Once you've cut up your cardboard to size you'll often want to join it together. Here are some ways to do just that!
Double Sided Foam TapeFoam tape with double sided adhesive is a quick way to join cardboard. |
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Hot Melt GlueHot melt glue is one of the best ways to join cardboard. It is fast to cure, strong, and can fill in gaps in uneven surfaces. |
PVA White Glue
White glue works very well on cardboard. It's a bit slower to dry than hot melt glue, but requires no special tools, and is cheap and ubiquitous.
Brass Paper FastenersPunch a couple of holes in your cardboard, push a paper fastener through, and fold out the legs. Instant connection! |
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RivetsRivets make for excellent fasteners, and since they have a smooth shaft, they can be used for rotating pivot points and joints. |
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ScrewsMakedo Scrus are specialized screws designed specifically for joining cardboard. They come in two lengths -- the short ones work great for two or three layers of cardboard, the long one can handle even more, particularly the thick, 5-ply cardboard from heavy-duty shipping boxes. |
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Zip TiesZip ties are incredibly versatile. Here's a trick for using them to create rivets of greatly varying lengths. Push one zip tie through the cardboard to be joined, then slip a second zip tie onto it. Trim the excess length. |
Lap Joints
Looking for a nice, clean 90° joint between cardboard sections? Here's a great way to do that -- it's similar to a lap joint in woodworking.
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Support
Depending on your project, you may need a bit of extra strength and support where your walls are joined. There's a simple, yet effective way: cut a few triangular support braces and glue them into place!