$2 Dip Tube

**Cacaman** · 12-08-2011, 02:52 AM

I'm sure 90%+ of the people here already know how to do this, but this worked out so well I figured I'd have to share it with everyone.

I bought a bulkhead from Bobby, and wanted to install a dip tube. I checked bargain fittings, but they had them for no less than $10, plus S&H.

I decided to go to Home Depot and try to see if I could figure something out, and sure enough, I found parts that fit like puzzle pieces in the bulk head for about $1 a piece. Everything is 1/2" in size. Here are photos:

This is the male adapter: $1.44

And this is the rest of the setup.

I already had a 12" piece of 1/2" copper pipe leftover from building a CFC, so I just had to buy the elbow and male adapter. I will be cutting he copper pipe enough so that it's at the center of the keg, and attach a piece of the leftover at the bottom of the 90 degree elbow. Hope this helps someone!

**jester5120** · 12-08-2011, 03:24 AM

good thinking. can't wait to see the finished product

**iijakii** · 12-08-2011, 03:32 AM

Three piece SS bling with a copper diptube? For shame

**Cacaman** · 12-08-2011, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iijakii

Three piece SS bling with a copper diptube? For shame

This. Hahaha

EarthBound · 12-08-2011, 01:44 PM

I'm guilty of mixing copper with SS, as well, in all my brewing vessels. Copper is just so easy to work with!

BTW, this is not a $2 dip tube. More like 7 or 8.

**Bobby_M** · 12-08-2011, 01:49 PM

I've always used copper for diptubes on my own system just out of cost and simplicity but I will admit that I just picked up a 5/8" tubing bender and will be converting to all stainless. The damn diptubes were the last of the non-stainless assembly.

Yes, I will be offering up stainless diptubes to go with the weldless valves. No, they won't be $2

Coldies · 12-08-2011, 02:44 PM

Exactly what I use. Shoot I have a SS valve, Brass quick connects (McMaster Carr), and a copper diptube. Ghetto fab! I dont really care what it looks like as long as it functions.

**Cacaman** · 12-08-2011, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EarthBound

I'm guilty of mixing copper with SS, as well, in all my brewing vessels. Copper is just so easy to work with!

BTW, this is not a $2 dip tube. More like 7 or 8.

Agreed!
I had a 12" piece of 1/2" copper laying around, which was more than enough, and I'm sure other people do too, making this cost about $2; otherwise, yes it would be about $7.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby_M

I've always used copper for diptubes on my own system just out of cost and simplicity but I will admit that I just picked up a 5/8" tubing bender and will be converting to all stainless. The damn diptubes were the last of the non-stainless assembly.

Yes, I will be offering up stainless diptubes to go with the weldless valves. No, they won't be $2

Let us know when they are out on the market (and the thermo/sight glass shields). Can't wait to blow another $100 in converting to stainless

**mccumath** · 12-08-2011, 06:40 PM

Bobby,

Certainly be interested in "test driving" one of those stainless dip tubes for you if you were to toss one in a little later this month when I order up my valve and sightglass for the keg I am polishing up (thanks for that too!).

Ryan M.

**Bobby_M** · 12-09-2011, 03:39 PM

I think the ship has sailed on stainless sight glass protector tubes. I spent a lot of time last year trying to find a fabricator that could make very neat slots in tubing. Ironically, I even called shops that claimed "custom slotting" and "tubing specialists" and none of them took the job.

Test driving a stainless dip tube huh? I'm afraid it didn't take much more than one or two bends before I mastered it so there aren't too many prototypes floating around.