Bored through compression fitting issue

I picked up a 3/8 compression x 1/2 NPT fitting from brewers hardware a while back. I have finally got to the point I'm going to make my win fermenter cap for my Sane keg. I just bought a 3/8 retain less racking cane from my lhbs or so I thought. It turns out the cane is actually 0.387 not 0.375. Does anyone know if it would totally trash the guts of this thing if I drilled it out to a W drill (0.386 I figure it'll wobble out the last 0.001). Your ideas are welcome.

 

No problem that I can figure. You won't be able to use the metal ferrule but a few orings stacked up in there will do the same thing.

 

The metal ferrule is quite a bit larger than .387. It should compress quite nicely into the fitting and create a permanent seal.

This is how I've built all 4 CFC's I've built.

MC

 

I accidentally bought compression x NPT fittings for thermowells that weren't bored through. I looked into what it would take to do it myself, and at the very least you need a drill press and a cobalt bit. Ideally you'd want to polish inside the hole too. I decided against DIY because I have a very cheap drill stand and I wasn't confident of getting the hole straight.

 

It's really not that hard to drill out a compression fitting. I've locked the fitting into a bench vise and opened up a few with a handheld drill.

 

I've got access to awesome drill presses at work in my hangar. I don't think it'll be a big deal drilling out .012 inches anyway. It'd almost be like reaming it I figure. Thanks for the advice guys.

 

Sorry if this is a bit cheeky but -- if anyone fancies having a go drilling out a 1/4" tube x 1/2" compression fitting, I have 4 of them I want to get rid of! $20 plus postage takes them. They are the Parker single ferrule type, 316 stainless.

 

If you use a W drill it will be a PITA to get the cane through. I started with a W then used a 25/64" for mine. If you only snug the fitting then drill with a decent drill press you will be able to reuse the ferrule set. You can also do what Bobby stated too, use an o-ring; keep the front ferrule and replace back ferrule with an o-ring.

Tri-clover fitting not shown.

 

Cool, thanks. Glad it worked out well. After I get over this cold and am back to work ill chuck everything up with a 3/8 bit to center it up before I tighten up the drill press vise, then drill it out.

 

[sorry to hijack the thread a bit] Zeus, what is the rig on the end of your spunding valve? I am on the fence buying one and with all the different ways to pull it off I don't want to miss an option. Thanks [/hijack]

 

I'm gona guess that's an air chuck for pressure transferring to serving kegs.

 

Ah, ok thanks!

 

Yes it is a female air chuck to maintain about 2 psi during transfer.