10 DIY USB Flash Drive Projects

With the inexpensive USB flash drives that are now available, some geeks are getting extra crafty with DIY modification projects that are sure to turn some heads. It's easier than you might think to toss aside the boring plastic casing that most flash drives come with in favor of something more unique. Most of these projects don't require much in the way of special tools or tech know how, and there are links below with walk-throughs available for anyone feeling up to trying out an USB flash drive mod of their own.

Torn USB Cable Drive

Go covert with your USB flash drive with this DIY modification that masks the device as a regular USB cable that's been torn in half.

Pink Eraser USB Drive

Probably the most popular DIY flash drive mod, this one looks pretty fun. Simply slice and hollow out a pink desk eraser and insert the USB drive. This fits back together for a complete rubber casing that will help protect the drive if it gets knocked around.

USB PEZ Dispenser Drive

Get your camp on by taking your favorite PEZ dispenser and turning it into a custom flash drive. This DIY project isn't quite as easy, but there is a solid step-by-step guide available if you're up a little challenge.

Toy Car USB Drive

Fashioning a metal toy car into an USB flash drive results in a pretty slick looking mod. For most cars, you'll be able to pull this one off with just an X-acto knife, glue gun and maybe a small drill.

"Thumb" Drive

This one is pretty hoaky, but so are some nerds. If you can get your hands on one of those fake hands that are sold in costume and novelty shops, you can make a flash drive casing out of the rubber thumb.

Lego Block USB Drive

A simple but cool looking flash drive can be made out of a Lego without much effort, although it can be a little tricky getting the drive to fit. This is a pretty popular DIY project, so there's plenty advise out there on getting it right.

Lighter USB Drive

One of the only things I miss about smoking was having an excuse to carry around a cool looking lighter. With a little time in the shop, problem solved. There are instructions out there for these flash drive mods for lighters ranging from Zippos to Bics.

Wooden USB Drive

Easily the most elegant DIY flash drives that I have seen have been made by artisans with a knack for bringing out the natural beauty of wood.

Altoids USB Drive

Those little tins for Altoids Smalls and Strips can easily be converted into a custom flash drive case that looks pretty fresh.

Lipstick USB Drive

An empty lipstick case is the ideal size to conceal a USB flash drive and looks like a pretty easy DIY project.

Sources:

http://craziestgadgets.com/2008/12/29/diy-usb-lipstick-flash-drive/
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=224123.0
http://metku.net/index.html?sect=view&n=1&path=mods/flashpez/index_eng
http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/usbkey
http://www.instructables.com/id/Real-Thumb-Drives!/
http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2008/10/diy_wooden_usb_flash_drive.html