My Fortune for One 5/8" Stainless Steel Fender Washer!

JimE · 01-30-2010, 04:42 PM

I've built my 10 gallon, Rubbermaid MLT; and I'm ready to start my 1st AG brew. However, I used a steel (coated) fender washer on the inside since I could not find a stainless steel (SS) one. Would I jeopardize my wort if I use the steel washer? I don't want to taint the wort.

I have been unsuccessful in procuring a SS washer. I've tried Lowe's, HD, Ferguson, and some plumbing supply houses. Fastenal is wholesale. Any suggestions?

Does anyone here have an extra I could buy???

DrinksWellWithOthers · 01-30-2010, 05:09 PM

Have you tried Fastenal yet? I've been buying stuff from them for years. I don't own a business or have an account but as long as you pay cash they don't mind.

Agent Brew · 01-30-2010, 05:38 PM

Had the same problem. Found a product at Home Depot called "create-a-bolt" made by crown bolt, inc. It's 4 pcs of each, 5/8 SS nuts, flat washer and lock washer. Paid about $3.50 for the kit. They were located near all the other nuts and bolts in a bright orange box. I couldn't find a picture on the net to post. Hope this helps.

shortyjacobs · 01-30-2010, 07:32 PM

Does your Lowes have any SS washers? They are usually in the "specialty fasteners" section

I know I bought some 3/4" ones at my Lowes.

If not, let me know, I'll swing buy, pick up a couple, and send them to you.

Edit: oh yeah, and to answer your question, the zinc plated washers are **** for acidic wort....get an SS for sure... (I am normally not an SS guy, I have all brass and copper fittings, I don't give a crap about bling, but everything I've seen says zinc=bad)

**DeafSmith** · 01-30-2010, 08:13 PM

I couldn't find one either, so I used a brass washer (had to ream it out a little to fit). Used the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide mix to remove the surface lead before I used it.

sagnew440 · 01-30-2010, 08:20 PM

I got mine from fastenal. It sucks that you have to buy a 10 pack, but it was only like $9. You never know when you'll need more, or if some body else is looking for them.

schristian619 · 01-30-2010, 08:29 PM

Check out some marine stores, thats where I got mine. I tried HD, Lowes, Ace, etc and was directed to the marina and found them at the first shop.

BA_from_GA · 01-30-2010, 08:47 PM

i chased the same rabbit a few months back. I checked with my fastenal rep from work... they could get me 100 fender washers, home depot and lowes and even the local "we have it all" hardware store... they didn't have it.

ended up finding a hardware package at home depot, Crown Bolt INC.'s create-a-bolt. for use with 5/8 threaded rod, came w/ 4 stainless steel nuts, 4 lock washers, and 4 fender washers.

hope that helps.

**ajf** · 01-30-2010, 08:50 PM

I have a True Value a couple miles from home. It's 1 /50th the size of Home Depot or Lowes, but seems to stock 50 times as much stuff (including SS fender washers).

-a.

ezerhoden · 01-30-2010, 10:50 PM

I might have an extra one. my local Fastenal sold me a few of them. I had no idea they are wholesale only. I could probably put one in a regular envelope and mail it off. Drop me a pm and if I locate one I will send it off. I think I needed to use two. Let me know what size. I have a 5 gallon cooler and I don't know if they use a different size.