How To Make Trap Chest

Designing the Trap Chest

Creating a Concealed Trigger Mechanism

The key to creating a convincing trap chest is to design a trigger mechanism that is not immediately apparent. Consider the following options:

False Bottom with Spring Trap: Create a two-tiered chest, with a false bottom that springs open when a weight is placed on it.
Hidden Lever: Conceal a lever behind a drawer, panel, or ornamentation. When the lever is activated, it triggers the trap.
Weighted Pressure Plate: Place a weight-sensitive pressure plate inside the chest. When the weight of a victim exceeds a certain threshold, it triggers the trap.
Keyhole Mimicry: Create a fake keyhole that activates the trap when a foreign object is inserted.

Camouflage and Deception

Once the trigger mechanism is in place, it’s crucial to camouflage it effectively. Here are some techniques to help:

Method	Effectiveness
Use subtle textures and finishes that blend with the overall chest design	High
Employ false hinges and drawer pulls to create the illusion of normal functionality	Moderate
Incorporate secret compartments or hidden spaces within the chest to conceal the trigger mechanism	Low

Building the Chest Framework

Lay out the back, bottom, and two sides of the chest on a flat surface. Ensure that the corners align perfectly. Secure them temporarily with clamps.

Attach the back to the bottom using wood glue and nails or screws. Repeat the process for the two sides. Make sure the joints are tight and secure.

Next, it’s time to assemble the front of the chest. This will require some extra precision and care, as it will incorporate the trap mechanism.

Measure and mark the location of the trap door on the front panel. Cut out the trap door using a saw or jigsaw, ensuring the edges are straight and smooth.

Attach two small hinges to the bottom edge of the trap door and secure them to the front panel. These hinges will allow the trap door to swing open when triggered.

Create a small slot in the bottom edge of the chest, directly below the trap door. This slot will serve as a guide for the trigger mechanism that will activate the trap.

Ensure that the trap door fits snugly within the chest and can swing open and closed smoothly without any obstructions.

Creating the Trigger Mechanism

The trigger mechanism is the heart of the trap chest. It is what will cause the lid to spring open and release the contents. There are many different ways to create a trigger mechanism, but the most common are:

Pressure plate: A pressure plate is a flat surface that is placed on top of the chest. When someone steps on the pressure plate, it will trigger the mechanism and open the lid.
Tripwire: A tripwire is a thin wire that is stretched across the path of the chest. When someone trips over the tripwire, it will trigger the mechanism and open the lid.
Magnetic switch: A magnetic switch is a switch that is activated by a magnet. When a magnet is brought near the switch, it will trigger the mechanism and open the lid.
Electronic trigger: An electronic trigger is a trigger that is activated by an electrical signal. This type of trigger is often used in more complex traps, such as those that are controlled by a remote control.

Once you have chosen a trigger mechanism, you will need to connect it to the lid of the chest. This can be done with a variety of materials, such as wire, string, or chain. The important thing is to make sure that the connection is strong enough to withstand the force of the lid opening.

Here is a table summarizing the different types of trigger mechanisms:

Type	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages
Pressure plate	A flat surface that is placed on top of the chest. When someone steps on the pressure plate, it will trigger the mechanism and open the lid.	Easy to build, inexpensive	Can be easily disabled
Tripwire	A thin wire that is stretched across the path of the chest. When someone trips over the tripwire, it will trigger the mechanism and open the lid.	Inexpensive, easy to hide	Can be easily disabled
Magnetic switch	A switch that is activated by a magnet. When a magnet is brought near the switch, it will trigger the mechanism and open the lid.	Can be hidden inside the chest, difficult to disable	Requires a magnet to activate
Electronic trigger	A trigger that is activated by an electrical signal. This type of trigger is often used in more complex traps, such as those that are controlled by a remote control.	Can be very complex and expensive	Difficult to build and maintain

Constructing the Lid and Base

The lid and base of the trap chest serve as its primary structural components, housing the hidden compartment. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to constructing them:

1. Crafting the Lid

Cut two rectangular pieces of plywood to form the top and bottom of the lid. Ensure that they are of equal size and fit snugly within the chest.

2. Assembling the Lid

Place the two pieces together, aligning the edges. Apply wood glue along the seams and reinforce them with screws or nails for added strength. Smooth out any excess glue with a damp cloth.

3. Cut the Base’s Rectangles

Cut two rectangular pieces of plywood for the base, similar in size to those used for the lid. These will form the top and bottom of the base.

4. Shaping the Base

The base is slightly modified to accommodate the hidden compartment. Measure and mark a square or rectangular area on the center of the bottom piece, about an inch smaller on each side than the inner dimensions of the chest. Cut out this section using a saw or jigsaw.

5. Assembling the Base

Align the two base pieces as before and apply wood glue along the edges. Secure them with screws or nails, ensuring they fit snugly within the chest. Pay special attention to the edges surrounding the cutout area, reinforcing them adequately to prevent any movement or instability.

Safeguarding Against Unintended Activation

Preventing accidental or unintentional activation is crucial for the safety of both the user and the surrounding environment. Here are some additional measures to ensure that your trap chest only activates when intended:

Redundant Switches: Install multiple switches or sensors that must be activated in sequence to trigger the trap. This adds an extra layer of protection against false positives.
Dead Man’s Switch: Implement a “dead man’s switch” that requires the user to maintain constant pressure on a button or lever to keep the trap deactivated. Releasing the button or lever will instantly trigger the trap.
Time Delay: Introduce a time delay between activating the switches and the actual triggering of the trap. This gives the user ample time to abort the activation or address any false alarms.
Audio-Visual Warnings: Install flashing lights or sirens that activate before the trap is triggered. These warnings provide a clear indication that the trap is about to activate, giving the user time to evacuate or deactivate the device.
Safe Mode Override: Include a separate switch or button that allows the user to place the trap into a “safe mode.” In this mode, the trap will not activate, regardless of the status of the other switches or sensors.
Remote Deactivation: Implement a remote control or wireless system that allows the user to deactivate the trap from a distance. This provides an additional safety measure in case of emergencies or accidental activation.
Battery Backup: Ensure that the trap has a backup battery or power source that will keep it functional even if the main power supply fails. This prevents the trap from being deactivated by cutting off the power.
Tamper Detection: Install tamper sensors on the trap’s access points. These sensors will trigger the trap if anyone attempts to access the device without authorization.
Radio Frequency Interference Shielding: Enclose the trap in a metal casing or Faraday cage to prevent radio frequency interference from triggering the device unintentionally. This is particularly important if the trap is placed near other electronic devices.

Ethical Considerations

It is important to approach the creation of a trap chest with ethical considerations in mind. Here are some guidelines to ensure responsible and respectful practices:

1. Respect for Privacy

Trap chests should not be used to invade the privacy of others. Avoid placing them in areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bedrooms or bathrooms.

2. Safety and Health

Ensure that the trap chest is not hazardous or dangerous to individuals or animals. Avoid using sharp objects, toxic substances, or excessive force that could cause injury.

3. Informed Consent

When possible, obtain permission from individuals before placing a trap chest in their presence. This ensures that they are aware of the potential risks and have the opportunity to decline.

4. Respect for Property

Do not place trap chests on private property without the owner’s consent. Avoid damaging or tampering with property in the process of setting up the chest.

5. Legal Considerations

Be aware of any local laws or regulations that may restrict or prohibit the use of trap chests. Ensure that your actions comply with the applicable laws.

6. Cultural Sensitivity

Consider the cultural context of the individuals involved. Trap chests may be perceived as offensive or disrespectful in certain cultures. Be mindful of these sensitivities.

7. Avoid Coercion

Do not use trap chests to force or manipulate individuals into doing something they are not willing to do. Respect their autonomy and decision-making capacity.

8. Respect for Animals

If animal subjects are involved in the trap chest, ensure their well-being and safety. Avoid causing distress, harm, or unnecessary suffering to animals.

9. Privacy Protection

If the trap chest captures personal information or data, ensure that it is stored securely and protected from unauthorized access or disclosure.

10. Responsible Disclosure

If the trap chest captures sensitive information, consider the ethical implications of disclosing it to others. Balance the need for transparency with the potential risks to privacy and reputation.

How to Make a Trap Chest

A trap chest is a great way to protect your valuables from thieves. It can be used to store anything from jewelry to money to important documents. Trap chests are relatively easy to make, and they can be customized to fit your specific needs.

To make a trap chest, you will need the following materials:

A wooden chest
A spring-loaded trap
A latch
A key
Screws or nails

Once you have gathered your materials, you can follow these steps to make your trap chest:

Attach the spring-loaded trap to the inside of the chest lid. Make sure that the trap is positioned so that it will be triggered when the lid is opened.

Attach the latch to the front of the chest. The latch should be positioned so that it will hold the lid closed when the chest is locked.

Attach the keyhole to the front of the chest. The keyhole should be positioned so that it is aligned with the latch.

Insert the key into the keyhole and turn it to lock the chest. The trap will now be armed.

Your trap chest is now complete. When someone tries to open the chest, the trap will be triggered and the lid will slam shut. The thief will be caught in the trap and will not be able to escape.


Materials List for Lid and Base		Dimensions
Plywood	1/2 inch thickness	Top and bottom of lid	(Length x Width) to fit chest
Wood glue	–	Square cutout in base	(Length – 2 inches) x (Width – 2 inches)
Screws or nails	1-1/4 inch length	–	–