Lap pump = harbor freight tools pump

I got a universal coupler (a reducer) for $2 at Reily’s parts. Just cut the a small section of the each tube and bring them to a auto store. The staff will fix you up. You may want to use some plastic food wrap at the coupler connections. It can provide a much better seal.

By the way, Petsmart.com sells a gravel cleaner that is 1.75 ID tube. My 1.5 ID tube needs to be retired pretty soon. :) I don’t see the point of spending hundreds on PE devices. Hope my fellow friends will benefit from my finding.

I did roughly the same thing, with a Mity-Vac unit and a couple of tubes from PetSmart. Everything you need is contained there.

I cut off about 3” from each tube (too long for me), and the smoothed the edge with some 0000 paper. I used some of that stuff you dip tool handles in (forgot the name) for a “ring” at the end (about 5 dips does real well - let it cure overnight and trim the inner part of the “ring” with a razor blade for smoothness …)

I use the smaller diameter to get a good pump, and then switch to the larger diameter for a second session. (I forget the ID sizes, but one fits into the other)

I have been back to pumpng regularly (1-on / 1-off) for about 2 weeks now, and I use a “rice sock” wrap while pumping for a heat source during the time I am in the tube. I get a real good stretch @ 5mmhg for 15 minutes, take a short jelk break and come back with the larger tube for another 15 minute session.

I do hang heavier, and look veinier … NOW FOR SOME GROWTH -

shalom

alex

Is this harbor freight pump identical to the one from Lap, including the reading on the gauge?

I’ll let you know when I get it, but it sure looks the same.

I will be calling the local Harbor Freight and finding out if they carry the thing and will honer the online sale as an in store sale on Monday. Thanks to scott_home for starting this thread as I am attempting to get up and running on pumping as a jump start back into actively PEing.

In store price is $16.99. If you have a brick and mortar store near you call and see if they have it in stock before ordering on line!

Holy shit! I have one just down the road! Damn, I didn’t know that, obviously, but now I do. I would have saved about 10 bucks over what I just ordered. OH well, now I know. :)

Anyone built their own pump from stuff from UK stores?

thanks man this is great!

If I know this, it will save a lot of money. Looks like lap pump will be going of business.

I doubt it. Buying a fully assembled product that is ready for use out of the box has a lot of appeal.

Hey Guys,

How about tubes where do you get them from?

petsmart

I got the parts for mine at McMaster-Carr - the same 2” polycarbonate tube gprent posted earlier in the thread, plus a polycarbonate sheet to cut the end caps from. I’ve tried to use bicycle tubes valves since I had them around, but would recommend springing for the quick connects he found, instead.

I posted a lengthy report of my first DIY pump adventure. I used my mouth for the vacuum to start, and 10” Hg is easy to achieve without a pump. Unfortunately, I’m still getting leakage, and if I can’t get that under control, I’ll have to go to a hand pump, hopefully rigged up to a foot pedal. ;) I’d like to avoid a pump if I can.

I’m looking forward to some additional modifications this week.

I bought a mityvac—works well but had to make a couple mods