Hover to zoomCustom Snap Lock Bottom Boxes with a 1-2-3 Base
From £0.25 per unit Price confirmed on your written quote
A snap lock bottom box closes at the base with four interlocking flaps that you fold in a set order, often called a 1-2-3 bottom. It is firmer than a tuck base and needs no glue on the bottom. We print it to your inside size after a free proof.
Quick answer
What are snap lock bottom boxes?
Snap lock bottom boxes are folding cartons whose base is made from four shaped flaps folded in sequence until they lock together. The base holds medium weight products more securely than a tuck flap. The top normally closes with a tuck flap, and only the side seam is glued.
Key facts
- Four-flap 1-2-3 locking base
- No glue needed on the bottom
- Firmer than a tuck base
- Lower cost than a crash lock
- From £0.25 per unit
- Free digital proof
Snap Lock Bottom Boxes specifications
18 rows| Style | Hand-folded locking base, lid closes with a tuck |
|---|---|
| Typical board | Folding board in white or kraft; E flute when weight rises |
| Typical sizes | Small cosmetics cartons to medium boxed products |
| Base | Four shaped flaps folded in order and pushed to lock |
| Glue | Side seam only; the base is folded by hand |
| Inside print | Available, including on the base flaps |
| Inserts | Card partitions keep jars or tins from touching |
| How it ships | Flat packed; side seam glued, base left open |
| Board options | Single wall B, C or E flute; double wall BC flute; kraft or white folding board |
| Printing | Plain, one or two colour, or full colour CMYK; inside and outside print available |
|---|---|
| Finishes | Uncoated kraft, matte or gloss lamination, spot UV, foil stamping, embossing |
| Sizes | Made to your inside length, width and height in mm, cm or inches |
| Artwork files | PDF, AI, EPS or SVG preferred; high-resolution PNG or JPG accepted |
| Design help | Free layout help from our design team |
| Proof | Free digital proof before anything is printed |
| Production | 4–6 business days after proof approval |
| Delivery | Tracked, 2–3 business days; free across the UK |
| Misprints | Reported within 10 days with photos: reprinted or refunded |
Common sizes
| Inside size (L × W × H) | Good for |
|---|---|
| 60 × 60 × 90 mm | Cosmetic jars and small tins |
| 75 × 75 × 110 mm | Candles, mugs and tea caddies |
| 100 × 70 × 140 mm | Supplements and boxed sauces |
| 120 × 80 × 180 mm | Small appliances and accessories |
What is a snap lock bottom box?
Picture a printed carton whose bottom is closed by four flaps. Each flap has a shaped edge, and when you fold them in the right order they hook into each other and lock.
Because of that order, people often call it a 1-2-3 bottom. Fold one, fold two, push three, and the base is closed.
Our photos show the style from several angles. A blue carton sits open on its side, a white one shows the cut-outs on its flaps, and a red cube carton stands with its base half formed.
The style is popular because it needs no special machinery to close. Anyone can learn the fold in a minute, and the base feels solid once locked.
How does a snap lock base compare with other bases?
There are three common ways to close the bottom of a folding carton. Each suits a different weight and packing speed.
The snap lock sits in the middle. It is stronger than a tuck base and cheaper to make than a pre-glued crash lock.
For a first run, or for a product that sells in modest numbers, that balance of strength and cost often makes the snap lock the sensible choice. Our page on pre-glued auto lock bottom boxes covers the step up.
| Base type | Glue on base | Suits | Hand work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuck base | None | Light products | One flap to tuck |
| Snap lock (1-2-3) | None | Light to medium weight | Four flaps folded in order |
| Auto lock (crash lock) | Pre-glued | Medium to heavier items | None; forms on opening |
Who uses snap lock bottom boxes?
Snap lock cartons suit makers and brands who pack by hand and want a secure base without paying for a pre-glued bottom. They are especially common in small and medium runs.
They also suit businesses that change products often. Without a pre-glued base, small trial runs of a new size stay simple.
Market traders like them for the same reason. A bundle of flat cartons fits in a bag, and the boxes can be formed at the stall as needed.
- Cosmetic brands packing jars and pots
- Candle makers with small glass votives
- Tea and coffee sellers boxing caddies and tins
- Gift shops boxing mugs and ornaments
- Supplement brands with medium sized tubs
How do I fold a snap lock bottom?
It takes a moment to learn, then it becomes second nature. Hold the carton upside down with the base flaps facing you.
If the last tab will not go through, unfold and start again from the first flap. The order matters more than force.
- Fold in the first small flap towards the centre.
- Fold in the opposite small flap over it.
- Fold down the first large flap so its cut edge lies across the others.
- Fold the last large flap and push its tab firmly through the slot.
- Turn the carton over and press the base flat from inside.
How do I size a snap lock bottom box?
Measure the item with its lid or cap on, at its widest and tallest points. These become the internal length, width and height of the carton.
The locked flaps lie almost flat, so they steal very little depth. Leave a small margin above the product so the lid tucks in without pushing on it.
Square or nearly square bases lock most evenly. Very long, narrow bases are better served by another style. Compare your figures with our UK box sizes reference guide if you want a starting point.
If you pack two items side by side, add the width of a card divider between them. A few millimetres is usually enough.
Which board should I use for a snap lock carton?
Folding board is the usual choice. It folds cleanly along the shaped flap edges and gives a smooth surface for print.
White board shows colour and small text best, so it suits cosmetics and supplements. Kraft board gives a warm, natural look that suits candles, tea and handmade goods.
If your product is towards the heavy end, E flute corrugated, about 1.5 mm, gives a stiffer base. For heavier glass or bottles, an auto lock base is the safer step up.
Thicker board makes the flaps a little harder to fold, so keep to folding board unless the weight calls for more.
How should a snap lock box be printed?
All outside panels can carry full colour CMYK print, or a simpler one or two colour design. The base flaps can be printed too, but the overlapping flaps break up any artwork placed there.
Keep barcodes on a side or back panel rather than the base. That way they stay flat and easy to scan.
Choose matte lamination for a soft look, or gloss for brighter colour. Spot UV, foil or embossing on the brand name gives the front a focal point.
Inside print is also available, which can turn the moment of opening into part of the design.
How can I pack snap lock boxes faster?
Form all the bases first in one session, then fill and close in another. Working in batches makes the folding order automatic.
Keep formed cartons upright on a tray so the bases stay locked. If a base feels loose, push the last tab further through its slot.
A folded sample with the flaps numbered in pen helps new helpers learn the order. Pin it above the bench for the first few days.
What mistakes do people make with snap lock cartons?
Snap lock boxes are simple, but a few habits cause trouble. Watch for these.
Nearly all of them are cheap to fix before printing and costly afterwards, so take time over the proof.
- Folding the flaps out of order so the tab will not lock
- Using the style for heavy glass that suits an auto lock better
- Placing a barcode or key text on the base flaps
- Choosing a long, narrow base that locks unevenly
- Leaving too much headroom, so the product lifts the tuck lid
How do I order snap lock bottom boxes?
Email or WhatsApp us your product size, board choice and artwork. If you only have a logo, our designers will build the layout at no cost.
A free digital proof shows the full flat carton, base flaps included. After you approve it, we need 4–6 business days to produce the run, and the tracked parcel lands 2–3 business days later.
What do snap lock bottom boxes cost?
Snap lock cartons are quoted from £0.25 per unit. Your written quote fixes the price for the size, board and finish you choose.
We cover delivery to every UK address. If cartons show print faults or arrive damaged, photos sent within 10 days earn a reprint or refund.
Snap Lock Bottom Boxes: questions
12 answersWhat is a 1-2-3 bottom box?
It is another name for a snap lock bottom box. The base flaps are folded in order, one, two, three, until they lock.
Does the snap lock base need glue?
No. Only the side seam is glued. The base locks by folding the flaps in sequence.
Is a snap lock base strong enough for glass?
It suits small glass items such as votives and jars. For heavy bottles, an auto lock base is the better choice.
What is the difference between snap lock and auto lock?
A snap lock base is folded by hand each time. An auto lock base is pre-glued and forms itself when the carton is opened.
Are snap lock boxes cheaper than auto lock boxes?
Usually, yes, because the base is not pre-glued. Your exact price is confirmed on a written quote.
How long does it take to fold the base?
A few seconds once you know the order. Folding in batches makes it quicker still.
Can I print on the bottom flaps?
Yes, but the flaps overlap when locked. Keep barcodes and important text on the side or back panels.
Which board suits snap lock boxes?
White or kraft folding board suits most products. E flute corrugated adds stiffness for heavier items.
Can I add an insert?
Yes. Card cradles or dividers can hold bottles, jars or sets in place inside the carton.
How does the top close?
The top usually closes with a tuck flap, which is easy to open and close again.
Will I see the base flaps on the proof?
Yes. The free digital proof shows the whole flat layout, flaps included, and nothing is printed until you approve it.
Can I order snap lock boxes in kraft?
Yes. Kraft folding board suits a natural look and can carry one colour, two colour or full colour print.
Not covered here? Message the trade desk on WhatsApp or email info@ordercardboardboxes.co.uk.
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Give us the size, the board and the print. A packaging specialist replies within one business day with a written price and a free digital proof.
- Free digital proof before anything is printed
- Production 4–6 business days after proof approval
- Free tracked delivery across the UK