I've searched a bit through this thread, but haven't found anything that addresses the fact that Home Depot 10 gallon coolers have a larger opening now, and the 3/8" size is no where close to what is needed.
Has anyone built one recently with this new cooler, and if so, did you just increase the size of all the parts?
What's the difference between brass and stainless. I've bad things about brass fittings. Even though some of those fittings say lead free they are not.
I've searched a bit through this thread, but haven't found anything that addresses the fact that Home Depot 10 gallon coolers have a larger opening now, and the 3/8" size is no where close to what is needed.
Has anyone built one recently with this new cooler, and if so, did you just increase the size of all the parts?
I was struggling with getting my 5 gallon Rubbermaid/Home Depot cooler HLT to seal properly with 3/8" fittings (although my MLT did seal OK eventually) - I gave up and just ordered a couple of 1/2" S/S kits from a brewing vendor (I forget which), which I eventually got to work right - you need thread tape on the inside fittings as well as the outside one. I think these kits were probably cheaper than buying the components at Home Depot as there isn't the waste of money and time trying to get the right bits that fit.
I could have sourced the parts myself I think, but it would've taken a lot longer...
You may have answered the question i came to ask, can half inch nipples fit through the hole properly?
I ask because after going to the brew store to look at some Cam lock's i realized that my 3/8 barb makes it basically impossible to hook a camlock up to it.
Actually while writing this i realized for my kettle i ordered a 1/2" nipple that was too long and made my ball valve stick way out...maybe just maybe i can find that!
is a Fender washer mandatory, or would a flat washer work?
All I need is that O ring (which HD carries but were sold out of) and I'm good to go.
fosaisu said:Do the Home Depot Rubbermaid 10 gallon coolers generally stand flat, or do they tend to rock a little bit? The one I just picked up does, and I'm trying to decide if I should return it or just live with it
Do the Home Depot Rubbermaid 10 gallon coolers generally stand flat, or do they tend to rock a little bit? The one I just picked up does, and I'm trying to decide if I should return it or just live with it
My brass nipple on the right in that picture is much too small to fit securely into that seal on the left (top).
You've definitely got the wrong nipple. And, by extension, your valves, couplings, etc will be wrong, too. Sorry.
Do these still cost ~$90 to build?
msa8967 said:Depends on where you buy your stuff. I bought my 48 quart cooler off of Craig's list for $10 and the remaining hardware from Menards under $30. However, this is using a stainless steel braid from a water supply line hose. I have sewn some braid covers from voile cloth to help with filter the wort from the grain. I secure the open end with a zip tie and I have never had a stuck mash with this system.
I just finished mine, and had first tried to get these parts, unsuccessfully, at Home Depot.
The problem is that you need a washer with a 5/8" hole, and a maximum outside diameter of not much more than 1", or it won't fit on the inside of the cooler (the spout hole is close to the bottom). And it has to be pretty rigid and thick just to do its job of holding the washer down tight. I don't know if "fender washer" specifically means something with that small outside to inside diameter ratio and still fairly thick... but if it does, then you need a fender washer.
Other people with access to shop tools have started with a flat washer and have drilled the central hole larger.
Others have mentioned bargainfittings.com, which has the washers and your o-rings. And these parts are a lot easier to find on bargainfittings.com than on McMaster Carr's website. That's what I'd do if your local option doesn't pan out.
Tutsbrew said:...Wish I'da read this post before spending $ at Home Depot...
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