How to Make Your Own Instrument Tray

CREATING CHEAP, STAINLESS STEEL INSTRUMENT TRAYS USING COMMON HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Instrument trays are a great way of organizing your orthopedic instruments. These trays, however, cost a lot. A tray like this one would easily cost more than $1,000.00. Some countries have local cottage industries making stainless steel boxes, but still may cost around $70-100.








These are common food trays. They are made of stainless steel and come in different sizes. The cheapest ones I found in China-goods stores and sell around $2-4 each. Branded ones cost 3-4 times more, but have thicker material.

If you get 2 trays and put them one on top of each other, like a clamshell, they will form the top and bottom halves of your container. The height of the container will depend on the depth of each of the trays.

The next step is to drill vent holes in both trays (A). Strictly speaking, these vent holes aren't necessary to ensure that steam would get inside the container during autoclaving (the seam between the two halves are enough). But the holes will help drain water when you are drying washed instruments. If you prefer, you can even spell out your name using multiple drill holes close together.

The larger 1/4" drill holes on each end of the trays (B) are for the locking bolts to keep both trays together.

Use stainless steel 1/4" bolts and nuts to hold and secure the two trays together. It is important NOT to tighten these bolts too much. Hand-tightening is enough; This will ensure that you'll find it easy to loosen and open the trays later. If you can find stainless steel (or brass) wing nuts, it will make it even easier.

The instrument tray is then filled, doubly wrapped and steam autoclaved for OR use. The total cost of materials is just under $10!!!