DIY Shrink Wrap?

[Garandman]

Have a big (25’ x 20’) piece of shrink wrap from a boat. Most of it wasn稚 shrunk, just the bottom.

Like to use it to cover some items this winter. What do I need to shrink it?

There are propane fueled burner heads to burn weeds, $30-50. Will those work?

Propane Torch with Push Button Igniter

 

[Diggin It]

I don't believe you'd want any open flame. Heat gun or hair dryer.

But then again, I believe all you'll do is trap moisture under it which could lead to bigger problems, and I'm not sure why you'd want to cover a tool meant to be outside. Maybe build it a small shed type shelter?

 

[pjigar]

+1. Or buy a cover for about $30.

 

[Peter 315]

I would put the mower on blocks take the pto shaft off and spray it with Fluid Film top and bottom....:2cents:

 

[RickB]

I would put the mower on blocks take the pto shaft off and spray it with Fluid Film top and bottom....:2cents:

Agree. Clean and uncovered. The tighter any cover is, the more moisture is trapped and that promotes rust.

 

[Garandman]

Want to cover the gearbox and have some other stuff I’d like to cover.

 

[TractorGuy]

The last thing you want for storage is a plastic cover.

I made the mistake of wrapping some cylinder heads in bubble wrap one time. When the buyer picked them up instead of having me ship them I found the cams rusted and dripping with condensation.

You would be better served by having a fan on it.

 

[Garandman]

I don't believe you'd want any open flame. Heat gun or hair dryer.

But then again, I believe all you'll do is trap moisture under it which could lead to bigger problems, and I'm not sure why you'd want to cover a tool meant to be outside. Maybe build it a small shed type shelter?

If shrink wrapping traps moisture, how do farmers keep their hay bales dry? See them shrink wrapped all over.

 

[farmeratheart]

The ones that are completely covered are probably haylage. By closing in the wet/semi-green hay in plastic the anaerobic environment of a silo is approximated. Round balers that use plastic net wrap leaves the ends open so the bale can breathe.

 

[Mat4644]

If the machinery is blocked up and vented on the bottom it's safe to cover. Don't take the cover to the ground it's got to vent. Weather damage is from water and sun UV. UV reacts on paint and any plastic and exposed rubber such as seals. Water gets under guards and causes damage if exposed. Spray any unpainted surfaces with a rust preventative before covering. We also remove guards and throughout clean underneath before covering.

Zero relationship covering hay vs metal.

 

[Streetcar]

Marina near work uses heat gun to shrink wrap boats

 

[Garandman]

Have a heat gun so I’ll give it a try. Going to cut some of it to use as a ground tarp.

 

[caver]

The power plant hired a company to shrink wrap a spare 5000hp motor stored outside. They sent a guy and I had to help him. He used a propane powered heat gun. Shrinkfast MZ Propane Heat Gun

 

[super55]

I have my own shrink-wrap kit that I use all the time and absolutely love it. My baler sits outside and I shrink wrap that with no corrosion issues. Biggest issue is it will usually have a hornet nest inside the baler when I take it off. I shrink wrap all my lawn furniture, put my firewood in IBC crates and then shrink wrap the top. I even clear shrink wrapped two of my hoop houses and it is by far better then greenhouse plastic. Going on 4 years without having to replace yet. Next big project will be to shrink wrap a shelterlogic frame a friend gave me. The tight fit keeps wind whipping and snow just slides right off it.

A gas ice melter or weed flamer torch is good tool to use just have to be careful not to burn through the plastic but a heat gun or dryer would just take way too long to get it done. If you keep the heat moving you should be good.

 

[sixdogs]

Things on the ground rust mostly from dampness coming up from below. That's why the underside of decks rot first. For things stored outside, I first put down some plastic and put rocks on it to keep in place. Then I put the equipment on it and cover it. I have had much better results this way. These days, I put everything in a barn but if there's any ground contact with dirt or gravel put it on a pallet or plastic first.