Sandbags Vs. Rubber Weights
7:32 am
Making the decision about what type of weight is needed for a job is an important aspect of pipe and drape installation. Both rubber weights and sandbags serve as added weight and anchoring options for pipe and drape assemblies, each have their own set of pros and cons:
RUBBER WEIGHTS
Pros:
- Convenience: Rubber weights can be easier to handle, transport, and store due to their rigid, block-like nature. They easily stack and store like bricks indoors or out.
- Not-messy: They don’t create a mess and are generally cleaner to handle than sandbags.
- Durable: Rubber weights are durable and can withstand wear and tear better than some other options (such as a typical sandbag). The mere fact they are basically rubberized bricks and weather resistant is a huge plus.
- Less likely to be “borrowed.” For a number of reasons, including the fact that they have one very specific use, rubber weights just aren’t as desirable or flexible. They can be made with slots that allow for the vertical pipe and drape base, a groove to straddle a scenic jack/stabilizer, or smaller ones can be shaped like a brick to wrap multiples around a truss base. While these are desirable customizations, they may make them unappealing to people to “borrow” for other uses.
- Upcycled Product: Rubber Weights are made by collecting old rubber items like tires and belts, shredding them into smaller pieces, mixing these with additives and new rubber, heating the blend, and molding the finished weight. This eco-friendly product reduces waste, offering a sustainable alternative to new rubber production.
- Outdoor Use: Rubber Weights are inherently waterproof in nature and do not absorb water. They can even be hosed off with water if they become muddy and dirty.
Cons:
- Limited Weight Selection: Rubber weights are made in a costly manufactured metal mold. Thus, size, shape, and weight require a capital expense before the manufacturing process even begins. However, sandbags are cut, sewn and filled with sand allowing for a quicker, straight-forward manufacturing process. They can be easily altered to meet varying needs.
- Versatility: Since rubber weights are molded rigid product, they can’t bend fold or mold into a specific space. They do come in different heights, shapes, sizes, and intended use. However, for very windy conditions or situations requiring a lot of stability, rubber weights might not provide enough anchoring power.
SANDBAGS
Pros:
- Weight: Sandbags can be built to vary in size, weight, and shape. The most common weight is 25 lbs. (11.4 kilos). The 25 pound sandbags are easy to carry; can be carried one in each hand to quickly add more weight, and offer better stability in any condition. There are small 10-15 lb. bags to hold open a door or weigh down a prop. On the other end of the spectrum, there are 50lb bags made like a vertical “sausage” made to tie off to a rope for a vertical counterweight.
- More Versatility: As sandbags are made of a flexible durable fabric material, they inherently offer some ability to conform their soft shape to the shape of the base or pole they are placed on for added weight. They can be placed in various configurations to maximize stability. Theatrical style sandbags are most commonly available in what’s known as a “two-saddle” version.
- Cost-effective: They are often more affordable than rubber weights, especially when considering the amount of weight and flexibility they can provide.
Cons:
- Can be Messy: Sandbags can leak and spill sand, creating a mess during handling and transportation and making them in need of repair or replacement. The quality of the fabric and liners of sandbags reduces the risk of damage.
- Grows legs: Sandbags are one of the most “shared” pieces of equipment found at any event with multiple vendors working on the same production. They are used by sound, lights, scenic, tents, to name a few, and it’s not uncommon for one trade to pick up a sandbag to hold a door open and the next thing it’s lost by one vendor and is in another company’s truck.
- Less Desirable outdoors: Most sandbags are not waterproof. If sandbags get wet or soaked, they do require more time and effort to dry out. Further, if the sand is not sealed in a plastic liner the sand itself can remain wet and begin to mold. Even the type of sand used in the manufacturing process can make a difference. Mason, road or landscape sand if used can include biological materials that can promote mold and bacteria in the right conditions. Better quality sand is graded, washed and dried.