Leaky, loose fitting Nikor developing tank lid

JeffD · Jan 20, 2007

I have a Nikor 4x5 stainless steel developing tank. The main lid (not the small cap) doesn't fit quite as snuggly as it used to. It is just loose enough to be somewhat drippy when I agitate. I'm not too fond of getting rodinal all over me. I've been getting along using a towel around the tank, but I was thinking someone may have a brilliant idea of how to make it just a bit more snug. There has too be a way, I'm just not sure how!

Any ideas?

Tony D · Jan 20, 2007

I had the same problem. I took old motorcycle inter-tube and cut 2 inch section of it and stretched it over the seem of the tank. When you need to open the tank, roll it over itself onto the bottom section of the tank.

Lee Shively · Jan 20, 2007

I'll tell you the same thing the automobile service manager tells everyone with a problem, "They all do that."

Every tank I have does that sometimes. Sometimes they don't. I think it has to do with the phases of the moon or El Nino or whatever. I just use towels.

resummerfield · Jan 20, 2007

Tony D said:
I had the same problem. I took old motorcycle inter-tube and cut 2 inch section of it and stretched it over the seem of the tank. When you need to open the tank, roll it over itself onto the bottom section of the tank.

I did about the same, but used a large rubber band.

David A. Goldfarb · Jan 20, 2007

I just use Kindermann plastic lids on all my tanks. They're all the same size (well, except for odd sized tanks like the 4x5", those big 220 tanks that take the spirals with the thick wire, the Kindermann film washing tank, etc.).

edit: Nevermind. You are talking about the 4x5" tank. Somehow I read through that. Fortunately, my lid fits.

JeffD · Jan 21, 2007

Tony D said:
I had the same problem. I took old motorcycle inter-tube and cut 2 inch section of it and stretched it over the seem of the tank. When you need to open the tank, roll it over itself onto the bottom section of the tank.

I like this idea. Did you cut a 2" wide rectangular strip of inter-tube, a little longer than the circumference of the tank, and somehow fasten the ends? I am trying to picture how you cut the right dimensions. It is late, maybe I am missing something.

Tony D · Jan 21, 2007

You want to cut a 2 inch wide cross section to form a ring like a rubber band

bdial · Jan 21, 2007

You might be able to shrink the lid a bit by tightening an automotive hose clamp on it (then remove the clamp).
This isn't something I've tried mind you, but were I faced with the problem, it's what I'd try. Probably not too much danger in getting the clamp too tight, but some caution is warranted. I'd start off with the lid on the tank, tighten the clamp until the lid is snug, then remove the lid with the clamp and tighten it slightly(!) more.

Leaky, loose fitting Nikor developing tank lid

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