DIY Mash Tun - Build problems

TheMattTrain · Dec 26, 2013

Hey folks. I'm newish to brewing. I did some extract stuff a few years ago and recently started brewing with a buddy of mine who does all grain. I'm in the process of collecting everything I need to brew on my own, but I'm stuck on my mash tun.

I followed these directions (https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/cheap-easy-10-gallon-rubbermaid-mlt-conversion-23008/) but am having a problem with the connections... I've figured out that what I needed to do was put more spacers on the outside of the cooler, however, I tightened everything too much to get it loose... any ideas? I thought about liquid wrench, but I'm hesitant to put chemicals down inside the mash tun.

To this point, I've only tried loosening it with two adjustable crescent wrenches. I brought home a socket wrench from work, but it wasn't the right size. I'm planning on trying again tomorrow with a different size, but was hoping someone might be able to give me an idea so I can get this dealt with sooner than later.

Thanks!

palys2 · Dec 26, 2013

Try adding a little heat to the connections. I would try some boiling water to heat the brass fittings, and see if that helps. If not, you could carefully heat using a torch, making sure not to get it too hot.

tracyk · Dec 26, 2013

Put a cheater bar on the crescent wrenches! Find something to slip over the end of your crescent wrenches to give you more torque. It might make it easier to get off. Just a thought.

Stealthcruiser · Dec 26, 2013

Bring home the right size socket, preferably one for the inside and outside, and get someone to hold the cooler for you whilst you break them loose.

If you have the option, use 6 point sockets vs. a 12 point socket, so ya' don't dick up the flats on the nuts.

Keep the sockets squarely on the nuts.

In the event you think the threads might be "galled", try going SLIGHTLY in the tightening direction, then loosen.

Edit:.........The almost boiling water might help you out along with the above mentioned.

Good luck!

TheMattTrain · Jan 3, 2014

I hate to bring up a dead thread but I wanted to update anyone who cares. I ended up getting a socket that fit on one side and used a crescent wrench on the outside. I put all of my weight on the crescent and it loosened up for me. Added about 5 fender washers for spacers and it works like a dream now. Used it for my first batch at home on New Years Day... got a Wee Heavy fermenting now!