Galvanized Washers...

[HoyaSaxa]

I am aware of the toxicity associated with the zinc in galvanized washers. My question is whether it would be appropriate to use them as spacers for the exterior of my MLT and BK when I add my ball valves?

I only have enough SS washers for the interior fittings, but I have plenty of galvanized washers sitting around. Since there should be no direct wort/washer contact for the outside of these vessels, it would seem that this is an appropriate use of galvanized washers. If I'm missing something or if there is a good reason to avoid galvanized washers for exterior applications, please let me know.

Thanks!

 

[Shooter]

I think they're fine for exterior use.

 

[Sawdustguy]

Unless you are licking up any wort that dripped on to the washers on the outside of you kettle you will be fine.

 

[weirdboy]

I had some on the outside of my MLT, but replaced them with SS because they inevitably got wort on then when I was transferring just from splashing and whatnot, and over time I got some rust there.

I also had some *internal* when I first built my MLT because the guy at the hardware store misrepresented the washers he sold me as SS when they were in fact galvanized. After mashing my first batch I had big orange stains in that spot.