Harbor Freight Rock Tumbler, Belt broke after less than 40 hours!

[wolcottdigger]

I bought a Harbor Freight rock tumbler (the single drum 3lb model) and the first belt has broken after
less than 40 hours. I put on the extra belt they gave me, it was easy to install. I guess I'm a little
disapointed it broke so fast but I guess you get what you pay for. I read online that it went through belts fast
so I'm the only one to blame I guess. The machine was making a thumping sound this morning so I took
off the top and saw the belt was 90 percent broken through, only a thin amount still holding the belt together.
after I put the new belt on it was like new (listen for that thumping, out of balance sound, clue the belt is
about to go). I wonder if there stronger belts, maybe a vacuum cleaner belt. any ideas.

Joe

 

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[Gator-Flea]

I got one too,,,,,,,,,peace of junk.....................

 

[spartacus53]

I wish I could help you, I have no idea how big a belt is needed, or how thick you can go. Otherwise I would suggest using a bicycle chain and change the end to hold with sprockets

 

[Nick A]

Some belts are bad, but often the belts break because the tumbler is overloaded and/or the belt tension is not adjusted properly. The original belt is still going strong in my machine. If you replace the belt with something else, make sure it does not damage the plastic pulleys.

There's more info on this here: http://www.ohiometaldetecting.com/2/post/2009/06/harbor-freight-rock-tumbler-troubleshooting.html

 

[camperlee]

I have a harbor freight tumbler and the belt also broke went to the vacuum cleaner store got a belt cut it down and have used it all summer and have had no more trouble.
hope this helps you. camperlee

 

[Ray S ECenFL]

The HF belts do not last. I had one break after a short time also, went to Ace Hardware and picked up a large O ring and used it as a belt. Works fine.

I like the vacumm clearner belt idea.

Ray S

 

[luvsdux]

I found and purchased an offer of heavy O rings or belts for tumblers on Ebay that work well. I also had the thought about vacum cleaner belts or odd O rings in an appropriate size, but found the Ebay listing first. Not doubt about it, the HF belts are worthless.
luvsdux

 

[Seamuss]

Harbor Freight does not know rock tumblers from detectors or what there used for. Go to a rock shop or prospecting shop to learn about tumblers and detectors.

 

[Xraywolf]

Surprised it lasted that long, chalk it up as a lesson and don't shop there again.
I came to that conclusion years ago.