DIY Network

Compost Tumbler Kit Compost Tumbler Kit From "Fresh from the Garden" episode DFFG-109

If you like the idea of using a compost bin, but don't have the time to build one from scratch, consider assembling a compost tumbler from a kit. Just follow these simple steps....

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	The compost tumbler bin kit includes everything you'll need except tools.
	The first task is to assemble the compost barrel.
	Attaching the second end cap.
	With the second end cap in place, install the three tie rods that hold the barrel together.
	The door already has holes cut in it to hold the aerators.
	It fits through this tube on the drive support.

1. The compost tumbler bin kit includes everything you'll need except for tools: be sure to have a 3/8" socket screwdriver as well as a 3/8" flat-head screwdriver on hand before getting started.

2. Open up the box and take inventory. You should have received: 3 drum panels, 2 end caps, a door, frame legs, drive handle, drive gear and lots of bolts and washers for the barrel assembly. Put the barrel and frame assembly pieces in two different piles.

3. The first task is to assemble the compost barrel. To make the barrel lay the 2 drum panels end to end with the mixing fins facing up. Align the holes in the fins, there are 5 of them. They'll provide the bolts to attach the panel together. Each bolt gets a flat and lock washer and a nut, tighten each one.

4. To attach the first end cap, lay it with the lettering face down. Pick up the drum pieces and position them standing up so that the center fin is aligned with the screen on the end cap. The mixing fins will face the inside of the drum. Slide the edge of the drum into the rim of the end cap. There will be a gap in the drum for the door panel.

5. The space that's left is for the door panel. This door panel slides into the end cap rim just like the other panels did. The holes in the inside will line up to be bolted in place.

6. Starting at the bottom, install the bolts, washers and nuts provided in the kit into the slotted holes on the inside of the drum panels. These slots leave room to adjust the panels so they fit snugly into the second end cap. Tighten the bolts. The bolts should still be able to turn easily in the holes. If they don't turn, loosen the nut a 1/4" turn.

7. Next, put on the other end cap. Notice the position of the screen on the other end cap and the position of the screen on this end cap. They should line up opposite each other so that when the composter is finished the vents will both be rotating together. Remember you can adjust the bolts in the drum slots to get the panels and cap to fit correctly.

8. With the second end cap in place, install the 3 tie rods that hold the barrel together. Thread one nut onto each of the tie rods until it catches. Thread the tie rods through the holes in the end cap. The ties will come out through the other end cap. If for some reason the tie rod doesn’t come through both that means the panels are not fully seated into the end caps. Readjust the panels and try the tie rods again. Thread another nut onto that end. Tighten the nuts evenly on both sides.

9. Install the two aerators in the door before attaching it to the drum. The aerators will keep bugs out and let air in. The door already has holes cut in it to hold the aerators. The aerator caps are slightly curved. This is so that as the door beds around the barrel there will be a tight fit. Make sure to turn them in the right direction before you tighten up the screws.

10. To install the aerators, start by positioning one curved aerator base against the outside of the door. Insert one of the bolts provided through the aerator and into the hole in the door. Put an aerator cap over the bolt. Thread a wing nut over the bolt and tighten by hand. Make sure the curve of the aerator follows the direction of the curve of the door. Repeat the same steps for the second aerator.

11. One of the last steps on the drum assembly is to put the door latches on. Make sure that you get the latch facing the right way, with the hook facing the door opening, before you attach any of the bolts. To attach the latches you have to put a bolt through the latch from the outside. It will come through on the inside. Slide a flat washer and then a lock washer on the bolt before putting on the nut. Use a flat-head screwdriver and the 3/8 inch socket to tighten the bolt. There are 2 bolts per door latch.

12. On the other side of the door opening install the latch hooks. These hooks will hold the door in place and act as hinges on the completed compost drum. Make sure they are facing the opening and install them just like the door latches were installed. When the latch hooks are attached, put the door in place and fit the notches into the latch hooks.

13. To make this door fit, you may have to make some minor adjustments. The latch hooks can be adjusted by loosening the bolts and sliding the latch closer to the door to make it close easier or sliding the latch to the outside to make the door shut tighter.

14. Next is the frame assembly. Assemble the drive handle first. To do this, slide the grip onto the handle. Then push the stem of the grip cap into the end of the drive handle and lined up the screw holes. Tighten the screw with a screwdriver until it is snug and the grip cap is locked into position.

15. The drive gear turns the composter. It fits through this tube on the drive support. The gears have to be on the inside of the support for the gear to turn the compost drum. Slip the drive handle into the gear drive from the outside of the support bar. Insert the small cotter pin to hold the handle and the drive together.

16. Turn the drum on its side to attach the gear drive to the gear teeth on the compost drum and remove the door. Then put both stub axles into the center holes of the end caps. Next, Position the drive support over the drum and push it into the stub axles.

17. To attach the leg assembly, insert one leg on each side of the drum and push the bolt outside in through the stub axles. To secure them put on a washer and nut and tighten them down using and adjustable wrench and a 3/8" socket.

18. With the composter still on its side, attach the braces. Attach one of the struts to the drive assembly with the flat face against the outside of the drive and hand tighten it with a bolt, washer and nut. Repeat for the other side. Then push a bolt through the strut and the hole near the end of the frame leg. Next place the end of one brace over the bolt and against the inside of the leg. Secure with lock washer and nut. Repeat on the opposite side. Then attach the remaining brace to the center of the first brace and secure it to the frame. Finally, tighten all of the nuts.