I made my own self-contained kickstand for Leo. Here is how...

[tboy2000]

I decided to make my own kickstand for my HD2 and am pleased with the result. The benefit of how I did it is you don't need to carry any seperate accessory as the stand is built into the case so you will always have it with you as long as you have your phone. Nothing else to lose.

To make one you will need a stiff snug fitting case, cutting knife, pen and cutting board. These cases are inexpensive so if you make a mistake its not the end of the world.

Just cut 3 slots into the case. Make sure you draw straight lines inside the case and that the flap is centered. Don't make the flap too narrow as you want some strength. You can make it as wide as you like. You may want to make a template (on card) of the rectangle flap first and then draw around it inside the case. Make sure the flap is not too long or too short. The bottom of the flap should be reasonably close to the edge of the case too.

To open the flap, just flex the plastic by firmly pulling it with your thumb towards the center, or use your fingernail to catch the edge. To close it just click it it back to its original position and it stays in nice and flush. It will not accidently pop open. The flap is virtually invisible when closed.

It works brilliantly. I am well chuffed!

 

[wazaaappp]

LoL very nice never thought about that... I have the same case, and it kinda might be useful ! nice tip cheers

 

[~~Tito~~]

Wouldn't the flap start to wear after a while and the opening degrade over time?

 

[tboy2000]

I don't think it would wear over time. I did not score or crease the hinge so it will never snap off. It is just flexed. The case is a flexible material. Nothing to degrade.

 

[~~Tito~~]

I mean like clipping of the rubbery material and the flap starts to stay open. Over time.

 

[tboy2000]

It shouldn't stay open as the way it's been cut and because of the thickness it CLICKS into place. Wedged in. It's a little tricky to open so I can't see it springing open by itself. Time will tell but think it should be fine.

 

[felixdd]

It shouldn't stay open as the way it's been cut and because of the thickness it CLICKS into place. Wedged in. It's a little tricky to open so I can't see it springing open by itself. Time will tell but think it should be fine.

I think the concern is that with any press-fit or clip-fit flap, the friction will wear out the material slowly and with time become lose.

Even the HD2 OEM battery door, if opened/closed enough time, will become closed

The question becomes, then, whether the flap will outlast the device

The other idea to make the flap last longer is the ANGLE the cut so that instead of cutting perpendicular to the surface of the case, you cut slanting away from the way the flap open. This way you create a little lip for the flap to lock into.

 

[tboy2000]

The other idea to make the flap last longer is the ANGLE the cut so that instead of cutting perpendicular to the surface of the case, you cut slanting away from the way the flap open. This way you create a little lip for the flap to lock into.

I thought of that and it was going to be my second attempt if this first attempt did not work out but I was surprised to find it click into place even with a non angled cut.

I also thought about adding a small bit of tape to the inside lip of the flap so you could pull it open, but dismissed it for looking unsightly.

Also thought about a magnetic closure. So far so good as is. As I say time will tell but I have been opening and closing it a lot so far and still no problems.

 

[methodz]

is that an ebay case? link to seller

ya if i do this i'm definitely going to angle cut it.

 

[tboy2000]

methodz this is the one I bought. Super cheap:
http://www.netimes.com/shop/resin-soft-jelly-case-for-htc-hd2-t8585-htc-leo-p-2455.html?cPath=80_731

 

[lude219]

I gotta say, I've seen a lot of DYI stuff on here (charging dock through a box, lanyard through battery cover, piggyback extended battery, etc), but this is one of the most ingenious thing I've seen. Kudos to you!!

..and for those who are questioning the durability of this, don't get the ultra thin gel case. Get one with a good amount of thickness so it doesn't flex too easily. Don't worry if it doesn't fit snuggly back on the case when you done...because it will if you get a good gel case. (I've done cutting to a few of my cases on other phones..no case for HD2 yet)

 

[ez2remember]

Very nice indeed!

I'm going do the same with mine.

 

[Archer]

Nice one mate. I too have the same type of case and would never have thought of this! I can see why people are talking about it losing its strength over time, and I too imagine that it would eventually lose the will to actually stand the device up, or click back into place - one or the other - but I would only use this "feature" maybe once or twice a week, so it would take a long time to have any detrimental effect on the case. But let's face it.... it's dirt cheap and replaceable!

Very clever idea mate - thanks a lot

 

[tboy2000]

I think it would be great if some case manufacturer took this idea up and made a professional version. I should get royalties of course.

I have noticed after prolongued time in the open stand up position, it does slightly spring open after closing it - however storing it on its back for a short time DOES make it stay flush again so no big issue.

I may try an angled cut next time. Think I will order a couple more cases and experiment on the most optimal design.

 

[FloatHeavy]

Wouldn't it be funny if you cut it the opposite way the accelerometer turns? Ha.

This is an AWESOME idea. $4.00 for a case? Fix def worth the "degraded" possibility.

 

[tboy2000]

Yes make sure you cut the flap in the right direction to your landscape view. Very important!

 

[smeddy]

Sure you've seen this anyway but pocketnow.com wrote this up, kudos:

http://pocketnow.com/how-to/make-your-own-htc-hd2-kickstand

 

[tboy2000]

It made wmpoweruser.com news too!
http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=14723

 

[tboy2000]

Oh and if anyone else wants to try it I found it on ebay too for 4.00 GBP

http://tinyurl.com/ygoeapy

 

[felixdd]

well done tboy2000. your 5min of fame!