This will begin documentation of building a Type IV magazine per 27CFR55 Subpart K – Storage § 555.210 for construction of Type 4 magazines per the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (BATFE). This will be an indoor magazine as well, and therefore must meet NFPA 1127 – 4.19.2.1, which states that ”The indoor magazine shall be painted Red, and the top shall bear the following words in white letters at least 76mm (3 in) high: EXPLOSIVES — KEEP FIRE AWAY
The first step in the process was to choose a suitable enclosure that meets or exceeds the requirements set forth by the BATFE. One of our local fliers has been using a “Better Built” job site safe enclosure that can be found at Lowes, so this is where I began my search. My search led me to a topic at the Rocketry Planet Forum on the subject of Type IV magazine construction. Within this thread was a recommendation to use a RIDGID enclosure: model number: 2032-OS. Some brief research into the enclosure proved promising, so I picked one up at a local Home Depot Home Improvement Center.
The Rigid 2032-OS is just the right size for my needs, and since I will be complying with indoor storage per § 555.210, which states that “total quantity of explosive materials stored does not exceed 50 pounds”, then I am set. What really impresses upon me about 2032-OS, is the fact that the locks and shackles are recessed inside the enclosure, away from anyone using bolt cutters to cut the locks and gaining access. However, as described in § 555.210 paragraph (4) “Padlocks must be protected with not less than 1/4 inch steel hoods constructed so as to prevent sawing or lever action on the locks, hasps, and staples,” it is still yet unknown if the excellent design and construction of the RIGID enclosure will meet or even satisfy this requirement. I imagine a letter with full description of my intent will be forth coming to the local BATFE office.
The lock requirement per § 555.210 paragraph (4) for Type IV magazines states that “Padlocks must have at least five tumblers and a case-hardened shackle of at least a 3/8″ inch diameter,” I am quite positive I have satisfied this requirement with the purchase of two Master Lock model # 17 (P/N 17KA) from a lock vender, J&M Lock. The model #17 is a 5-tumbler lock with 7/16″ dia. hardened Shackles; these particular locks are keyed alike for convenience.
Master Lock #17
Mating the locks to the enclosure seemed to be the only bump in the road, other than the ¼” hood requirement. The #17 locks, when mounted and locked, would not adequately secure the lid. It would seem that the advertised shackle dimension of 1″ in length is out of spec bi .156″ (See Photo Inset), and when locked allowed the clasp of the enclosure to slip by. To clarify, per the 2032-OS Operator’s manual, the #5 or equivalent Master Lock is mounted inside the enclosure lock cavities, and is secured at the back of the cavity with a small u-bolt. The way this works is, with the lid closed, the lids clasps will go down through the shackle of the lock, and when the locks are pushed into locked position, the lock body prevents the lid from opening. Since the shackles of my #17 locks were out of spec by more than an 1/8″ each, the lock bodies were not recessed deep enough to capture the clasps. The solution was simple enough; using a large hammer and a ½” dia. steel rod, I placed the rod through the lock cavity opening and gave a few good whacks, moving the back of the cavity far enough back for the locks to operate properly (See Photo Inset).
Master Lock Out of Advertised Spec of 1"
Back of Lock Cavity After Modification
Moving on…
This is where I am at in the long process of obtaining a L.E.U.P. for my amateur experimental and high power rocket activities. I will continue with the next segment once I have confirmed one way or another as to whether or not the RIDGID, model #2032-OS, will be given the go-ahead for use as a Type IV magazine. With a go ahead, I will line the inside with a non-sparking material, and then paint the exterior per the NFPA code. If the 2032-OS is not acceptable, then I will search for another enclosure to satisfy the requirement. However, I remain optimistic that the BATFE will accept the enclosure so I can move on…
See you on the field,
Johnnie