Harbor Freight Barrel and Lid Repair ?

[RockyBeach]

Anyone successfully repaired a leaky Harbor Freight barrel that has developed a leak in the center of the bottom? This is the second one that has done this.
Suggestions for avoiding this wearing out of the barrel ? 

This wear is  particularly puzzling because the majority of the tumbles are of pre-rounded beach and river rocks so it's not over use by super sharp edges.

Also ... any suggested repairs for the holes in the lid's rubber interior gasket would be appreciated.

[Rockoonz]

Does it look worn through or just split? I ask because I opened a lid on one in the store a year or two ago and I saw "knit lines" in the rubber where the molder was using excessive mold release. Either way you may be able to patch it and get a couple more loads out of it. If you get more at the store open the box and examine for shiny lines or voids, appears the HF supplier doesn't do QC on their product. Better yet just make some PVC barrels like some of the members here have, they are going to be a lot more durable.

[RockyBeach]

Sept 23, 2024 12:28:34 GMT -5 Rockoonz said:

Does it look worn through or just split? I ask because I opened a lid on one in the store a year or two ago and I saw "knit lines" in the rubber where the molder was using excessive mold release. Either way you may be able to patch it and get a couple more loads out of it. If you get more at the store open the box and examine for shiny lines or voids, appears the HF supplier doesn't do QC on their product. Better yet just make some PVC barrels like some of the members here have, they are going to be a lot more durable.

These are actual holes worn through both the middle of the bottom and the lid gasket on units that previously were fine. 
This is the second barrel that has developed a leak. I can see a bit of daylight thru it and I left it in the sink filled with water and it drained overnight. 

Several of the lids have the problem. I use the rotary only for stage one and not having to worry about grit contamination between stages, I have been using them with duct tape between metal and rubber but am hoping for something more permanent and less messy and leaky. Having slurry under the gasket makes washouts more difficult when it comes to paranoia about not getting grit in the drain.

New barrels run $20+ plus shipping on ebay!  

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Edit: I just searched " PVC barrels" here and found nada !    
Edit #2 :  I just searched "PVC barrels" correctly and .... will check 'em out ...thanks for the lead. 

Edit#3: Interesting threads about making  barrels but waaaaaay above my skill level ! 

[markymark]

Are we talking about vibra tumbler or the barrel tumbler?

[RockyBeach]

Sept 23, 2024 15:21:22 GMT -5 markymark said:

Are we talking about vibra tumbler or the barrel tumbler?

Double #3 barrel .... the HF vibratory  is listed for metal only 

[southernlakehuronguy]

Glue a tire patch on the inside bottom of the barrel and pull the lid gasket off and put one on the side that goes against the metal lid. I use a window screen spline tool to adhere them.

[RockyBeach]

Sept 23, 2024 17:08:56 GMT -5 southernlakehuronguy said:

Glue a tire patch on the inside bottom of the barrel and pull the lid gasket off and put one on the side that goes against the metal lid. I use a window screen spline tool to adhere them.

Sounds "doable" ... thanks.

This would be a bike tire patch ... yes ? 

[chris1956]

Here is a link to a thread about patches from Bob (Bob).   Also there is a Michigan Rocks Youtube video that pretty much follows what Bob did.  


forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/93854/lortone-rubber-barrel-wear-repairs

[RockyBeach]

Sept 23, 2024 19:26:23 GMT -5 chris1956 said:

Here is a link to a thread about patches from Bob (Bob).   Also there is a Michigan Rocks Youtube video that pretty much follows what Bob did.  


forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/93854/lortone-rubber-barrel-wear-repairs

THANKS !!! What a terrific thread that is!   

Have made a list of what I need to buy and it all doesn't seem TOO difficult to do. <---- positive thinking 

Now that I think about it, I watched the M.R. Video but at the time didn't need to make the repair in the barrel so just watched it because I watch ALL of his vids ! 

[chris1956]

Sept 23, 2024 20:05:34 GMT -5 RockyBeach said:

Sept 23, 2024 19:26:23 GMT -5 chris1956 said:

Here is a link to a thread about patches from Bob (Bob).   Also there is a Michigan Rocks Youtube video that pretty much follows what Bob did.  


forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/93854/lortone-rubber-barrel-wear-repairs

THANKS !!! What a terrific thread that is!   

Have made a list of what I need to buy and it all doesn't seem TOO difficult to do. <---- positive thinking 

Now that I think about it, I watched the M.R. Video but at the time didn't need to make the repair in the barrel so just watched it because I watch ALL of his vids ! 

I did it on two barrels (3 and 12 pound) a couple months ago and it has worked well.   I got a neighbor to make a couple wood blanks that fit tightly in the barrels to hold the patch down while the glue cures.   

[southernlakehuronguy]

Sept 23, 2024 17:56:41 GMT -5 RockyBeach said:

Sept 23, 2024 17:08:56 GMT -5 southernlakehuronguy said:

Glue a tire patch on the inside bottom of the barrel and pull the lid gasket off and put one on the side that goes against the metal lid. I use a window screen spline tool to adhere them.

Sounds "doable" ... thanks.

This would be a bike tire patch ... yes ? 

I bought a kit from AutoZone, a 60 piece kit and used the larger sized ones. Bicycle patches are a little too small.

[RockyBeach]

Thanks ALL for the help.

It may be a while before I actually get around to making the repairs but will report back WHEN I do!
I remembered that I had, and located,  a pair of spare barrels from the Harbor Freight that died an untimely death so have some time to assemble the required materials and to re-  the instructions.