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Bisco_Ben · 05-14-2012, 09:26 PM

I have a kettle that I use for my 10 gallon batches and it is roughly 12 gallons. I have in the past sanitized a pitcher and transferred the wort that way but it is as you can imagine a pain in the ass and life would be much better if I could easily install a valve/spigot on this thing. What would you guys say is the easiest and most cost-effective way to go about getting a hole drilled and valve system set-up?

**mattmcl** · 05-14-2012, 09:32 PM

You will need a ball valve kit, try brewershardware.com. And a step bit and electric drill. Search the site here, there are loads of posts about it. The ball valve kit is maybe $20, another $20 for the step bit, unless you can borrow one. WELL worth the effort.

**tre9er** · 05-14-2012, 09:38 PM

Or bargainfittings.com. He has some nice bulkhead kits and $5 flat-rate shipping.

Bisco_Ben · 05-14-2012, 09:40 PM

Is a step-bit drill something that an ordinary carpenter would have? Getting the hole in there is my biggest concern and I would like to not have to spend money on a part that I may never necessarily use again.

**mattmcl** · 05-14-2012, 09:48 PM

Bargainfittings.com!!! That's the site I meant.

Yeah, a carpenter might have one. Is your kettle aluminum or stainless? The following method can be used on either, but in stainless you'll have to be very patient. You'll still need a Dremel with a stainless routing bit though. Mark where the hole should be, drill a pilot hole with a regular bit, then VERY carefully use the Dremel to cut out the hole.

A metalworker/welder might have a step bit, not likely for a carpenter. Auto body shop maybe.

barryfine · 05-14-2012, 09:51 PM

Bargainfittings.com also sells a step drill bit for $15 that works great. I just built a keggle using all parts from that site and I'm very happy with the results.

**JoshuaW** · 05-14-2012, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattmcl

You will need a ball valve kit, try brewershardware.com. And a step bit and electric drill. Search the site here, there are loads of posts about it. The ball valve kit is maybe $20, another $20 for the step bit, unless you can borrow one. WELL worth the effort.

Yup, BobbyM is the way to go! I am very happy with my valve and sight glass (you should add a sight glass as well!). You can snag a step bit at Lowes for $15 or so, and you could probably return it... I wouldn't recommend that though, you will find another use for it.

barryfine · 05-14-2012, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshuaW

Yup, BobbyM is the way to go! I am very happy with my valve and sight glass (you should add a sight glass as well!). You can snag a step bit at Lowes for $15 or so, and you could probably return it... I wouldn't recommend that though, you will find another use for it.

Bobby's site is actually http://www.brewhardware.com/. He has lots of great stuff and some great tutorials as well. When I'm ready to upgrade I'm definitely picking up his thermometer/sight glass combo.

BrokenArmBrewing · 05-14-2012, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshuaW

Yup, BobbyM is the way to go! I am very happy with my valve and sight glass (you should add a sight glass as well!). You can snag a step bit at Lowes for $15 or so, and you could probably return it... I wouldn't recommend that though, you will find another use for it.

Boo on that advise! Buy it and keep it...screw that mentality of buy, use and return. I am an employee and share holder....not cool man. Not cool.

Ok, now that I got that off my chest, Sorry for the rant, and +1 for mentioning Lowe's and not the dirty Depot!

rweeks · 05-14-2012, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barryfine

Bargainfittings.com also sells a step drill bit for $15 that works great. I just built a keggle using all parts from that site and I'm very happy with the results.

I bought a cheapo from Harbor Freight that has drilled a mess of holes in my keggles.