Crafting in Fallout 76 can be a grind, especially when you’re low on materials or Caps. Whether you’re a seasoned survivor or just starting out, optimizing your workflow is key to staying ahead. Here are 19 quick crafting tricks to help you save time, resources, and Caps—so you can focus on exploring Appalachia.
1. Bulk Junk to Save Stash Space
Bulking junk at a Tinker’s Workbench reduces stash weight for certain materials like Aluminum and Lead. It also makes selling excess junk to vendors easier, giving you extra Caps.
2. Tag Materials for Search
Need specific components? Open your Pip-Boy, go to the junk tab, and tag materials you’re missing. This highlights them in the world, so you don’t waste time looting useless items.
3. Use Super Duper for Extra Crafts
The Super Duper perk (Luck) gives a 30% chance to double anything you craft—including ammo, chems, and food. A must-have for efficient crafting.
4. Scrap Weapons for Mods Steel
Instead of selling low-tier weapons, scrap them. You’ll unlock mods faster and get valuable Steel, which is used in almost everything.
5. Farm Plastic for Bulk Crafting
Plastic is essential for bulking junk. Hit locations like Morgantown High School or Watoga High School for cafeteria trays and plastic plates.
6. Cook in Batches
Cooking multiple items at once saves time. Collect glowing meat during events like Radiation Rumble and cook it all at once for a quick XP boost.
7. Repair Gear with Repair Kits
Save your materials—use free Repair Kits from events or the Scorched Earth boss fight instead of using up Aluminum and Adhesive.
8. Craft Railway Spikes for Easy Steel
Railway Spikes cost just Steel to make. Craft them in bulk, then scrap them for a nearly 1:1 return—great for recycling Steel.
9. Use Ammosmith Ammo Factory
Max out these perks to drastically increase ammo production. No more running out of bullets mid-combat.
10. Sell Purified Water for Caps
Set up industrial water purifiers at your CAMP. Collect and sell Purified Water to vendors daily for a steady Caps income.
11. Hoard Adhesive
Adhesive is used in almost every repair. Grow Corn, Mutfruit, and Tatos at your CAMP to craft Vegetable Starch (5 Adhesive per craft).
12. Farm Lead for Ammo
Gym weights (Charleston Fire Dept., Green Country Lodge) and pencils are great lead sources. Combine with Steel for endless ammo crafting.
13. Use Chemist for Double Chems
The Chemist perk doubles chem production, including Stimpaks. Perfect for stocking up before tough missions.
14. Craft Marine Helmets for Profit
With the right plans, Marine Tactical Helmets cost minimal materials to craft and sell for a solid 25-30 Caps each to vendors.
15. Pre-War Money = Free Cloth
Pre-War Money (found in registers and desks) scraps into Cloth, which is needed for gunpowder and other essentials.
16. Optimize CAMP Placement Near Resources
Build your CAMP near a lead deposit or junk pile to passively collect materials while you’re away.
17. Use the Scrapbox for FO1st Members
If you have Fallout 1st, the Scrapbox stores unlimited junk—freeing up stash space for more valuable items.
18. Bulk Sell Excess Junk
Can’t find a vendor with enough Caps? Some players buy Fallout 76 Items in bulk, especially rare junk like Ballistic Fiber.
19. Check Player Vendors for Deals
Need Caps fast? Sometimes the best site to buy Fallout 76 Caps isn’t a site at all—player vendors often sell them cheaper than bot traders.
Final Thoughts
Mastering these tricks will streamline your crafting, save Caps, and keep your inventory lean. Whether you’re grinding for gear or stocking up for the next update, efficiency is everything in the Wasteland.
Got your own crafting tips? Share them below! And if you’re looking for reliable trades, U4GM has a community of players who know the value of a well-stocked workshop.