Essential non brewing equipment

[Elric]

Tube cutter- that’s my next HF purchase! My hose lines are all crooked and gnarly looking. I usually cut with my pocket knife.

I recently 3d printed a jig to use to ensure clean cuts specifically for evabarrier (or any 8mm hose), works fantastic and cost me pennies!

 

[greywolf]

Did anyone mention how important tunes are to the whole process? I can't just sit there listening the the hiss of the hellfire. And a good light is nice to see into the boil pot and when cleaning kegs. I brew in the shed and it can get dark in there.

 

[AzOr]

@seatazzz
Is this the one?

 

[bracconiere]

funny i was just installing drip irrigation today too!

 

[cayde1001]

@cayde1001 Im curious if you could explain how you attached the ball lock connectors to your pump? I assume they are the pop bottle thread right?

You are correct. The connectors are the stainless carb caps. They are threaded and fit the same adapter that a garden hose would connect to, or a soda bottle like you mention.

 

[El Duderino]

???
Are you royalty? My brew days are usually pretty busy cleaning equipment etc. Sometimes I’m cleaning or putting stuff away from the last time. Ok almost always.
I actually don’t mind though. It’s my alone time so just being alone Brewing is relaxing.

Nah, I BIAB. theres not a lot to to do while mashing and boiling other that sit in a comfy chair and have a beer.

 

[bjhbrew]

You are correct. The connectors are the stainless carb caps. They are threaded and fit the same adapter that a garden hose would connect to, or a soda bottle like you mention.

wait, You’re saying that garden hose and pop bottle thread is the same?? How did I not know this? Thanks, that’s helpful!

 

[smarch0]

Love these gloves for cleanup and moving hot wet things. Don't know what I did before them!

Grease Monkey Pro Cleaning PVC Coated (blue) - Large-24203-08 - The Home Depot

 

[Mad Mann]

I'll admit I'm helping us go down a small rabbit hole , but I have a Zep bottle like this one (except it is 32 oz), and I really don't like its rather coarse spray output. It really throws out the StarSans (more than desired). I previously had a similar "Lowes" brand spray bottle (also 32 oz), and I loved its finer mist. Sadly, I don't think the Lowes product is offered anymore. I am hoping that this Chapin sprayer can provide a similar fine spray. Funny how small differences can get under your skin sometimes!

How about an adjustable wallpaper remover? Before putting in wallpaper removal chemical!

 

[AzOr]

Love these gloves for cleanup and moving hot wet things. Don't know what I did before them!
View attachment 708877

Grease Monkey Pro Cleaning PVC Coated (blue) - Large-24203-08 - The Home Depot

I have something similar. They’re bbq gloves so they are slightly insulated. They’ve saved my hands a few times when pasteurizing ciders.

 

[pvpeacock]

My sump pump has been a time saver. I use it for cycling ice water through my immersion chiller for cool down, diy keg and fermenter cleaner, kegerator line cleaning, etc


View attachment 708802 View attachment 708803

Would you mind describing how you made this and provide a parts list? Also, do you clean kegs with it in a bucket or how?

 

[Knightshade]

Would you mind describing how you made this and provide a parts list? Also, do you clean kegs with it in a bucket or how?

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/another-diy-keg-fermenter-washer.666573/https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/i-made-a-keg-carboy-washer-out-of-a-utility-pump.665002/
I made something pretty similar to the first link. Outside of the ball lock connectors, all the parts you can get at your local home improvement store. I ended up with a couple of trips to Home Depot before I got it all figured out....but...that's just because I never do anything the easy way. If a job has a rough estimated time of X minutes, hours, etc., I'll easily end up taking up twice that amount of time.

 

[pvpeacock]

Thank you Knightshade.

 

[seatazzz]

@seatazzz
Is this the one?
View attachment 708861

Same concept but different brand. I love that thing.

 

[Gozie Boy]

Greywolf mentioned a light, and how right that is! This is what I use, all the time, between my brewery, keezer, and lots of other places. W

ith a XC4 or 6 battery, this lasts almost forever on a charge.

 

[AzOr]

Greywolf mentioned a light, and how right that is! This is what I use, all the time, between my brewery, keezer, and lots of other places. WView attachment 709006ith a XC4 or 6 battery, this lasts almost forever on a charge.

Doh!!
How could I forget my headlamp?!?!
I constantly have that thing on my head when brewing or just screwing around the garage or maintenance on the vehicles.

Btw- I’ve gone through quite a few brands and models before settling on this model. I love that it has a rechargeable battery but can also run on AAAs.

 

[cyto]

This hydraulic rolling cart has been a life saver for me. Due to spine problems I can't pick up anything heavy so I bought this and just slide things on and off of it to where they need to go. The fermenter stays on it until I empty it when bottling. BTW that is an imperial stout that I am bottling today.

 

[Bronco1500]

That thing is Sa-Weet! .... Ive thought of using an old ATV winch for lifting heavy pots, but yer method is more appropriate ....

 

[cyto]

That thing is Sa-Weet! .... Ive thought of using an old ATV winch for lifting heavy pots, but yer method is more appropriate ....

https://www.harborfreight.com/500-lbs-capacity-hydraulic-table-cart-61405.html

 

[cayde1001]

Would you mind describing how you made this and provide a parts list? Also, do you clean kegs with it in a bucket or how?

Sorry I missed this question. Looks like @Knightshade answered with some links that are very similar to mine. I built mine from a post I read on brulosophy, BruBlaster. They have a parts list too. I bought my pvc parts come the big box store and ordered the pump and cip online. I originally used a bucket lid to set the keg/carboy on but it was very flimsy, so I did another one out of a pizza pan and it was much sturdier.

 

[AzOr]

Harbor Freight has these on sale for 5 bucks. Seems like a great deal but I haven't checked them out yet. I was using one from Amazon and I dropped it off my counter. The nozzle part broke off. I ordered a replacement that evening. They really do come in handy. I've bottled a little bit straight from my tap (using Tapcooler filler) and I no longer use a starsan bath. I give each bottle a quick squirt and I'm ready.

 

[kxavier_23]

One gallon metal pitcher

View attachment 708805

Where’d you find this? Ask I can find is aluminum ones.

Looking for a gallon SS.

 

[madscientist451]

Essential equipment for me: a pint glass so I can sip some beer while I'm brewing.

 

[NGD]

Essential on early morning brews.

+1 on the headlamp.

 

[AzOr]

An episode dedicated to what we are discussing here.
When I saw this I immediately ordered the butterfly hose clamps. I had no idea these things existed. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit how many times I’ve jabbed my hand w a screwdriver trying to tighten hose clamps.
Another thing she mentions is microfiber cloths- I use the same ones. They have a million uses and are easy to clean.

 

[NGD]

Pro tip: Regular black sharpie will
come off with alcohol. Red sharpie is a PITA to get the last 10% off.
Sharpies labeled “industrial use” won’t come all the way off with anything I’m aware of.

I’m stealing the idea of using a garden sprayer. I’ve been through to many of those Zep hand sprayers.

 

[Spartan1979]

Where’d you find this? Ask I can find is aluminum ones.

Looking for a gallon SS.

I have two of the one gallon aluminum pitchers (the one in the pick is the same as mine and looks to be aluminum). They're handy in the brewery but it doesn't bother me that they're aluminum.

 

[Spartan1979]

An episode dedicated to what we are discussing here.
When I saw this I immediately ordered the butterfly hose clamps. I had no idea these things existed. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit how many times I’ve jabbed my hand w a screwdriver trying to tighten hose clamps.
Another thing she mentions is microfiber cloths- I use the same ones. They have a million uses and are easy to clean.

I use a nut driver to turn those clamps. Much easier to use than a screwdriver and safer.

 

[AzOr]

I use a nut driver to turn those clamps. Much easier to use than a screwdriver and safer.

Yeah that’s the smart thing to do. However I often choose the other option, especially when I’m in a hurry.

 

[TheBluePhantom]

Crack scale, and the big scale too...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HCKQG7G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1