Alvin Tubes

The Alvin drawing tube has an unlimited number of uses for storing and transporting a number of items. Some of them include but may not be limited to:

Blueprints
Posters
Charts and maps
Large photo prints
Artwork
Arrows
Fishing rods
Camera equipment

You can carry anything that fits inside it in way that will keep it safe and secure.

Types of Alvin Drawing Tubes

Here are some of the popular types of blueprint storage tubes made by Alvin:

Alvin Tubes

Alvin Ice Tube — This kind of drawing storage tube is a very popular and economical choice for many people who need this type of storage. It has three fixed lengths (25 inches, 37 inches and 43 inches), and of these sizes come with an inside diameter of 2 3/4 inches. This drawing tube comes in several transparent colors, is easy to operate, and has a removable cap on one end. It also has a removable strap that can be used for easier carrying.
Alvin Black Knight Storage Tube — This drawing storage tube has an inside diameter of 4 1/4 inches and is adjustable from 30 to 45 inches with 14 locking positions in one-inch increments. The tube construction is sturdy, because it’s made of a thick black plastic. The tube cap is 4 1/2 inches long, and it has a bayonet-style lock. The carry strap is both adjustable and removable. And it's attached to the cap, which will minimize your chance of losing it while out in the field.
Alvin Alt Tube — This drawing tube has an inside diameter of 3 3/4 inches and extends from 26 to 34 inches in 3/4-inch increments. The twist-off cap securely seals the tube, which has a removable piece of clear plastic that can be used for documentation.
Alvin TS 2 Telescoping Tube — This drawing storage tube is made of a durable plastic and extends from 27 to 50 inches at any length through the use of a friction locking system. It also has an inside diameter of 3 inches. The twist-off cap is attached to the carry strap, which can reduce your chance of misplacing it while you’re in the field.
Alvin EXT 1 Telescoping Tube — This drawing tube is great for storing smaller documents and extends from 18 1/2 inches to 43 inches with an inside diameter of 2 3/4 inches. Unlike other expandable blueprint storage tubes, it telescopes from the base in two sections. The twist-off cap has a clear plastic top with labeling, which can come in handy for documentation purposes. And there’s even a window for viewing the content.

All of Alvin’s blueprint storage tubes are affordable, with prices that range from $13 to $35. And they have an assortment of fiberboard tubes that aren’t as permanent but can give you an economical storage solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a drawing tube?

A drawing tube is great for storing drawings, maps, artwork, posters, blueprints, and a lot more. They can keep your drawings from getting damaged by exterior elements, as well as from folds and tears. But it will also allow you to move your documents from one place to another.

How can I store architectural plans?

Alvin Tubes

Blueprints, maps, and other important documents should be stored in a way that’s not only safe and secure but also in a manner that will allow you to reference them quickly. There are a number of ways to store architectural plans, with each of them having their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some things you should consider before you make your decision:

How many plans you need to store.
How many plans you may need to store in the future.
How frequently you need to access it.
How permanent the storage needs to be.
How important or expensive the documents will be to reproduce.
Whether the documents need to be stored flat or rolled.

Whether you’re looking for blueprint storage tubes or some other solution for storing large documents, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.

How can I store posters without a tube?

Poster prints come off the press flat and stacked together. And unless the climate or any other conditions change, they should stay in that manner. The best way to store posters is to box them in a volume that can be easily moved by hand. Some posters (which can be 3-4 feet in width with the same length) can become too heavy with just 100 of them stacked together. But either way, you should avoid volumes that can’t be kept flat and smooth when they’re moved from one shelf or table. You should also avoid hot or humid storage areas, because they can affect printing inks and paper composition. Paper can brown and ink can fade if they’re kept in a dark but hot location. So, attics and open warehouses with extreme temperature changes throughout the day can ruin a poster in just a few weeks.

What's the best way to store old blueprints?

Here are some guidelines on how to store old blueprints and cyanotypes:

Store them singly in folders made of unbuffered alpha cellulose.
Do not use housing materials made of glassine or wood pulp.
Do not store your blueprints in an alkaline environment, because they tend to fade.
Do not roll your blueprints because they can become brittle and fragile, which will increase their risk for damage.
Do not place your blueprints in plastic or polyester sleeves, because their acidic nature can accelerate the aging and decomposition process.
Store your blueprints in a cool, dark environment with a relative humidity between 30-50%.

If you’re looking for blueprint storage tubes or anything else you can use to store large documents and plans, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.

How many documents can I fit inside a drawing storage tube?

Most blueprint storage tubes are meant to fit only one large document each. This can keep it from creasing or tearing during storage or transport. If you need a drawing tube or some other storage solution for large documents and plans, be sure to look at what we have at Engineer Supply.