Hop Taco question

[eulipion2]

Hello,
I built a "Hop Taco" (Hop Pocket, Hop Tostada, etc) for my system out of two splatter screens and some stainless steel jewelry wire. Sewing with SS wire is ridiculously difficult, so I had some gaps. That said, the device worked beautifully, but like others, I'm having trouble cleaning it. Also, I forgot it at the Big Brew site today, so I'll probably have to build a new one.

As such, my questions regarding build v2.0 are thus:

1.) Would nylon thread be able to withstand boiling temps without degradation? If not, is there some kind of food-safe high temp thread I could use instead of steel?

2.) Instead of sewing the splatter guards together, could I use rivets or, more conveniently for cleaning, snaps? Could I sew snaps on with the same theoretical thread mentioned in question 1 or would I need stacker snaps?

For the first question, take into account, my dip tube is a very short 90º angle, so I ran silicone tubing from my dip to the device. The flexible tubing along with the rolling boil allowed the device to move off to the side, not staying on the hot bottom.

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[pjj2ba]

I don't know if they would work on the splatter screens, but I use a bunch of stainless steel split rings (1 1/4" or 1 1/2"). My screen is simply a rectangle of SS mesh that I folded over and use the split rings to seal up. I have a simple hole in the mesh for my pick up tube. Easy to assemble, disassemble AND CLEAN

 

[eulipion2]

Are split rings like the thing on my keychain? That seems tedious! All the same, I guess being able to get it open is better than leaving it wired shut.

 

[pjj2ba]

Yes, but bigger. The first few times you put them on they can be a little stiff, but now mine go on pretty easily. I start at the fold to get them on more easily, then slide them down into place. I use over a dozen on my filter and it takes me maybe 2 min., if that, to put them all on. Clean up is a BREEZE

 

[eulipion2]

That's pretty cool. Where did you get your screen? How fine of a mesh? I think the splatter screens I used might not have been stainless.

 

[pjj2ba]

McMaster.com

9241T432 Strainer-grade Woven Wire Cloth, 304 Ss, 60 X 40 Mesh,.0060"wire Dia, 12"x 24"sheet

90905A657 316 Stainless Steel Split Ring, 1.605" Od, 1.395" Id, .21" Thick

Get two pack of O-rings, 10 rings isn't enough

 

[jd3]

If the tedious split rings don't sound fun, get the "snap" type that are two pieces that hinge together.

 

[jd3]

http://products.kinter.com/viewitems/rings-clips-hooks/hinged-snap-rings Found at walmart near the binders and such.

[ame]http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=looseleaf+binder+ring#hl=en&safe=off&tbm=shop&sa=X&ei=sz_NTdGrJ8H40gHys9GEDg&ved=0CIsBEAUoAA&q=loose+leaf+binder+ring&spell=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=9072aabcc49e1448&biw=1280&bih=699[/ame]

 

[pjj2ba]

You need the split rings, not the snap type. The split rings slide over the seam and stay parallel to the screen to act as a clamp (like a giant round paper clip). One could use binder clamps, but I don't know if they make SS ones. Those would probably be $$$ if they exist

 

[jd3]

OOOH. I was thinking I couldn't figure out how this worked using the binder rings. I've seen it done a few ways and was trying to picture it in my head.

They do make SS binder clips:
http://www.toolclip.com/binder-set.htm
2 bucks a piece.

 

[eulipion2]

You need the split rings, not the snap type. The split rings slide over the seam and stay parallel to the screen to act as a clamp (like a giant round paper clip).

I didn't even think of that -- I was thinking about having to thread each ring through two layers of SS mesh. Your idea sounds much better! I may have to go this route, though I still like the idea of using stainless steel snaps (like one might use on a shirt or canvas). Your idea is probably much cheaper. I like cheap.

 

[grilliot]

Using the split rings seems like a great idea. Any photos?

 

[pjj2ba]

Using the split rings seems like a great idea. Any photos?

I do have some photos. I'll try get them uploaded, then I'll probably start a new thread. I'll link it here.

 

[pjj2ba]

I finally posted my hop filter

homemade hop filter