Dry Hopping: SS ball bearings instead of marbles

two_hearted · Mar 24, 2011

Anyone use SS ball bearings, nuts or other hardware in lieu of marbles to weigh down their mesh bag while dry hopping? I can't see any downside to this other than a tiny price difference.

I've heard rumblings or not-so-great things (lead) in marbles manufactured in China and prefer not to consume any.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FMWECU/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

BendBrewer · Mar 24, 2011

I have some big nuts that I use all the time.

Yeah, I said it.

Slurm · Mar 24, 2011

I'd expect ball bearings to be fine, but would avoid anything like nuts/bolts with places for crud to collect.

tasq · Mar 24, 2011

I've used bearing and washers with great success.

Golddiggie · Mar 24, 2011

I've got a bag of big chrome balls that I could use... Heavy mothers too... :ban:

Just be careful if you're dropping it into a glass carboy. Don't want it to hit the bottom too hard. If in a PET carboy, you should be fine...

I'm still trying to decide if I should bag my dry hops, or let them roam free...

two_hearted · Mar 24, 2011

Cool dudes, thanks for the info. I figured it would be a good idea, but whenever I assume something will be fine I usually read up on here and learn something new or better.

Golddiggie · Mar 24, 2011

My only concern would be if you use the bag in a carboy... That's why it's looking more like I'll let mine swim free.

Misplaced_Canuck · Mar 24, 2011

Uhmn, I have a bunch of spare pinball's...

M_C

conpewter · Mar 24, 2011

I use the stainless ball bearings out of sanke keg tubes, works great.

Bubba · Mar 24, 2011

I just throw a couple of spoons right in the bag.

Adamb258 · Mar 24, 2011

Bubba said:
I just throw a couple of spoons right in the bag.

wow great idea! Sanitized SS spoons would be super easy and one less thing to keep up with when not in use.

samc · Mar 24, 2011

If you are bagging hops and using a carboy, think carefully about the size and shape of what you toss inside to weigh the bag down. What goes in dry can be a PITA to remove when soaked with wort and holding an odd shaped object. Experienced a bag ripping event way back in the early days.

Adamb258 · Mar 24, 2011

Good call. I use buckets though so I can throw in a Chinese star if I wanted i guess

Dry Hopping: SS ball bearings instead of marbles

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