Dryer drum repair

[Andy]

All of my dryer drums have sustained damage from screws and other assorted hardware that falls out of customer clothing. However I have one that is has been severly damaged and I am thinking about a number of different ways to repair it. It has been completly "sliced" along the circumfrence along the same plane in four areas. Each "slice" is 6 to 8 inches long and is jagged, although the gap is no more than about 2mm at along any of these areas.

The question is will clothes get caught in the gap even with sharp edges are removed?

Repair scenarios:
1. Remove any sharp edges and leave it at that,
2. rivet shaped strips of sheet metal over the areas,
3. stick some high speed aluminum tape over the areas and replace as necessary over time,
4. weld/solder,
5. find the fool who did this and charge him for a new drum including installation labor.

[Anonymous]

Best option is #5 if you can find him. You don't want his business anyway, and perhaps it will send a message to others to treat the equipment with some respect. Given that you won't likely be able to get blood from a stone, it is up to you to fix it. I had a section that was about 3" square that was damaged. I used a section of aluminum roofing flashing that I drilled holes to match the holes in the dryer and glued it in using a 3M hightemp rubber cement. That was about 8 months ago and it has held up fine. Rivets would be good if you have clearance on the back side of the drum, I did not.

[Andy]

I am giving the aluminum tape method a try I'll let you all know what happens.

[Howard]

I wish you luck with the tape. It seems to me that you would be better off buying a new drum. No matter how you cover the tears and rips in the metal, it will eventually result in corners. Corners result in torn clothing and pissed off customers, as well as liability for the damage caused.

If the cost worries you, find someone scrapping your model dryer and make a deal for a used one. If getting the drum out and replaced worries you, don't be. The hardest part is the weight of the damn thing. Everything else is pretty easy.

[Anonymous]

I patched mine by using some thin aluminum that I glued with high temp glue. I cut the corners to be round and there are no sharp edges. Its been in for about 6 months or so with no problems at all.

[Andy]

I am all too familiar withremoving these drums. The drum has to coome out to Replace the drive belt. If I only knew then what I know now! Never buy dryers that require this.

[Anonymous]

I DO think clothes will get caught in a long 2mm gap and wreak havoc. I have had slippers "slip" between the crack between the drum and the frame. Amazing.

One thing i thought i'd bring up is that Bee Smart Bob has a drum repair kit for this kind of thing. I've never used it so I can't comment on how it worked. But his hand written hieroglyphics look good.

[Andy]

I view my aluminum tape job as a temporary permanent repair. Sooner or later I'll either replace it or give Kirby's suggestion a shot.

[pete f]

I have fixed drums twice. Once a large gash I took a piece of thin aluminon and used rivits. I had to put washes on the back side to hold the rivit. I ground out any sharp edges. It lasted for about 5 years and was still on when I replaced the dryer. The alum were actually thin strips about 2 in wide by 6 inch I bt at Home depot.

The 2nd time was a 1 1/2 hole someone cut in a drum, maybe to get out a belt or a dollar bill.. the dryer was a year old. The piece they cut out was laying on the lint screen. I got my torch and solder paste. Sand the metal clean, use lots of paste, work the solder on in bits. It came out looking clean, and has been on for about a year now. I did not think solder would stick, I had assumed I would end up braizing it with a high torch and coat hanger..This methood may work best for you if you have very liitle gap and can hammer the drum together..

[Tom Ala.]

I have used the Bee smart patch. Patched a hole the size of my fist, it has not given me any more problems in 3 years. The kit consist of a piece cut out of an old drum, JB weld, and a bunch of nuts and bolts to hold it in place while JB weld sets. After instalation I ground all edges smooth so patch would not catch cloths.
Tom

[rawcool]

Where would I find one of these patch kits? I've taken ripped drums to a friend who has a welding shop and he's done a nice job in the past. Be careful doing this yourself. I understand galvanized alum. can give off nasty fumes.

[Tom Ala.]

Go to www. beesmart-ezway.com or call 856-728-7225, they sell the drum repair kit for $26.00 be sure to ask for his catalog it is a fun read.
Tom