Fix a problem
What went wrong, and what to change
Start from what you see. Each note gives the likely causes in order and one change to make on the next try.
- Tumbled rocks are not shiny after polishNine causes of dull tumbled rocks, matched to what you see on the stone, with the grit step to go back to and the fix for haze, scratches and bruises.Polish
- Rock tumbler barrel is not turningA rock tumbler that will not turn usually has a slipping barrel, an overloaded barrel or a worn belt. 7 causes in checking order, with the fix for each.Tumbler and setup
- Rock tumbler is too loud or squeakingA rubber-barrel rock tumbler runs at about 55 to 64 dB at three feet. What rattles, hums and squeaks mean, how to oil the bearings and 5 ways to quiet it.Tumbler and setup
- Slurry leaking from the tumbler barrelA leaking rock tumbler usually has grit on the lid seal, a badly seated lid or gas pressure. 7 causes with fixes, plus how to open a stuck barrel safely.Tumbler and setup