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Trugs / flexi tubs

Rob LockwoodRob Lockwood Posts: 365
edited July 2021 in Tools and techniques
Looking for advice on these - the ones I've had for a while are showing signs of wear and tear (well, the handles have snapped off one!), so just wanted some buying advice from you lovely people. :)
They're for collecting weeds / shredding into etc, not planting.
Given the snapped handles, I wondered whether certain materials do better in UV / frosts?  A quick squiz at Amazon/Google reveals various types of plastic and "rubber", some are ribbed, some are thicker than others etc.
Go forum!
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  • WilderbeastWilderbeast Posts: 1,415
    When the handles snap on mine I make holes, thread a thin rope through, thread flexible plastic pipe over the rope then tie off the other end of the rope through a second hole. It means you can go using the same trug, the handles work really well with plastic pipe giving a nice smooth grip.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,933
    I bought these in March this year to replace broken ones and so far so good. They seem flexible and sturdy -

    https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06XQ8JCJX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • WoodgreenWoodgreen Posts: 1,273
    I've bought cheaper ones in the past and they have eventually split or the handles gave way.
    The only ones that last well are the real 'tubtrugs' with the name underneath. None of these have failed.
    I use a lot of them so I buy them direct. 
    The company is now called Red Gorilla.

  • Rob LockwoodRob Lockwood Posts: 365
    edited July 2021
    Polethylene them Pete; I'd seen one at Wilko for £5 which was polyPROPylene - if only I were a chemist it might mean something to me :)  Those look very strong though, and let's face it, you usually get what you pay for.  I know some are advertised as being weather (UV/frost) resistant and that yours is badged "rubber" so perhaps the difference in the materials is that some behave better than others when I negligently leave them out in all weathers. :)
    Wilderbeast, as a fellow Yorkie, top cash saving recommendation  :)   I've got loads of spare hosepipe as well!  I'll see if I can mend the ones I've got but still need one of Pete's size.
  • Rob LockwoodRob Lockwood Posts: 365
    I'd seen those Woodgreen, and seen they were more expensive - will have a gander.
  • WoodgreenWoodgreen Posts: 1,273
    They get a lot of use here, and having tried cheaper ones I'd rather pay more initially for something that lasts for years. I wouldn't be without them.
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,933
    Intersting point @Rob Lockwood - I found this-
    from here https://www.globalplasticsheeting.com/our-blog-resource-library/bid/92169/polypropylene-is-it-different-from-polyethylene

    Here is a list of some of the differences between polyethylene and polypropylene: 

    • Polyethylene and Polypropylene are very similar as far as physical properties.
    • However, Polyethylene can be produced optically clear where polypropylene can only be made translucent like a milk jug.
    • Polyethylene does have physical properties that allow it to stand up better in cold temperatures, particularly when using it as signs.
    • Polyethylene is a good electrical insulator. It offers good tracking resistance, however, it becomes easily electrostatically charged (which can be reduced by additions of graphite, carbon black or antistatic agents).
    • Polypropylenes are light in weight. They have a high resistance to cracking, acids, organic solvents and electrolytes. They also have high melting point and good dielectric properties and are non-toxic.
    •  Monomer of polyethylene is ethylene and monomer of polypropylene is propylene.
    • Polyethylene has a lower melting point compared to the higher melting point of polypropylene. (this may be a good test for you)
    • Polypropylene is not as sturdy as polyethylene.
    • Polypropylene is stiffer and resistant to chemicals and organic solvents compared to polyethylene.
    • Polypropylene is pure, non-stretching and generally more rigid than polyethylene.


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Rob LockwoodRob Lockwood Posts: 365
    Top stuff Pete - pretty much what I was after - so your £7-£8 polyethylene ones are lighter, more cold-resistent, more sturdy and more flexible than the Wilko polyprop ones at £5.  Glad I asked - prefer to know what I'm buying even if it's only a few quid difference!  I imagine Woodgreens are polyethylene as well, and presumably thicker if they're more resilient/reliable.  Thanks all!
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 11,646
    Gosh, I think I paid about £15 for mine and one's beginning to split! Can't remember where I bought them from however but probably a GC.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • Rob LockwoodRob Lockwood Posts: 365
    edited July 2021
    Most likely a GC Lizzie, as they tend to be the most expensive!  At least you've somewhere to take it back to if you're not happy with its performance :)
    The one I'm looking for is a c40 litre one - yours of course may be bigger.
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