Asked on Feb 03, 2017
How to join two pieces of vinyl downspout..?
+13
I build and sell simple gutter cleaner extensions for leaf blowers. I sell them locally so I have no need to cut them but I want to start selling them online so the 6' long piece of vinyl downspout I use needs to be cut in three section for shipping. Once people receive it in the mail they need to be able to assemble it quickly and easily.
Here's my problem....
I need to join two pieces of vinyl downspout together. Both ends are the same. I am looking for a quick, easy, and economical way of doing this. Like I mention above, customers need to be able to quickly and permanently join these together once it arrives. I will include instructions for people of course but I want it to be easy for them to understand and do.
Any cool ideas?
Thank you!
Steve
They actually make a connector that joins those identical pieces. I got one at HD. It makes a bump on the outside but both ends touch inside level so nothing catches.
Slip connectors available at different stores.....
https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/roofing-soffits-gutters/gutters/vinyl-gutter-fittings/kp-k-snap-trade-downspout-connector/p-1444437100287-c-13555.htm?tid=2644417487026475062 ***** http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1298019&cp=2568443.2568451.2626211.2627643.2627654 ***** https://www.lowes.com/pd/Severe-Weather-Duraspout-3-288-in-White-Vinyl-Downspout-Extension/3099131 ***** http://www.homedepot.com/p/Amerimax-Home-Products-2-in-x-3-in-White-Vinyl-Downspout-Connector-M0623/100070273
I send blueprints and canvas drawing in shipping tubes that vary in length from 4-7 feet that would easily fit a 6ft vinyl downspout. The connecting joints will be the weak point which could indirectly affect the quality you would want to maintain. The air pressure alone could cause the joint to fail not to mention the extra cost of any aftermarket connectors. If at all possible spend the extra 5-7 dollars to keep your well thought design in tact.
Slip connecters will do the trick, good luck!
If you don't like the connector, here are some untested alternatives. Cut 3 sides of the downspout and fold like an accordian. Use the downspout as a dispenser for strips of duct tape long enough to wrap the joint by wrapping the tube near the cut or a long strip from cut to cut. Have the buyer pull off the duct tape and wrap it around the joint.
The connector pieces will work but you probably want to pre-drill and supply screws to hold them securely.
I was hoping someone here knows how to bond vinyl to itself. I don't think heat works, and I don't know of a glue.
I see your design is for a "square" or "rectangle" shaped blower...mine is round so using PVC in different diameters would be easy to join together
I hope Steve tries that and tells us if it works.
It seems like it could, if downspout plastic is the same as PVC. But the downspout cut ends are thin and butted, so there is little contact area, whereas with sprinkler pipe, there's a large contact area between the pipe and slip joint.
Not sure why the extensions have to be plastic. Aluminum is quite light, would work with the "crimping" method described above and could be put together with those tiny aluminum screws used to mount the anchoring straps for gutters.
Ship all but the downspout and reduce your price, include in the instructions what type and size of downspout they should purchase at their local home improvement store. This is how some of the longarm quilting frames do it as they need several 10ft pieces of pipe to hold the quilt firmly flat.
Hi,
I just wanted to say what a smart idea.