Screw in water nipples keep splitting my 5 gallon buckets. Anyone have a better type?

[BallsEleven]

I go through a couple of buckets a year because they split around the hole where these nipples screw into the wall. At first I thought it was because I was cranking down too hard but I has still happened the last few times I've swapped out and went lighter.

Does anyone have any better ones that may secure on via a nut on the back that doesn't leak?

For example, these are the ones I use right now:

 

[BarnyardChaos]

Have you tried drilling the hole just a tad bigger?

 

[wamtazlady]

I read somewhere to allow a thread or 2 to show on the outside when screwing in the nipples. Not sure if that is better or not but I've been doing it without an issue of leaking or anything.

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

I have these and have gone through two buckets due to micro-cracks. It seemed to happen during Fall when temps were widely fluctuating. My thought was the plastic was expanding and contracting quickly (?). I have not had issues this winter with using a bucket deicer which maintains a steady temp. Nor did I have issues last summer.
This Spring is TBD

 

[BallsEleven]

Part of the problem may be that the buckets are older and most of the plasticizers have leached away making the plastic brittle.

They are all new buckets when I get them.

Have you tried drilling the hole just a tad bigger?

Yeah, I have tried working the holes a little bit with my drill since if I go a step up in drill bit size, the hole is too big. It works temporarily but after a few months it still ends up cracking.

I read somewhere to allow a thread or 2 to show on the outside when screwing in the nipples. Not sure if that is better or not but I've been doing it without an issue of leaking or anything.

Maybe I can try that. Just screw it in to allow a few threads showing and if it leaks just give 1 more turn until it stops dripping.

It seemed to happen during Fall when temps were widely fluctuating. My thought was the plastic was expanding and contracting quickly (?).

I'm right there with you. Mine seems to happen more during peak summer and winter times. After a good freeze or a heat wave of 100+ for multiple days.

 

[Hedgeland Farms]

I've been using mine almost a yr and no cracks (3 buckets, 4 nipples each)

How many nipples are you screwing into one bucket?? Maybe the amount is compromising the plastic somehow?!?!

Also, my nipples don't have a gasket

Mine have nothing on the back, otherwise I'd recommend them!!!

 

[wamtazlady]

If all else fails try a different container. I use a 20 gallon tote with lid. The nipple is screwed into the flat side of the tote instead of the curved side of the bucket.

 

[BallsEleven]

I've been using mine almost a yr and no cracks (3 buckets, 4 nipples each)

How many nipples are you screwing into one bucket?? Maybe the amount is compromising the plastic somehow?!?!

Also, my nipples don't have a gasket

Mine have nothing on the back, otherwise I'd recommend them!!!

I'm doing 3 on a 5 gallon bucket. It didn't seem too excessive.

 

[Hedgeland Farms]

I'm doing 3 on a 5 gallon bucket. It didn't seem too excessive.

No, no that does not lol...

Hmmmmm....

I've got no other ideas...
Hope you get it figured out!!
I'd die without my buckets