Electric pump nozzle adapters for large balloons

[Mazilon]

I own a decent, run-of-the-mill electric balloon pump, which works wonderfully as a balloon pump, except that when trying to inflate larger balloons, the pump nozzle is way too small. For relatively small loons like 16-18 inchers, I can wrap my palm around the nozzle and form a somewhat airtight seal, but I've always struggled to do this for anything with a wider mouth.

I've searched several places on the 'net for a sort of "adapter" that would go right over a normal sized pump nozzle that would hold large balloons in place, but no luck. I've seen these being used in videos but cannot for the life of me figure out what they're called or where to buy one.. could someone point me in the right direction?

[LoneLoonRider]

You might be looking for this? https://www.balloons-united.com/en/a...n-valve-l.html

You can also make your own one-way valve to any size with PVC tubing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG6own141z0

[craggy2012]

They’re still somewhat leaky I’ve found and a big balloon will still blow one of these out of its neck unless you wrap a decent elastic band around it where the indent is.

[onemoreblow]

Try plumbing parts. They have sharp edges sometimes but you can always add a layer of electrical tape. Shoe lace or rubber band will hold the balloon on fine.

If you want to make a one way valve, cut the rear end off any balloon..... air can only pass one direction. It can't "suck back in".

[Mazilon]

Fantastic ideas! I'll give the DIY route a shot!

[BalloonBoyUK]

You might be looking for this? https://www.balloons-united.com/en/a...n-valve-l.html

Personally, those giant valves are a waste of money, I'm afraid. The're too big to be comfortably and safely used on giant balloons, as you really have to stretch the neck of the balloon so tightly, there's risk of damaging and tearing the latex.

They're also of absolutely no use for 24"-36", as they're way too big.

Personally, I would go to a DIY merchants, and see if they have any plastic one-way valves/tubing (in their bathroom and/or kitchen sections) that you can cobble together, for less than £5/$5, which is what I ended-up doing. Okay, it's not going to look great, but it more than does the job, and it's peanuts in monetary terms. A far better solution, in my view.

[john1bl]

Have you tried the 3D Print path?

[OverTheTop]

Have you tried the 3D Print path?

Just a warning, 3D printing usually results in porous and hollow parts. Unless you have direct access to a printer that you can choose the settings for, you're likely to end up with a part that isn't air-tight.

If you do have access to a printer, you'll want to set the flow rate 10% or so higher than usual, and you'll want to set infill to 100%. This will result in a part that's completely solid, and with fewer - if any - gaps between layers or extrusions.

[john1bl]

OverTheTop I don't know what type of printers you have worked with but I get air tight a 3 shells and 20% infill. I have printed a few balloon related things . I use PLA or PETG and not ABS because of the warping and splitting that ABS dose when not printed in a chamber.

[OverTheTop]

OverTheTop I don't know what type of printers you have worked with but I get air tight a 3 shells and 20% infill. I have printed a few balloon related things . I use PLA or PETG and not ABS because of the warping and splitting that ABS dose when not printed in a chamber.

Which slicer do you use? Some (simplify 3d for example) use a pretty low flow rate, which leads to gaps.