I wanted to keep the setup from falling to the bottom or messing up the bead of sealant. The second string tied to the washer in the picture is simply for control. Place sealant on the barrel-side of the locknut and then feed the washer and locknut into the barrel. I then fed the string through the 3/4' brass locknut and tied the end to another washer larger than the locknut. I taped a magnetic retriever to a broom handle and fished the washer out of the hole at the top of the barrel. I tied a small washer to a length of string and inserted it through the drilled hole at the bottom of the barrel. So I had to fit everything through the 2' holes. Installing the spout took a little ingenuity because I wanted to keep the integrity of the holes in the top of the barrel. The diverter could be extended away from the downspout with a section of 3' PVC pipe to add a little more flexibility. This will give you the final position of your spout. The diverter has a limited distance from the downspout so make sure that you consider the distance from the downspout and position of the holes on top. The threaded PVC male adapter that I used has to be used on the fine threaded hole. The barrel that I use had one course threaded and one fine threaded hole.

Also, take into account the position of the holes at the top of the barrel. The distance of the hole from the bottom of the barrel depends on the amount of clearance that will be needed when the barrel is finally installed. A bit of planning before drilling is suggested at this point. Drill a hole using a 3/4' spade bit a couple of inches from the bottom of the barrel.

Rain barrel spout diverter