Bucket Heater ---Cheap --( Built By You) ---EVEN A CAVEMAN CAN DO IT

[Bugz 2 Bonz .com]

I've been reading alot of posts about bucket heater this and bucket heater that.  Here is  my  set-up on a test bucket.  excuse the tie wraps and Litter Bucket. This set-up will cost you less than $50 , and about 30 minutes of your time.  Cut about 1ft off female end of extension cord , wire both black wires to thermostat , crimp whites together then crimp greens together.  Then fasten thermostat to side of bucket or container ( epoxy, tie wraps or other) below water level . This is very important , the thermostat will not shut-off if it is above the water level.  Place bucket heater in container then plug into GfCI outlet.   You will have to play with thermostat to get your desired temp since location and bucket materials can effect true inside temp.
Bucket Heater from Tractor Supply (stainless steel ) No rust after 6 months in water .  $30
 110v Lower Thermostat for hot water heater       $ 8.57    Home Depot
  15' extension cord 14gauge                               $ 7.97        ''       ''

You can also use a  Heating element used in hot water heaters. about $ 10.00  .

[Colonel]

Finally...


I like that setup and I already have the cord and the thermostat. That heater looks a lot better with the shield over it. I wouldn't be afraid to use that.

[Bugz 2 Bonz .com]

This one is over 6 months old (no rust and no burnt skulls)

[MR.Ed]

See that is what I was talking about before. To even have that shield on it to protect the skulls is a big plus. I like the looks of that set up the best.

[Diamond S]

How hot will it get ??

What is the max gallons of water it will heat ??

The thermostat works from outside the bucket, correct ??

Thanks, in advance...

[MR.Ed]

Also do you still use a bubbler with this setup?

[Bugz 2 Bonz .com]

I have heated a 50 gallon drum take about 2 hrs to get up to 125 from 55 . If your looking for something hotter you can go with a 240v thermostat and 3500w  heating element for hot water tanks. Like the one I use for Horn removal.  It takes  about 1 hr to go from 70 to 195 degrees .  The element was $12 and the 240 thermostat  was $15 Here are the pics of my horn removal tank.  No bubbles in my set-up.

[RD Martin]

Bones, Nice set-up.
On the yellow bucket the exposed contacts....no pets or small children around right?? Guess you could fabricate a cover. My luck I would bump against it with a wet jeans or something. Needs a cover and a better way to secure it TO the bucket. Electrical Inspector would bust you on that one

[Colonel]

A good coating of silicone would work fine.

[RD Martin]

the heat resistant type..right??

[Colonel]

I would suggest Ultra Copper Silicone gasket material. It is rated for use as a gasket on exhaust headers.

http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_makers/auto_Permatex_Ultra_Copper_Maximum_Temperature_RTV_Silicone_Gasket_Maker.htm

Holds up on my 68 327sbc anyways...

[Bugz 2 Bonz .com]

this was a test set-up.  I have a 4 x 4 extension ring and cover on my degreasing tank set-up. You can pick one up at home depot in the electrical isle. It has knockouts for your wires to to be fastened with c-500 connectors.  You can remove cover to access thermostat dial.

[Colonel]

this was a test set-up.  I have a 4 x 4 extension ring and cover on my degreasing tank set-up. You can pick one up at home depot in the electrical isle. It has knockouts for your wires to to be fastened with c-500 connectors.  You can remove cover to access thermostat dial.

Or you can just do that...  lol

[Eric R.]

I like your idea, simple and effective!   RD, you'll only bump up against the live contacts once!

[Sea Wolf]

Bugz .. can you show a closeup of your thermostat wired?  Would be a better visual reference so I don't fry something when I give this a shot. With my luck, my cord will have white, brown, black and blue wires.