Yeah, your old plastic USB speaker, or the nylon holding case (not sure which you have it in), won't help much when that thing goes roman candle. Just get one of these or something like it.
When I charge lipos for my rc planes I do it in the garage in metal buckets. I've seen two lipos go. They didn't so much as explode as much as shoot out a jet of flame.
Ya, these days, everyone needs to have a fireproof bag at home... it's probably just as important as a smoke/co2 detector, and fire extinguisher. Sooner or later, you will have a swollen lithium battery and you may not be able to deal with it right away.
I'm not recommending this one per se, but here's a $15 example:
If your worried just get this
I agree with this even though so many people shit on Titan. I personally think the price is worth it in the long run. Just the fact that I don’t have to worry if it dies completely or if I leave it in a closet for 5 years uncharged is great because then I don’t have to worry about maintaining a battery. In my personal opinion, I find lipos to just be a hassle more than helpful. With that being said, you should still always keep your batteries in a lipo safe bag. I use this one since I own 12 different Titan batteries of various sizes and voltages and it fits them all and then some.
The one I linked is just plug and play.
The scx24 doesn't come with one but it's always a good idea to use a fireproof container when charging lipos. If you don't have something like that I bought this:
COLCASE Fireproof Explosionproof... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0719H46PF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Personally, I can highly recommend the Wurkkos FC11 (Samsung LH351D 5000k 90 CRI, USB-C, 18650, $30) - I acquired one from Amazon recently for myself, then proceeded to get one for every member of my family. For a $30 light, its amazing -Though, for some reason, the amazon link is dead right now (you can still find them elsewhere via google.)
And the 18650 KeepPower 3500mAh Sanyo NCR18650GA Protected Button Top is quite good as well, for if you want spare / protected batteries. They charge via USB C in-flashlight, so you don't have to worry as much about charging issues, I still personally prefer the protected cells, just as another safety measure, though.
As I'm quite new to all this as well, I also acquired a few of these just as a precaution, for battery storage. I spent $30 on each flashlight, and another $40 on spare batteries for each. At ~$10 per battery, it adds up fast, but having spares for emergencies was one of my objectives.
If you want a cheap-ish, but still excellent external charger - this one is nice.
For one of those storage bags, the FC11, 2 spare batteries and the charger - you're looking at roughly $85-$90, plus tax and shipping, which would bring you to your limit of $100 if you want the whole kit.
1) I'm saying that picking one of those two can work in a pinch, but you should probably just get one with both, most probably will
2) Yes
Capitan Xavier made a better video than what I can type. Please take your LiPo seriously. Respect the tools you have at your disposal, but good luck and happy modding
Get a LiPo bag and practice safe charging.