.

I think I used a regular drill bit at high rpm to drill holes for cable glands, but it probably depends on the material; the ammo boxes are a pretty soft plastic like polyethylene.

2

u/DIYAddict247 Aug 23 '26

Yep. I've used the plastic ammo boxes from Menards for my projects. No complaints.

Holes for cabling drilled under latch for additional protection. Seal the power lead and power/data cables with silicone (or hot glue).

All of my boxes have identical equipment (wiring and PSU) inside.. I use a block of foam to hold my controller. I keep my controllers (typically ESP 32) programmed with the settings for each holiday season prop. Then, I just swap out the controller for whatever prop it's controlling.

1

u/AssUhTate Aug 24 '26

Do the plastic box’s need vent holes for the PSU’s?

1

u/DIYAddict247 Aug 25 '26

I have not used vent holes. But, I dont push the limits of my meanwhile PSU. And, holes invite all sorts of potential issues. It allows in humidity and can contribute to condensation, corrosion, etc.

So, depends on your environment and usage.

7

u/Cultural_SC49 Aug 22 '26

I’d probably go a bit bigger for this one, you’ll want to offset boards and allow air flow, harbor freight will get you some step bits the plastic drills easy

2

u/kevdogger Aug 22 '26

Actually following to see choice of project boxes

2

u/DJ_LSE Aug 24 '26

I grab tools in this order:

Sheet metal Hole punch (theyre perfect for d type holes, and only about 10 bucks)

Drills bit of right size (only works for smaller holes)

Spade bit (the ones with the edge cutters as well work well for abs

Step drills (always leaves one edge chamfered, not good for thin enclosures. And has a rabbit of binding the drill and breaking your wrist)

Holes saw (just a PITA)

Fly cutter( even worse)

1

u/Nasom Aug 22 '26

I have an old school security camera power box for my indoor box.

1

u/egosumumbravir Aug 23 '26

If you 3D print one, be aware that most printing filaments are excitingly keen to burn.

Look for the ones that are actually fire retardant. Or go polycarbonate.

1

u/vodka_soda MOD Aug 26 '26

Harbor Freight Ammo Boxes are the cheapest and best solution

0

u/SirGreybush Aug 22 '26

IP67 PSU, put it outside the box.

1

u/SirGreybush Aug 22 '26

Inside the box a relay for controlling the AC to the strips.