Jump to content

Frag plugs


Gonzo620

Recommended Posts

So I know how inexpensive plugs are, but I still wanted to give it a whirl. I’m totally a DIY guy so why not plugs. Saves me a few buck and can possibly make some too. 

Started out by making the mold. First I cut a 3”x10”x2” thick block of delrin plastic work was about to trash into 4 strips. Next I bolted them back together with 6 long bolts. Then I drilled a 3/8” holes in a staggered pattern 1-1/4” deep. This will be the stems of the plugs. Once all the 3/8” holes were drilled I used a 7/8” drill bit to make the crowns. I drilled down 1/4” in depth. 721_D1461_7331_4581_B996_37_F1_AF290_AF9

27_B0_B8_C0_4362_4_A18_A3_D1_F3268741_FC

DDD19_B6_B_A1_E5_466_A_BEB4_A293_F90_DAE

Next step was the recipe. I have some old clean sand in a bucket in the garage, and I managed to get some Portland cement from the bricklayers at work. I went with a ratio of 3 to 1. 3/4 cup of sand and 1/4 cup of Portland cement was enough for the mold and a few flat disc. I mixed all the ingredients in a empty calcium supplement container that I cut the top 1/4 off. I added enough water to create a syrupy consistency. This will allow any air bubbles to rise out of the mix. 1_CA2304_E_8601_41_E7_BDEC_A84_C4287_DAA

Now comes the fun part. I started scooping the mix into every plug hole in the mold. Once they were all filled I smoothed the surface and started to shake and tap on the mold to work out any trapped air bubbles and settle the mix in in every plug hole. Followed by a top off of mix to any low spots. Dry time is two days. 

And Shazam! Unbolt the mold pry the strips apart with a flat screwdriver, a few taps hear and there and a wiggle of the plugs and walla. 6_D6_CB32_B_D9_C2_44_B4_A38_F_CBE2_C3_D5

88700_E02_8_A18_4305_80_C5_55_A1_B906051

Let me know if you wanna try for yourself. I’ll be happy to give any advice about the process. 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Reefaddict12 said:

That is so awesome! I' a big DIY'er and this has really spike my interest! Now I just gotta find a way to make a mold. 

In my research I saw some people use wood. I used the plastic cause it was available and was killing time at work. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
2 hours ago, SilentNight1793 said:

I have been on the hunt for large grow out plates (3" plate or larger) mainly for zoa's and paly's. It is hard to find anything larger than a 2" disk. This would be a great idea for those.

You could use the same mixture and use the bottom of plastic cups. Pour it in and pop them out. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...