Quick verdict
A kit that includes the 1.5 inch hole saw, leak-proof gaskets and fittings needed to join two or more plastic rain barrels so they fill and empty together. Including the saw and spare blades is what makes it useful; most linking kits assume you own one. It works on plastic and wooden barrels, not metal drums.
Strengths
- Includes a 1.5 inch hole saw plus spares for additional installs
- Heavy gaskets seal between barrels without leaks
- Joins two or more barrels to multiply storage
- Works on plastic and wooden barrels
- Also suits fitting diverters and spigots
Weaknesses
- Not for metal drums
- Barrels must sit level and close together
- Generic brand; check gasket fit on thick-walled barrels
The overall YardToolLab Score is out of 100. Section scores are out of 10.
One Barrel Is Never Enough
A 55 gallon barrel fills in a single modest storm and is empty after two days of watering. Linking barrels multiplies storage without a second downspout. NBPLUS’s kit supplies what most linking kits omit: the 1.5 inch hole saw to make the openings, with spares, plus gaskets and fittings that seal between barrels. It also serves for cutting holes for diverters and spigots.
This review is based on the listing specifications and on how low-level barrel linking works generally. We have not installed this kit ourselves and the brand is a generic importer.
How Linking Works
Barrels are joined near the bottom so water equalises between them: both fill together as rain comes in and both drain together when you open a spigot. That is better than overflow linking, where the second barrel fills only once the first is brimming and each needs its own tap. The gaskets seal the hole in each barrel and the connector bridges the gap.
What Is in the Kit
A 1.5 inch hole saw with two spares, two leak-proof gaskets and the connecting hardware. The spare saws matter because barrel plastic dulls cutters and because once you have linked two barrels you will want to add a diverter or a second spigot.
Installation
Set the barrels level and a few inches apart, mark matching holes near the base, cut with the hole saw in a drill, press in the gaskets, fit the connector and tighten. Owners of similar kits report the job taking under an hour. Level is essential; a barrel an inch lower pulls on the connection and seals slowly fail.
Compatibility
Plastic and wooden barrels are suitable. Metal drums are excluded because the saw and gaskets are designed for softer, thicker walls. Very thick or sharply curved walls may seal better with a bulkhead fitting.
Durability
Gasket seals last for years if the barrels do not shift. Owners recommend checking the joint after the first few fills and retightening once the gasket settles.
Who Should Buy It
- Anyone adding a second or third rain barrel to one downspout.
- DIYers without a hole saw who need one for diverters and spigots too.
- Gardens that empty a single barrel in a couple of days.
Common Owner Complaints
Leaks from barrels that were not level and gaskets that needed retightening after settling. Both are installation issues.
Alternatives to Consider
Bulkhead fittings with a short hose join barrels robustly if you already own a hole saw. Overflow linking with a simple hose is cheaper but less useful. Rain barrel brands sell matched linking kits for their own barrels.
Verdict
By including the hole saw and spares, this kit makes linking barrels a one-purchase job and leaves you equipped to add spigots and diverters. Set the barrels level, retighten after the first fill and your storage doubles for the price of a few fittings.
Full specifications
NBPLUS Rain Barrel Hose Connector Linking Kit with Hole Saw and Gaskets FAQs
Linking near the bottom lets both barrels fill and drain together, so one spigot draws from the full volume. Overflow linking fills the second barrel only after the first is full.
Yes, within an inch or so, or water simply flows to the lower one and the connection stays under stress.
Yes, with a second kit or spare gaskets, daisy-chaining each barrel to the next.
The gaskets suit typical rotomoulded barrels. Very thick or very curved walls may need a bulkhead fitting instead.
