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Custom Auto Lock Bottom Boxes
Pop. Lock. Load.
When your product needs a bit more support
Custom Auto Lock Bottom Boxes
A Stronger Folding Carton for Heavier Products
Auto lock bottom boxes are a type of custom printed folding carton with a pre-glued bottom that locks into place when the carton is opened. These tuck top auto bottom cartons, also known as auto bottom boxes, are designed for heavier products that need more support than a standard folding carton box provides.
Pop-Open Setup
Just squeeze the corners and the box squares up with a satisfying click—no bottom tuck to fold or lock. The glued bottom prevents the product from dropping out.
And as product size and weight increase, the benefits of an auto lock bottom box become more apparent. The glued bottom adds rigidity, speeds setup and fulfillment, and gives the carton a more solid, substantial feel—exactly what you want in retail packaging for heavier products.
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Auto Lock Bottom
When Should You Consider Auto Bottom Boxes?
Auto bottom boxes are a good choice if you have:
Products weighing around ¾ lb or more
Glass bottles or jars
Breakable retail products
Larger products with wider footprints
Concerns about products pushing through the floor of the box
When Products Get Heavier
Custom printed auto lock bottom boxes work for many products, but they make the most sense as product size and weight start to climb. The glued bottom and more rigid structure give the carton added strength and a more secure base.
A Simple Rule of Thumb
If there’s any concern about a product pushing through the bottom of a standard tuck top or tuck end box, an auto bottom box is probably the better choice. As a general rule of thumb, products weighing around three-quarters of a pound or more are often good candidates for pre-glued auto bottom boxes.
They’re especially useful for breakable products like bottles, jars, and other retail products that benefit from extra support.
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✔️Easy Way to Measure
✔️ Paper Thicknesses
✔️ Types of Print Finishes
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Style
Size:
Length
Width
Depth
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Options:
UV
Hang Tab
Window
Volume
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18pt total costs
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24pt total costs
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How Did We Come Up With These Costs?
Our Custom Product Box Costs Explained shows exactly what goes into your quote—and how to make the most of your product packaging budget.
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Paper Thickness
Print Finishes
Measure
Reading a Ruler
Paperboard Thickness Chart
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What's a Good Paper Thickness for My Box?
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16pt (0.016″ ≈ slightly thicker than a business card)
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Best for very small product boxes.
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Rule of thumb: footprint (floor of the box) of about 1″ × 1″ or smaller.
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18pt (0.018″ ≈ just under credit-card thickness)
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Strong enough for most cosmetics, food, and shelf packaging.
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Cost-effective and versatile — the “everyday” choice for custom boxes.
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Rule of thumb: footprint of about 2.75″ × 2.75″ or smaller.
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24pt (0.024″ ≈ credit-card thickness)
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Stiffer and more rigid, with a premium feel in hand.
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Ideal for larger, heavier, or higher-end products where strength and presentation matter.
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Rule of thumb: footprint of about 3″ × 3″ or larger.
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Cardstock.... or Paperboard?
The paper behind your packaging matters
You may have seen box specs like “18pt cardstock” online — but not all 18pt paper is created equal.
• Cardstock: A thick paper used for crafts, postcards, and invitations. It’s cheaper and technically works for light packaging — but it lacks the stiffness and durability needed for most product boxes.
• Paperboard: A stiffer material engineered specifically for packaging. It folds cleanly, glues reliably, and holds its shape to protect your product — and your brand — on the shelf.
The key is knowing what you’re buying. In retail, your product box is what closes the sale — so it needs to perform and look its best. That’s why we use a quality paperboard — so your packaging doesn’t just hold together, it helps sell what’s inside.
Why choose auto lock bottom boxes?
Auto lock bottom boxes are a strong choice when your product needs more support than a standard tuck top or tuck end carton can provide. They combine faster setup with a stronger base, making them especially useful for heavier retail products.
Benefits
Pre-glued bottom adds strength and support
Faster setup during packing and fulfillment
Helps protect heavier products from pushing through the base
More rigid structure gives the carton a solid feel
Sits flat and stable for a clean retail presentation
Custom Options
Auto lock bottom boxes can be customized with different tuck top closures, security features, display options, and inside inserts.
Straight or reverse tuck top lids
Friction tuck, slit lock, or postal lock closures
Hang tabs for retail display
Half-moon thumb tabs for easier opening
Inside partitions or custom inserts for multi-item packaging
Explore folding carton closure styles and custom insert options →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can an auto lock bottom box hold?
Auto lock bottom boxes can hold a brick if they have to. It depends on how evenly the product’s weight is distributed inside the box. Because the bottom is glued closed, there’s little risk of it being pushed open by the product’s weight, which can happen with many other custom product boxes.
Can you customize auto lock bottom boxes?
Yes. Auto lock bottom boxes are part of the folding carton family, so many of the same options available to tuck top style cartons also apply. Features like different tuck closures, hang tabs, thumb tabs, and inside inserts can all be incorporated depending on the needs of the product and how it will be displayed.
Are auto bottom boxes and crash lock bottom boxes the same?
No. They look similar, but they’re built differently. Auto bottom boxes use glued panels to form the base, while crash lock bottom boxes rely on interlocking bottom panels that “crash” into place—hence the name crash lock. In general, pre-glued auto bottom boxes are a bit stronger.