electric element in 1/2 coupler

[quaboagbrewing]

Is there anyway to take advantage of an existing coupler to add an electric heating element rather then drilling another hole? My 15 Gallon Spike Brew Kettle has 2 bottom couplers and would be great if there was a 1/2 screw in element that I could add to the other.

 

[SmokeyMcBong]

I could be wrong but I think they're all universal inch and a quarter (weldless install)

 

[Maxkling]

1" NPS is the average water heater element thread. Haven't really seen anything different.

 

[sandyeggoxj]

Nope you'll have to drill another hole. Depending what you are trying to do you could go the heat stick route as well.

 

[Ravenshead]

Spike will weld a 1" NPS half coupler for a an element. You'll have to find a way to get it back to him but I'm sure they'd do it. Ben was really great to work with when I special ordered my kettle from him.

 

[quaboagbrewing]

Spike will weld a 1" NPS half coupler for a an element. You'll have to find a way to get it back to him but I'm sure they'd do it. Ben was really great to work with when I special ordered my kettle from him.

Not bad idea. Wonder if it would be cheaper to send back to them and have them weld the coupler vs buying a greenlee Knockout Punch Unit and doing it myself. I may shoot Ben an email and ask.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Not bad idea. Wonder if it would be cheaper to send back to them and have them weld the coupler vs buying a greenlee Knockout Punch Unit and doing it myself. I may shoot Ben an email and ask.

I would guess the shipping would get costly. Greenlee punches are great, but bring your check book.
maybe this knockout from HF...
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/keggle-drilling-what-kind-hole-saw-229967/index2.html#post2711493

Or a hole saw. Brew hardware sells a welding spud that is not that hard to silver solder on. Weldless with a gasket works as well.

 

[Ravenshead]

One thing to remember is your risk of screwing up. I've added many a fitting both silver-solder and weld-less to keg based pots and feel comfortable doing so because if something goes wrong I'm only out about $50. I don't feel as comfortable doing the same to a $300 pot. The skill set is the same but the consequences if you muck things up a quite a bit higher.

If you send it in for re-fitting than you transfer the risk back to Spike Brewing. The price you pay for this is shipping.