- Joined
- Nov 24, 2014
- Messages
- 3,598
My bad. I should have mentioned that the box seemed quite solidly packaged when I got it. No sense of contents rattling or shifting significantly. Of course, I was only hand carrying the box.
No doubt the USPS doesn't 'hand carry' them. I figure if the box doesn't have tire tracks on it, or similar evidence of extreme mishandling, damaged contents is due to inadequate packaging. We're all clever people and capable of preventing the damage, if we anticipate the reality. Rather than imagining that the box will be handled considerately, think of it being tossed across your garage and landing on a corner or edge (never squarely on an planar side) on the concrete floor. Think of that happening a few times (per recipient). Package accordingly. Better to have fewer items in decent shape than nice items damaged in transit.
Oh, there were a few square feet of 'bubble pack' in the box. One sheet, about 2 sqft, literally only had a few 'bubbles' left so really just plastic sheet at this point. I'll replace all. Since we're spit-balling ideas, Styrofoam peanuts and 'cat litter' are acceptable filler for solid items (without cavities) but a serious aggravation to clean out of every nook and cranny of many items in this box. IMO, please don't use Styrofoam peanuts (which will end up as granules) or any other granular filler. IMO, fill item contours with crinkled news print, wrap in more layers of news print and tape all over. That method will 'smooth' the protrusions and cavities. Really sharp corners and points need even more protection. Fill all voids with tightly packed wadded paper or foam rubber scraps.
Last night, I stuffed the worn screw holes with tooth picks and wood glue. Also injected glue and clamped some areas of delamination. More refurbishment to come.
No doubt the USPS doesn't 'hand carry' them. I figure if the box doesn't have tire tracks on it, or similar evidence of extreme mishandling, damaged contents is due to inadequate packaging. We're all clever people and capable of preventing the damage, if we anticipate the reality. Rather than imagining that the box will be handled considerately, think of it being tossed across your garage and landing on a corner or edge (never squarely on an planar side) on the concrete floor. Think of that happening a few times (per recipient). Package accordingly. Better to have fewer items in decent shape than nice items damaged in transit.
Oh, there were a few square feet of 'bubble pack' in the box. One sheet, about 2 sqft, literally only had a few 'bubbles' left so really just plastic sheet at this point. I'll replace all. Since we're spit-balling ideas, Styrofoam peanuts and 'cat litter' are acceptable filler for solid items (without cavities) but a serious aggravation to clean out of every nook and cranny of many items in this box. IMO, please don't use Styrofoam peanuts (which will end up as granules) or any other granular filler. IMO, fill item contours with crinkled news print, wrap in more layers of news print and tape all over. That method will 'smooth' the protrusions and cavities. Really sharp corners and points need even more protection. Fill all voids with tightly packed wadded paper or foam rubber scraps.
Last night, I stuffed the worn screw holes with tooth picks and wood glue. Also injected glue and clamped some areas of delamination. More refurbishment to come.
