Plastic Drum Plug Adapter - Now with floater!

thingiverse

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](https://www.thingiverse.com/make:643832)). 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](https://cad.onshape.com/documents/797f82397f7dff8f41fd2c63/w/664d98763eb2b1ea5302f6ca/e/959e8dd833559aad0104bef2?configuration=FloaterHeight%3D0.045%2Bmeter%3BFloaterThickness%3D0.001%2Bmeter%3BList_JtczgFO7QfLplq%3DDefault)! Note that although the lower part is solid, the floater is 1mm thick and *is 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](https://www.thingiverse.com/make:644159)" as well with the float model.