Unbreakable Igloo Cooler Latch, Repurposed Fire Hose. Replaces Igloo

UNBREAKABLE IGLOO COOLER LATCHES - US Patent #10501969

Made from retired, or factory scrap, heavy duty fire hose sized and punched to the dimensions of standard latches (Igloo part# 24013).  Fits rectangular-shaped hinged Igloo coolers from 25-165 quarts.

Best choice when compared to plastic or expensive stainless latches:

• Latches will outlast your cooler (see testing info below)
• Latches are not damaged when caught in between lid and cooler or by impact with walls, truck beds, ect.
• Molded ribs in fire hose improve abrasion resistance
• Fire hose materials are resistant to mildew and UV rays
• Flexibility provides tension for tighter lid closure
• Flexibility provides tolerance of weight on lid when using cooler for a seat
• Fire hose material is tested for extreme temperatures (-35 F to 1200 F)
• Cost less than stainless or hybrid (stainless/plastic) latches
• Latches have elongated mounting holes allowing slight height adjustment so they are only sold with these larger-head screws.

These are a direct replacement for the common white plastic latches as shown in the pictures.  They also replace the more expensive stainless versions which have the same standard hole pattern.

Replace your old or broken ones just as you would with standard latches.

The hose material weighs about 3/4 lb per square foot and is made from yellow rubber material with a super strong polyester and nylon weave between layers.  I can't imagine they will ever wear out or break.  If there are any concerns about the latch quality, durability, or performance please review the feedback by clicking on seller name (“stplapjt”) in the Seller Information at the top, right corner of this listing.  It is 100% positive feedback from all buyers.  

Please note the 60 Day Money Back Guarantee (max allowed on eBay),  If not satisfied for any reason, I will refund your purchase price.

Important - This does not include the round stud that mounts to the body of the cooler.  It only includes the fire hose Latch that mounts to the lid.   The Latch's hole is sized to snap over your old stud.  If your stud is missing or you need a new one, you should buy latches from a seller that includes studs.

FYI - I also sell hinges for the back of the coolers and lid straps made from the same fire hose material.

ORDERING & SHIPPING INFORMATION

Purchase one (1) or two (2) latches and choose whether or not you would like the screws included.

Shipping via US Post Office First Class Envelope with tracking.  Shipped the business day following your order if not the same day.

Note: When ordering 2 latches the Quantity Available indicates the number of pairs of latches remaining.  If it shows 1 Available, that means I have one pair remaining.

The information below pertains to the cooler hinges I also have for sale.  I have not yet updated it for latches, but it gives you an idea of the fire hose material and it's strength.

BACKGROUND
I'm an avid fisherman and was repeatedly replacing broken cooler hinges.  I researched alternate products and homemade options. After some internet searching I found some folks recommending used fire hose.  I asked my firefighter/paramedic nephew if he could get some retired fire hose and he aquired a section of 5 inch hose.  I made replacements for broken hinges on one of my coolers and liked them so much I replaced the un-broken ones one of my other coolers (see pics).  They work great and look cool.  In fact, they work so good I made additional hinges with the remaining hose to see if others would like to purchase them on eBay.  Those hinges sold out and I acquired some more retired and factory scrap hose.  I have sold more than 1,000 sets of hinges.
Because the hinges have sold well, I developed latches made of the same material.  I have been using fire hose latches on my coolers for over a year now and they work great.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 I'm a retired engineer, so the following may seem a bit overkill to some folks, but read on if interested.....

(The following is related to the hinges, but the fire hose material is the same for these latches.)

In interest of proving the durability of the fire hose hinges, I built two test rigs.  One tests the in-line breaking strength by applying a linear force until the hinge stretches or breaks.  Brand new Igloo hinges would start stretching and eventually break at 80 - 90lb of force.  The fire hose hinges stretch some at 150+ lb, but did not break after holding that load for hours. The other test rig uses an automotive windshield wiper motor with linkages that repetitively bend the hinge 51 times per minute to measure the number of bending cycles before failure. It bends the hinge from straight to just over 90 degrees to simulate opening and closing the cooler lid.  A new plastic Igloo hinge failed after 26 hours on the bending rig.    A fire hose hinge has been on the rig for over 200 hours (over 600,000 bending cycles) and has no sign of wear. (See the pictures of the test rigs). 

Fire Hose Specifications

 NFPA 1961 Fire Hose Standard - Cold Resistance - Hose shall be exposed to temperature of -35 degrees F for 24 hours, then bent 180 degrees both directions. Hose shall then not leak when brought to pressure. Heat Resistance - Verified using the test procedures defined in UL 19. Hose shall withstand 1200 degree F for at least two minutes without bursting when subject to a static pressure of 100 psi.

Disclaimer:  I am not associated with Igloo in any way.  The parts are made independent of Igloo.  There is no claim of association whatsoever with Igloo.  Besides the compatibility feature(s), these products are unique in design from Igloo parts.  Igloo is a trademark of Igloo Products Company.