Gridfinity Ammo Can Modular Storage System

This project transforms a standard M2A1 military ammo can into a configurable storage platform built around the Gridfinity ecosystem.

Unlike most inserts, this design doesn't stop at the bottom of the ammo can.

It takes advantage of the unused vertical space by adding a fully printable second storage level, supported directly by four structural columns.

No screws.

No magnets.

No metal rods.

No threaded inserts.

No additional hardware.

Just print, assemble, and customize.

Features

✔ Fully compatible with the Gridfinity ecosystem

✔ Uses the entire height of the ammo can

✔ Optional second storage level

✔ Hardware-free assembly

✔ Printable on smaller printers

✔ Split version included

✔ Customizable support columns

✔ Compatible with standard M2A1 military ammo cans

The Idea

Have you ever looked at a military ammo can and thought:

"This would make an awesome toolbox... if only it had compartments."

That's exactly how this project started.

Military ammo cans are inexpensive, incredibly durable, stackable, waterproof and easy to find. They make fantastic storage boxes, but their interior is nothing more than a large empty space.

I wanted something different.

I wanted a storage system that could evolve with my needs.

One day it could hold tools.

The next day camera equipment.

Drone accessories.

Fishing tackle.

Electronics.

Or simply all those small parts that usually end up mixed together inside a drawer.

Then I realized I didn't need to reinvent the wheel.

Gridfinity already existed.

So instead of designing proprietary containers, I designed a platform that fully embraces the Gridfinity ecosystem.

More Than Just a Gridfinity Base

Most Gridfinity inserts simply add a baseplate to the bottom of a container.

This project goes one step further.

A standard M2A1 ammo can offers almost 180 mm of internal height, and using only the bottom would waste more than half of the available volume.

That's why this system is designed to grow vertically.

The first level sits directly on the bottom of the ammo can.

The second level is supported by four fully printable structural columns.

Future expansions may include additional levels, different column heights and new accessories.

Simply changing the column height allows you to create additional storage levels without modifying the base design.

The goal isn't just organizing the bottom of the box...

It's using the entire volume efficiently.

Structural Support

The upper platform is not supported by the Gridfinity base itself.

Instead, the four support columns transfer the load directly to the bottom of the ammo can.

This makes the structure significantly stronger and prevents the insert from flexing under heavier loads.

Need a taller storage compartment?

Simply design longer columns.

Need a lower second level?

Print shorter ones.

Need a third level?

Just create another platform and choose the appropriate column height.

Column Dimensions

The support columns have a 7.9 × 7.9 mm (0.311 × 0.311 in) cross-section with a 1 mm chamfer on all four edges.

The included columns are 90 mm tall, providing enough clearance for Gridfinity bins up to 8U.

Because the system is fully modular, the columns can easily be resized to fit your own storage requirements.

Hardware-Free Assembly

One thing I absolutely dislike is downloading a model only to discover that I also need to buy screws, threaded inserts, magnets or steel rods before I can actually use it.

I wanted this project to be different.

Everything needed to assemble the system is printable.

No screws.

No magnets.

No threaded inserts.

No metal rods.

No additional hardware.

Just your printer.

The lower Base Plate rests directly on the bottom of the ammo can and can safely be used without glue.

The Upper Deck, however, acts as a structural shelf. If you use the split version, the two halves should be glued together to maximize rigidity and prevent movement under load.

Designed for Every Printer

Originally, both the Base Plate and the Upper Deck were designed as single pieces.

Then I realized something...

Many printers simply don't have a large enough build volume.

Instead of limiting the project to large-format machines, I redesigned both parts into two perfectly matching halves.

The two sections automatically align using printable alignment keys.

Once assembled, the joint is almost invisible while keeping the project printable even on smaller printers.

For the split version, PLA is recommended. It bonds much more effectively than PETG when using cyanoacrylate (super glue).

For maximum strength, a small amount of baking soda can be used as both an accelerator and a filler, creating an extremely rigid joint.

Apply only a small amount of glue. Excess cyanoacrylate can become brittle and may reduce the overall strength of the joint.

Easy Removal

After printing the first prototype, I discovered another small inconvenience.

Once inserted into the ammo can, removing the Base Plate wasn't particularly easy.

To solve this, two finger cut-outs were added to both sides, allowing the insert to be removed quickly whenever needed.

Sometimes the smallest improvements make the biggest difference.

Included Files

✔ Base Plate – Full

✔ Base Plate – Split (Left + Right)

✔ Upper Deck – Full

✔ Upper Deck – Split (Left + Right)

✔ Alignment Keys (print two for every split plate)

✔ Four 90 mm Support Columns

Compatibility

Designed for standard M2A1 military ammo cans.

Compatible with all standard Gridfinity bins that fit a 6 × 3 Gridfinity layout.

Project Philosophy

This isn't meant to be just another organizer.

It's intended to become a modular platform.

Today it includes a Base Plate and a second storage level.

Tomorrow it could include additional platforms, adjustable column heights, specialized holders, drawer systems, lid organizers and many other accessories.

The idea is simple.

Build once.

Customize forever.

Thousands of Gridfinity-compatible bins are already available.

Simply search for "Gridfinity bins" on Printables to get started.

Looking for something specific?

Try searching "Gridfinity + your item" (for example: Gridfinity batteries, Gridfinity screwdriver, Gridfinity SD cards, Gridfinity sockets...). Chances are someone has already designed exactly what you need.

Printing Recommendations

• The split version is recommended for smaller printers.

• PLA is recommended if you plan to glue the split parts together.

• PETG also works well if no permanent bonding is required.

• Print two Alignment Keys for every split plate.

• Print four Support Columns for the standard two-level configuration.

⭐ If you print this project, please upload a Make!

I'd love to see how you've customized your ammo can and what creative uses you come up with.

Below you can see some examples and the last link is the one from which I took the bins to test the project.

If you print this project, please upload a Make! I'd love to see your setup.