Short Fire Hose Weights

[BCbud]

It was discussed at our first race that we could use some more short weights like the inner tubes we now have. Since me and Rob Fantetti have fire hose it was suggested that we use it instead. I have cut a 2-1/2 foot piece and filled it with pea gravel that I have in my back yard. I have used tye wraps to close the ends. I think the tye wraps will work but maybe hose clamps would be better? The only problem with hose clamps is the excess metal band that extends past the clamp can be sharp to handle. It does not bend that well even though I did not pack it tight. Here is some pictures of it and yes it looks like a Cheech & Chong reefer lol!

Any input on this?

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[dajracer]

Neil, the only suggestion I have is that I think they would be better if you doubled the end back on itself before either zip tying or duck taping it. It would keep the pea gravel in better, the way you have it, after some use the pea gravel may work it's way out. My .02 worth.
Yellowstone is great, but you get tired of seeing buffalo.

[Tom]

I've got one of these:

[rcshadow]

Does doing it like the other seal pups with wood work. It could also be the width of the boards for the straightaway and fit snug. Just a question.

[Tom]

Put a plug in the end (like a dowel) and a clamp around it?

[BCbud]

I am trying to avoid the clamps so they fit in between the boards easy. If I fold the ends they can not be rolled up like the picture and would need clamping. I took it to work today and put a hose clamp on it instead of the tie wrap and I think it will work OK. I will take it to the beach after work and put sand in it as the pea gravel has too much air space and is not as heavy.

Neil.

[Blake]

Hey Neil,

Thanks for looking into this.  Without actually seeing this in person, I feel the same as Daryl:  Wouldn't it be best to fold some "flap" back on itself and then just duct tape it?  Isn't that how the other hoses are done?  The existing hoses do fit in the walls fine.  Let me know if I am missing something.

Also, the duct tape will probably last a lot longer on these bite-sized hoses since we won't be dragging them along the ground like the big ones.

Thanks,
Blake

[jarrodH]

if its good for anyone.. i have a large amount of fish tank gravel.. fairly fine.. if you want it for hoses, let me know.. u can have it..

[BCbud]

I never realy thought about how the large ones are done, I was going off the smaller inner tube ones. I will bring the one I have done to the track on Sunday so others can look at and comment.

Neil.

[Tom]

To increase the density of the fill, you need to mix sizes. Mix sizes of coarse, medium, fine gravel will be denser than any single size.