April 5, 2022
Description
Original design was not strong enough because I didn't print it 100% infill as recommended, but also the geometry is less shear resistant than a "grip" with more perimeter (e.g. square or hexagon).
My drums had been left untouched for more than two years and the plugs are really though to remove (3 out of 6 removed with original design + 4 screws vertically through the part)
So I inspired myself from the PVC plug fittings that have square heads. Additionally, to add more strength to the part, I made pilot holes to insert screws; typically those used to screw light fixtures to ceilings (I always end up accumulating those, somehow...).
Regardless, I learned my lesson and will print 100% infill regardless. (refer to my "make" of the original design). I'll post a make and let everyone know how it went for the remaining 3 plugs I have to somehow get unscrewed.
Enjoy, let me know if it's though enough for your applications!
Cheers!
*Update!*
Now a second version of the original, with incorporated floater. The thing is, if like me you use your barrels as dock floats and need to use the tool in murky waters, then like me you may drop it and never see the original tool again. It sinks like a rock. This new version is ever so slightly hollowed, so as not to weaken it mechanically, and adds a float as a "handle". If you drop it, it floats! Add a piece of yellow or orange duct tape on the top, and it's Hi-Visibility!
In theory, the part weighs 36g + 6g for the 4 screws. It has a 45g of water displacement. So it floats "by 3 grams". If your screws are heavier, you might want to use different ones (shorter quite probably) or just post a comment below with your need. Or modify the model yourself on OnShape!
Note that although the lower part is solid, the floater is 1mm thick andis not to be torqued; it'll break in an instant.
Funny fact: although this tool does float, I ended up not dropping it at all because the float doubles as a great handle (NOT a torque handle, just a handle handle!)
I've update the "make" as well with the float model.
Printer Brand:
Anet
Printer:
A8
Rafts:
No
Supports:
No
Resolution:
0.4mm
Infill:
100%
Filament: Hatchbox PLA Grey
Notes:
!!! IMPORTANT !!!
Both regular and float versions need to be printed 100% infill and NO supports. The float version is designed with its own supports for the "roof".
I've printed it 2ºC hotter than usual to ensure excellent layer adhesion; the thermal deformations that occur are of low importance in this design.
My first trial (pictured) had 0.8 mm thick walls for the float; that turned out to be printed too thin and too quickly, the PLA not cooling enough. The model is now with 1.0 mm thick walls so that should fix the problem in part. You may want to set a minimum layer time sufficient to let the PLA cool... Just to be sure.
With the 4 screws properly installed, this model is wicked solid. You see the wrench I used and believe me, those barrel plugs need to be tightened with mucho torque to ensure an airtight seal.
That said, my first trial ended up breaking towards the end of my barrel-plug-tightening job, because the print of the float was s***. The "tool" part was still all right so I just sanded both faces and glued them back with crazy glue. Voilà! I am confident the model above will save you the trouble, though.
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution
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LD.P
