Cooler Repair

General Fishing Discussion
1

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve had the hinges break on my Igloo coolers. Years ago, I started replacing the broken hinges with 4" strips of leather cut from a cheap leather belt. I’ve never had one of my leather hinges break…and they are much less expensive than buying new plastic hinges.

Harold Wilcox
www.haroldshogwash.com

2

Cool idea. I’ve had similar problems with hinge screws stripping out. Tried epoxying screws but it’s only a temporary fix. I usually end up moving the hinges an inch or two to the side and reattaching.

3

Stuffin’ too many trout in those coolers!

BG

4

I cut similar size “hinges” from a thick rubber flap that came out of an 18 wheeler tire. Has worked well for years.

spec

1980 Skandia 21 w/ '93 JohnRude 150 gas drinker

5
quote:
Originally posted by btodag

Stuffin’ too many trout in those coolers!

BG

That is often a problem!

Harold Wilcox
www.haroldshogwash.com

6

Fish Fry time!

spec

1980 Skandia 21 w/ '93 JohnRude 150 gas drinker

7

Cut up garden hose works well too.

8

I’ve seen lots of the leather strip and rubber strip repairs over the years and they work great…but I’m just too OCD for that…the struggle is real, people…lol. I ended up buying the stainless hinges and latches for all of my Igloo coolers and no problems since.

2003 Key West 1720 Sportsman
2016 Ocean Kayak BG2

9

Just replaced the broken plastic ones on my Igloo with the stainless ones. $6 on Ebay.

“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”, but really, who cares?

10

I have had good luck using a length of 2" nylon (cut from ratchet binder strap) run along the back of the cooler. Melt holes with propane torch & small diameter phillips screw driver. Lay it along the base, mark the holes and pre drill pilot holes. Squirt a little 5200 in each, screw it up then do the same with the lid. Lay it flat on the backside with lid closed to let the 5200 flow back around the screws.

Thin gauge brass chain on each side to limit the opening angle. Don’t use nylon or any fish scent will be tough to wash out.

Having exposed screws will guarantee it’s not going back on the boat - don’t need the screws marking things up onboard. Someone crafty can fabricate recessed washers out of teflon or plastic to bury the screws within…