camlocks hard to close?

scottvin · May 3, 2012

I recently got some camlocks and I find they are hard to close. One side closes fine but the other does not. It's nearly impossible to close both sides at the same time.. is there a trick?

Thanks!

stalewater · May 3, 2012

I've been using camlocks for a while when they are new thier hard to close no trick just break them in.

Hammy71 · May 3, 2012

Yeah, they just need worked in. Also, if they have the rubber gasket, I would replace with a silcone one.

stalewater · May 4, 2012

I second that bargain fittings has the silicone gasket as well as a bunch more great deals

JadeMonkeyStang · May 4, 2012

I just got my first set of camlocks from Brew Hardware and they are a bit stiff (a couple of them take a good bit of force to close) but after a couple of on/off cycles I can already tell they're getting easier to close. Mine have the rings on the end of the cams that make them easier to open, I don't know if yours do or not but if not you might be able to add some. The Brew Hardware camlocks also have the silicone gasket and look to be excellent quality; I couldn't be happier with my purchase and I can't wait to start brewing with them!

robbiex0r · May 4, 2012

Close them together, both sides at the same time. Don't do left side, then right side.

Bobby_M · May 4, 2012

Very true on the both sides at the same time thing. Closing one side cocks the other side further out of alignment making it really tough.

iijakii · May 4, 2012

I have two camlocks (out of like 7) that I can't physically close them at the same time - the left is always way too stiff. I have to close it first, then the right. I'm going to try leaving them locked for a week or something and see if that helps.

Bobby_M · May 4, 2012

Have you found it to be the female coupling part that is the issue or is it the male side with the recess too far from the face of the connector? There's probably a workaround like grinding a little off the cams but replacing with a thinner gasket or oring is probably easier.