Friday, December 10, 2021

Modifications to corded 13 amp snowblower: Gorilla Waterproof Patch and Seal tape to the rescue? Scraper rubber cover and chute rubber smooth surface....

 So I read all the reviews and comments on multiple versions of this product. The biggest pet-peeve is the snow gets stuck in the throwing or blowing chute. Someone commented - because it's not smooth.


 So I covered the chute with Gorilla waterproof tape - to create a smooth surface. The only issue is now I can no longer change the angle of the chute. But it is at a 45 degree angle - that should be fine. Any steeper would cause more clogging. I can still rotate the direction of the chute.


 

The 2nd biggest complaint is that the "scraper" is plastic and breaks - and sometimes then breaks the back part as well - that can not be replaced. So I lined the front surface with the same Gorilla Waterproof Patch and Seal tape.

 


It's a thick rubber kind of tape - so I'm hoping it holds up at least for each use. Then I can just replace the tape instead of breaking the scraper.

Also this should slide easier because the scraper already had a missing piece - a dent in the front - a chip out. So now that is covered up.

Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape has an extra strong, extra thick adhesive layer that helps conform to surfaces to seal out water, air and moisture. With its UV resistant, waterproof backing, it can be used both indoors and out. Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape can be applied in hot, cold, wet and dry conditions. At 4" wide, patch holes, cracks, gaps and tears! Our Gorilla All Weather Tape is an ideal solution for outdoor repairs. Made with incredibly strong, permanent butyl adhesive and a weather resistant shell, this tape withstands even extreme weather conditions. Gorilla All Weather Tape resists drying, cracking and peeling caused by sunlight, heat, cold and moisture and works in both hot and cold temperatures.

 So I'm pretty curious to see how that works - we are expecting at least six inches of snow - maybe a foot of snow!! So reading all those reviews has prepared me.

Now there is one other area that I will tape. Someone said the metal brackets get bent to the side and thereby pull off the casing that holds the actual drive well and belt. So then snow gets in there and rusts out the drive wheel. Sounds pretty dramatic. So I will fill the space with some plastic bag and tape over it.

the Patch and Seal has a rubber exterior

 Wow - that's amazing - they actually sell a Rubber snow plow scraper replacement!!

PlowRubber.com Heavy Duty Replacement Rubber Snow Deflector 10" Wide X 10 Ft. Long

So that means this might hold up. 3/8 of an inch.

 PlowRubber.com Heavy Duty Replacement Rubber Snow Deflector 10" Wide X 10 Ft. Long

Wow - that's amazing. How thick is that Gorilla tape? They just call it "extra thick" - obviously not just under half an inch thick!! 32.5-36.5 mils thick. Looks like I will put on three more layers of the tape!! Weird 3/8 inch thick is only 9 millimeters thick. They must mean the tape is 3 millimeters thick.

 

 OK so it's on the top of the plow...

Here's a Polyurethane snow plow scraper....

So the windshield car scrapers are rubber...

 polyurethane formula expands into materials to form an incredibly strong bond to virtually anything making Gorilla Glue

I wonder if I then cover it in Gorilla Glue!!! That will be stronger than rubber...

 4250 PSI

 Thermoplastics are strong but flexible, making them great for high-impact applications,

OK that's polyurethane. The actual scraper must be just ABS Plastic!! Hence it chips and cracks in the cold.

Yep even Toro sells a plastic snowblower scraper shave kit!!



Sure enough - a rubber edge on a snow plow scraper!!

 This Meyer Rubber Cutting Edge is made of a tough 1 1/2" thick resistant rubber compound for lasting durability. The rubber cutting edge measurements are 120"L x 1 1/2"W x 10"H.

I had a rubber edge on my 10 foot plow that I used to plow for the town. The thing outlasted steel by a factor of at least 20 (never did wear out) and scraped right down to the pavement, like a squeegee.

Before polyurethane edges came along, rubber was the only viable alternative. Well-suited to dealing with slush and fluffy snow, these cutting edges are more popular in temperate climates. They’re also praised for their durability. But, rubber’s ability to contour to its plowing surface is its real claim to fame.

Unfortunately, this lack of rigidity is also its biggest drawback. Even when equipped with a deicing system, rubber edges often fail to deliver the results homeowners expect. 

https://www.poly-tek.com/snowplow-cutting-edges-polyurethane-versus-rubber/

 Discovered in 1937, polyurethane is the new cutting edge on the block. Rugged as steel and flexible as rubber, it’s quickly becoming the material of choice in many municipalities.  The only thing preventing poly edges from dominating the market is the dent they leave in a contractor’s wallet. But, for most, the added expense is easily justified.

Poly edges offer three main advantages over rubber ones. First, they’re more durable. When used in similar conditions, polyurethane edges last about 30-percent longer than rubber ones.


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