Grainfather lid clips

[Merkit]

Received the other day a brand new GF30. When setting it up, I noticed that one of the clips that holds the lid on had come away. On closer inspection, I noticed that it's just 3 tiny spot welds that hold these lid clips on. And the downward force that these clips exert on the lid is pretty substantial. Anyone else had these clips failing?

FWIW the retailer I bought this from contacted Grainfather, who are arranging for a replacement unit to be sent out and the "faulty" one picked up.

I'm thinking that to stop this from happening again, I'm going to put a 300mm hose clamp around the bottom of the clips. I don't trust spot welding!

 

[redrocker652002]

I have a used G30 and I have not used the clips at all yet. Putting the lid on during the boil seems to cause a boil over, so I leave it off. I put it on during the mash, but to be honest, I don't think it really does anything.

 

[Broken Crow]

Visible in the picture are 4 more spots that look like attempted welds... clearly. based on the bends in both the clip and the vessel, it was welded on too low. From what I've seen and read of Grainfathers, this is a first (and I read a LOT and manhandle everything in my LHBS). What I know of and have seen of them is a very well built unit and it looks like you got a very rare flawed one. Honestly; A hose-clamp would not just be ugly, but un-needed overkill. When those clips are welded in properly, they are completely reliable... just wait for your replacement and you'll likely 'feel' it for yourself.