PVC cap size information needed, please

[GoldpannerDave]

I want to use 3" PVC pipe to make a tumbler for the rod mill for gold. The barrel for the rock tumbler I am using has outside diameter of 4 and 3/8" The rollers are 3 and 5/8" apart. So if I use 3" PVC pipe, the outside diameter is 3.500 inches. When I cap both ends, anyone know what the OUTSIDE diameter of a 3" PVC cap is?

Also, other than sliding the cap on over Teflon tape, anyone got a good idea of how to keep it from leaking. Only one end can be glued on, so I am looking for a neat way to seal the other end. TIA.

The thread that talks about this is http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/panning-gold/456622-simple-solution-fine-gold-recovery-9.html

 

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[fowledup]

Glue FA's (female adapters) on both ends and use plugs. Easily taken off with a wrench and if one end gets bound up you've got the other. You could do the same with MA's but the caps get chewed up because you have to use pliers instead of a wrench

 

[SunshineMiner]

!!!! You guys are using PVC for this!?! I didn't think it would work/hold up to the impact/rolling of the steel rods!? I just started reading through the other thread again.. I kind of let it go on the back burner as I don't know how to weld at the moment >.< This makes it a game changer! Thanks for posting, despite me not having an idea off the top of my head :/

 

[KevinInColorado]

PVC is pretty durable for this and soooo cheap to replace when worn that I think it's a great solution. Wish I thought of it first!

 

[mike(swWash)]

How about expanding pipe plugs on one or both ends?
CHERNE Gripper 3 in. ABS Mechanical Plug-270237 - The Home Depot

 

[GoldpannerDave]

How about expanding pipe plugs on one or both ends?
CHERNE Gripper 3 in. ABS Mechanical Plug-270237 - The Home Depot

Love this idea; thanks.

 

[Duckwalk]

to keep it from leaking just cut up a party balloon, stretch over the opening and cap it.

 

[SunshineMiner]

Goldpanner... Mike... You guys just gave me a freaking idea for a new project. Thanks a lot. 3".. maybe even 4-5" with those rubber plugs? I like it.
I have a local irrigation supply that deal with all diameters of piping in different materials and fittings

 

[russau]

Dave , the PVC pipe schedule 40 has a 1/4 inch wall so add 1/2 inch to the measurement and the cap also has a 1/4 inch wall so add another 1/2 inch to the total diameter. and the reply about using the expandable sewer plug is right on!