Zinc plated washer.

[iggy_fenton]

I apologize if this has been posted before. I could not find the thread if it has. I just finished my cooler/mashtun conversion. I could not find the correct size SS fender washer for the inside of the cooler so I substituted a zinc plated one istead. Will this work? Will it have an adverse effect on the mash? Thanks in advance!

 

[Funkenjaeger]

do NOT use zinc-plated washers.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=19413 (read post #6)
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=48992

I used one on the OUTSIDE part of my cooler MLT conversion, where it will not be in direct contact with the wort, and even though it's only touched a tiny amount of wort (just a few drops here and there from leaking a little) and some water during cleaning, it looks pretty nasty - I wouldn't ever want that going into my wort. Finding SS washers can be a pain, but it's a necessary evil.

 

[FishFace]

I had a similar problem, even with SS washers that were resized. So I looked around ye olde shoppe and saw a sheet of HDPE 1/4" thick. To the drill press I go with a couple of bits. Cut the inside hole first. Then use a hole saw to release the new "washer". Now on my MT I no longer have any metal accept copper, silver solder.

 

[gunnarmm]

I used a zinc washer for one batch of beer and it was severely degraded after only a 60 min mash. All of the zinc is gone off of the washer (its in my beer now) and there is rust on it.

I went to Fastenall after this and found a stainless washer. I was unable to find one anywhere else.