My next project is laying a patio, and I want to include a ground socket for a rotary washing line. It'll be concreted in, so won't be easy to replace later without damaging the slabs.
Is there a standard size for washing line ground sockets? I hope the patio will outlive the washing line.
Also, are there any recommendations for good sockets? I don't mind spending a bit more on a decent metal socket if it'll last better than a plastic one.
I concreted in a 2 foot length of heavy duty plastic tube that had an inside diameter of about 3 inches into the ground and the aluminium pole sits centrally surrounded by pea shingle which locks it into place with hardly any movement. The plastic tube is just below ground level.
A short length of scaffolding would probably be ok, but cutting a short length without an angle grinder is a bit of a sweat with a plain hacksaw.
I concreted in the metal base of our, then, current dryer. It's been there getting on for 40 years, during which time we've had at least 2 new driers. The pea shingle ide is fine if you want to leave teh drier in place, but not if you hide it away when not in use.
Our drier is a Brabantia one and they tend to use larger diam. Centre poles. The metal socket we bought as a separate item from B&Q and it came with several plastic sleeves so that different diam. poles could be used in the same socket but we have not used them as the drier pole is a snug fit in the metal socket. I think Brabantia use the largest diam. pole I am not aware of any other makes being wider, just looking at the selection when ours was bought, so if you get a socket that fits one of theirs and it comes with additional sleeves you should be well covered.
Richard
Not so bad with aluminium scaffold pole.
Unfortunately these rotating lines come in lots of different diameters, if its just a straight pole to attach a line then get one and treat the metal with something like zinc paint and the socket too, it will last for years. It can also be a good idea to get some kind off cap in case you want to remove the pole later on. Brian
My dryer must be a similar age (1), and the metal tube is sunk into the lawn. I very rarely use it, and each time I do, I have to get out the cable & metal detector to find the socket, through the grass which has grown back over it.
(1) In the early 70s, I walked into a shop (remember House of Holland?) in Deansgate, Manchester and bought a wheelbarrow and rotary drying line. I assembled the barrow in the shop, put the drying line on it, and set off for what was then Knott Mill station. They were soon loaded into the guard's compartment of a class 304 (well they had to have some virtue) for my journey home to Burnage.
Chris
Wilko stores sell an earthscrew, which is an amazing universal "rotary washing line" socket accommodating three of the standard diameters of pole. It has an integral spirit level in the cap, and the cap closes shut when not in use to avoid water ingess (rainwater would rot the base of the pole eventually).
Cost £6
URL:
I like good design and have no connection with "Wilko" except as an occasional customer.
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