The Ends of Comic Boxes - Slip Into the Danger Zone!

[illuminated]

At the end of most comic boxes, there's a little dip on the bottom, into which books can slip down about an eighth inch below other books, depending on how tight they're packed.

I've seen books damaged, what been left in that spot for eons.

I often pack the ends of a comic box with a few old boards, to prevent comics from slipping in there. But it doesn't always work.

Been thinking of using cardboard pads, instead or in addition.

What do you all use to keep comics from this trap?

[oxbladder]

I don't have that problem except with my few short boxes. My long boxes are all one piece bottoms. The sides fold over at each other at the end with the end flap folding over those.

[marvelguy]

I don't have that problem except with my few short boxes. My long boxes are all one piece bottoms. The sides fold over at each other at the end with the end flap folding over those.

Same thing here.

[oxbladder]

Same thing here.

Are yours thick cardboard and height-wise are just a wee bit higher than the comics inside and the lid is also thick and folds essentially the same way?

[illuminated]

I don't have that problem except with my few short boxes. My long boxes are all one piece bottoms. The sides fold over at each other at the end with the end flap folding over those.

The one-piece bottom boxes are nice, in that they don't have that gap. The downside is that they don't hold up as well as the two-piece bottom boxes, if they travel much, and they also aren't as structurally sound for stacking. Generally, they seem to be made of thinner cardboard than the other design; I think this is done to accommodate the tabbed closure of the ends of the boxes. That said, for keeping comic in boxes at home (not stacked more than 2-high) they're better. (Generally speaking again, my own 1-bottom boxes are usually wider than the two-flap bottom-boxes, which means I can fit wider books into them.) I hate having to move comics from one box to another just because three SA issues in a run are in GA bags because they're early and extry-wide.

Alas, almost all of the boxes I own are the 2-piece bottoms, where the one bottom flap folds inside the bottom flap with the ends. It's the gap at the end of the inner flap, between that 'false bottom' and the 'real bottom' that causes my conundrum.

[oxbladder]

Well not the one piece one's I get. They are thicker than every other comic box I have seen on the market. I have one "double bottom" box and it is the flimsiest box by far. I wouldn't stack anything on it because it would definitely collapse. Some of the one piece boxes I have date back to 1994 (to present) and I have only had to replace a few and not from wearing out (my cat's sprayed a couple of them). I have had the oldest stacked three high, taken them to a number of conventions, moved three times, stored them two high in not so good conditions, etc. yet they are still with me. The double bottom will be replaced and only serve as temporary holding.

Like I said though the one piece ones I have are not widely available ... I don't even think they are available outside of Manitoba, unless the locals sell them.

[marvelguy]

Are yours thick cardboard and height-wise are just a wee bit higher than the comics inside and the lid is also thick and folds essentially the same way?

Yes, I bought them from Hoss and they're BCW brand. It has this extra flap for the bottom. I think there's a video on Youtube from BCW where they demostrate how to fold it to a box.

[jordanscott]

Same as you. Some backing boards in the front and back of each box.