I LIKT EM!!!! I just picked up 4 of the test plugs today at Home Depot for $2.47 each. I was gonna use them like they are but I like your idea ALOT better!!! Thanks for the info and pictures............
Yet another home made Lock n' Ride plug
Here's my version of the Lock n' Ride plug. I wanted someting that also had a hook on top so I would have additional tie-down points higher up in the bed.
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Here are the individual pieces. The key components are 2 1-1/2" test plugs (I bought mine at McMaster Carr for $1.50 each). The rubber from the test plug needs to be ground down a little for proper fit (chuck in drill and run over sand paper). The eye hooks are 3/8" and I bought the longest I could find that were threaded all the way to the top (they measure 5" total length). I used a 2-1/2" piece of all thread and a 3/8" nut to connect the eye hook and the all thread to get the right length. The spacer is 3/4" sch 40 PVC. The other hardware items were parts of the test plug, plus 2 extra 3/8" nuts.
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Here's the test plug
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To expand the plug you hold the eye hook and tighten the wing nut...works great...a little over $4 to make.
Here are the individual pieces. The key components are 2 1-1/2" test plugs (I bought mine at McMaster Carr for $1.50 each). The rubber from the test plug needs to be ground down a little for proper fit (chuck in drill and run over sand paper). The eye hooks are 3/8" and I bought the longest I could find that were threaded all the way to the top (they measure 5" total length). I used a 2-1/2" piece of all thread and a 3/8" nut to connect the eye hook and the all thread to get the right length. The spacer is 3/4" sch 40 PVC. The other hardware items were parts of the test plug, plus 2 extra 3/8" nuts.
Here's the test plug
To expand the plug you hold the eye hook and tighten the wing nut...works great...a little over $4 to make.
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They work great, I have been useing mine just like that for 2 years now and only lost one. [:0] 100 lb. dog was snaped to it and dog jumped out of bed to chase a deer, got dog back no plug! [] If you make them long as you can they hold better. [] You also may need to sand rubber a litte to let it go in easy.[8D]
] If you make them long as you can they hold better. [] You also may need to sand rubber a litte to let it go in easy.[8D]
Take a good look at the lock-n-ride holes the top half is about 1/4 inch larger dimeter than the bottom half if you want to go way deep with them. I end up using a rubber mallet to put two mine in most of the way.[]
Joe in Tucson
]Joe in Tucson
Run a nut all the way up and jam it where the threads end. Tighten by turning the eyebolt. The nut on the bottom might have to be epoxied to keep from spinning or use a T-nut like I do:
http://www.prcforum.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3877
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http://www.prcforum.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3877
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