Recent content by the_merlin

Looks like a combination of too much sun and too much water - on the bicycle seat! :o

I will eventually get a cable lock so that I can keep my child out of the beer. I think I have more to worry about from a loose ball bouncing around in the garage or accidently bumping into a tap handle that may make cleaning up the beer aggravating. I've been considering using cable locks to...

I'm new, but here are my thoughts. The title needs to be modified. This isn't a simple process from those that haven't brewed before. The author should have brewed using extract (not all grain). It requires less time and less equipment. I would have used a recipe that would allowed for dry...

The Better Bottle became much more useful to me once I was able to install the cheap spigot valve at the bottom, not the expensive Better Bottle one. See this thread: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/ported-5-gallon-better-bottle-valve-where-buy-115673/#post1413773

Go ahead and get the Perlick 525SS faucets. That is the newer model. You can get those from Rapids Wholesale. I would get 5/16" gas line. Also, I would consider getting a shank that is longer than 3". There needs to be enough of the shank inside the chest freezer in order to cool the faucet...

Same here. I built a stir plate and haven't been able to utilize it due to my stir bar constantly being thrown even at its lowest speed. Thanks for this thread. HBT does it again.

Thanks for being sympathetic with me. You are right in that shipping costs could double or triple the cost of one shank. You know, building a nice kegerator is very expensive and time consuming. For all the work and money I've invested, I want it look very presentable. This may seem like a...

Sorry, need to rant here a little, and maybe save others a headache or two. The service I've gotten from Beverage Factory is unacceptable in my opinion. I recently ordered 5 of the same shanks. However, when the ordered arrived, I found 5 shanks of different lengths, barbs that were either...

I used this 1" hole saw: DEWALT at Lowe's: 1" High Carbon Steel Hole Saw Drill Bit It was very easy to cut through. I have to disagree with the link to the other thread. I just can't understand all the concern around putting holes in Bettle Bottles. What do you think your primary bucket...

Go ahead and buy the better bottle valve and plastic tubing for $45. I did this for $3. I do think everyone should try this. It's very easy. I hope to explain it clearly and concisely. You'll need Keg Lube, about 5' of finishing line, a small piece of wood like a tongue depressor or a paint...

I wanted to give everyone an update. I decided to buy the regular non-ported better bottle. I drilled a 1 inch hole into the bottle, so I had better figure out a way to install the $3 spigot onto the bottle. My first 2 attempts failed, but the 3rd idea worked like a charm. Gaskets...

My 1986 chest freezer that has been operating as my keezer died over the weekend. Although I did have some refurbishing and build money in it, I did get the old freezer for free. But now I am going to be purchasing a new chest freezer and starting a new build. I have a couple questions for...

You need to drink 12+ beers to get your bar to spin.