PVC PIPE KIDS TIME CAPSULE BUILD

I really like this project for a variety of reasons. It is cheap, fun, and customizable. Your kids will not only enjoy the build and burying of the time capsule, but they can also have fun painting and drawing on it as well.

The PVC time capsule project will typically cost around $20 depending on the components that you already have that are not uncommon to have around the house. The materials needed for this project are as follows:

1- 2ft x 4″ piece of PVC pipe (2″ or 3″ could be used) (about $9)

1- 4″ PVC drain cap (about $2) (indicated by black arrow)

1- 4″ PVC cleanout plug (about $4) (indicated by blue arrow)

1- 4″ PVC hub x female adapter (about $6) (indicated by red arrow)

PVC cement and primer or all in one (price varies)

If you decide to use a smaller diameter pipe, the price of the build will decrease. All named components are pictured below.

Apply primer to the inside of the end cap and one end of your pipe, then apply glue to both in the same manner and press and hold the end cap onto the pipe firmly for about 5 seconds.

Using the same primer and cement application process as step one, apply both to the non-threaded female adapter end and the opposite end of the pipe from the end cap. Insert pipe into female adapter end and hold firmly for about 5 seconds.

Lastly, thread the cleanout plug into the threaded hub and voila! You are now the proud owner of a homemade time capsule. It is not a bad idea to wrap the clean out plug threads in Teflon tape for added protection against water intrusion.

Another reason I like this build is that the time capsule can serve as a water-tight vessel for other applications as well. In the past I have used this same design to serve as dry storage for my welding rods and it works great.

My absolute favorite use for this water-tight container in the past outside of a time capsule is easily its function as dry storage when boating, fishing, or canoeing. The 24" long by 4" diameter tube is great for storing wallets, money, cell phones, and keys while on the water. Even better is should it be accidentally knocked out of a boat or fall out of an overturned canoe it will float, so the recovery of valuables or personal belongings is only a matter of paddling to it and hoisting it back in your vessel.

This is a quick video demonstrating how to glue the components of your time capsule together.

Quick demonstration of the project assembly. The only thing missing is the gluing/cementing process demonstrated in the video in the previous step. Thank you for checking out my tutorial. For more DIY tips and projects be sure to check out tool-school.com.