Cheap decorative trunk hardware? (edge clamps, corners, etc)

[Alex Franke]

Anyone know where I can get really cheap (purely decorative) trunk hardware, like corner guards, edge clamps, handles, and latches? (I'm talking about the type of soft, stamped metal stuff you see on cheap imports and toys.)

I want to make some simple, inexpensive, nonfunctional/decorative treasure chests, and spending $2-5+ per piece on this hardware is going to put me way over budget...

Any ideas?

[chopnhack]

Hey Alex,

scrap aluminum angle for corner braces, just need to sand the edges to a round profile, usually pretty cheap for a length of the thin stuff. BORG has in stock usually and metal supply tends to be cheaper but usually harder to find. Bales and what not probably cheap to pick up at a flea market. Good luck on your build.

[Tom Slick]

These guys seem to have cheap small box parts
http://www.umei.com/cb/wood-box-hardware-14.htm

[herb fellows]

Have you tried harbor Freight? Other than that, dollar stores are the only thing I can think of.

[mschrank]

Have you tried a craft store? I'm always amazed at some of the items I've seen in the big ones...I usually spot a few things that would be useful for woodworking projects, so it wouldn't hurt to look.

I hear from a friend that these places are quite the social spot for the Baby Boomer gals during mid-day!

[Alex Franke]

Thanks for your help, everyone! I ended up finding some old trunk hardware on ebay and picked it up for about $15. I'll have to pick up a few parts elsewhere still, but this is a start!