Putting Weldless Fitting on HELP!

HalfPint · 10-25-2009, 09:01 AM

Alright, I've been wanting to put some weldless fittings from bargainfittings.com (http://www.greatbargain.net/order/shop1.html) on my keggle for a while, but I'm too cheap to buy a step bit (they're $30+ at Lowes/Hd.) I see it says start with 13/16 and work your way to 7/8 to make best fit. I've done some research and most people say that you should use a step bit. Can I use a standard drill bit or will those make leaks? should I not even attempt to do this until I get a step bit?

Any recomendations/personal experiences are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
J

mordantly · 10-25-2009, 09:14 AM

it's best to use carbide in a twist drill or hole saw .875 (7/8"). measure where to put it acurately. mine could have been another .1" higher so the locknut would clear the bottom weld. pre drill with say 1/8". then go for it. use a lot of cutting oil and medium pressure when machining stainless. debur hole each side, put together in fill with water atleast halfway to check for leaks. i had no leaks until i filled it with ~7 gallons...

**Duckfoot** · 10-25-2009, 02:20 PM

Harbor Freight has less expensive step bits that work just fine...

Here... And they are usually on sale every other week or so...

Good luck!

**OG2620** · 10-25-2009, 02:22 PM

I used a step bit on my 15G aluminum kettle and I have no leaks. I personally felt that I had a better shot at a good install with a step bit.

Any buddies of yours that can loan you a bit for the job?

mordantly · 10-25-2009, 02:41 PM

mine because of the nut just not clearing the weld, the o-ring wasn't crushed enough. but better dribble water than beer.

**jkarp** · 10-25-2009, 03:20 PM

I used a 7/8" hole bit on my aluminium kettle. Few seconds with a file afterwords to clean the hole up and it was good to go.

**TXCurtis** · 10-25-2009, 03:55 PM

Rather than cutting oil, use the garden hose.

The killer of bits and work hardener of stainless is heat.

Have your garden hose set up so that the cutting area is receiving constant water and the cutting area will remain cool. Set your drill to low - maintain firm and constant pressure. Drill 1/8 or so pilot hole, then use the step bit.

If you have an appropriately sized standard bit you should be fine as long as it's suited to cutting stainless. Just use plenty of bits to step up the size of the hole.

Cheap harbor freight step bit went through 2 kegs like they were butter with this method.

mvdilts · 10-25-2009, 04:06 PM

+2 on the Harbor Freight bits. I purchased a set of 3 for ~$10 on sale if I recall. I've made 3-4 holes in kegs with them so far and they're still going strong.

HalfPint · 10-25-2009, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvdilts

+2 on the Harbor Freight bits. I purchased a set of 3 for ~$10 on sale if I recall. I've made 3-4 holes in kegs with them so far and they're still going strong.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91616
Is that the set you bought?
Are those big enough to put on a weldless fitting from bargain fittings?

HalfPint · 10-25-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkarp

I used a 7/8" hole bit on my aluminium kettle. Few seconds with a file afterwords to clean the hole up and it was good to go.

When you say hole bit, are you talking about one of these?
http://doitbest.com/Drill+Bits-Irwin-model-373078BX-doitbest-sku-345954.dib