How difficult would this be to do? (Install ball valve)

[IPAAAA]

I am looking at buying a 15 gallon pot but it does not come with a ball valve. Would it be difficult to install one myself? I have a dremel and a few other tools. I don't want to ruin an expensive pot so wanted to see if it was possible or even a good idea instead of having one welded in and not screwed on.

 

[HarkinBanks]

Sure, you just need a titanium step bit, a good drill and some will power. Buy a weldless ball valve kit from bargain fittings and you are all set. I have drilled many, many holes in my three SS kettles.

 

[ZWood15]

When using the step bit, start off with a small pilot hole and it will make everything much easier

 

[ChshreCat]

+1 on bargain fittings. I ordered my ball valve kit from them for my cooler. I could've saved a few bucks if I bought all the parts seperately, but not much and it was easy knowing I had all the stuff I needed in one little bag that UPS dropped off.

 

[IPAAAA]

Is that step bit something I can buy at the hardware store? What should I be looking to spend on that bit and the ball valve all together?

 

[ChshreCat]

http://greatbargain.net/opencart/index.php?route=product/product&path=44_35_46&product_id=91

http://greatbargain.net/opencart/index.php?route=product/product&path=44_35_46&product_id=99

 

[SweetSounds]

Bargain Fittings sells the weldless bulkhead kit for $12, plus your choice of ball valve.

The also sell the step bits for $18

Many many people have been very happy with their products...

 

[ChshreCat]

I won. 234

 

[SweetSounds]

I won. 234

Damnit! Missed it by | | < That much

 

[HarkinBanks]

Some may disagree with me because of long term quality, but I went with the step bits from Harbor Freight, cheaper and have lasted me through about a dozen holes through SS and still going strong.

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-titanium-nitride-coated-high-speed-steel-step-drills-96275.html

 

[mvdilts]

+1 on the harbor freight step bit. The one I have has drilled several holes in my kettles and the price was right.

 

[ndoe22]

I used the harbor freight step bit with some vegtable oil. Very quick and easy. Just remember to use the oil

 

[HarkinBanks]

Pam also works well. I use masking tape to center and start the hole, going very slow, and hold the pot between my legs with my feet. Lots of pressure and you get the hang of it pretty quickly.

 

[bgilardi]

I have the HF step bits and they are the exact same ones that BF sells. Except that HF sells them for way cheaper.

 

[IPAAAA]

Thanks for all the information guys...really appreciate it.

I gotta see if their is a harbor freight around me. Should I get the ball valve that is SS or brass?

 

[bgilardi]

You can order them online from HF too

 

[IPAAAA]

Ya I saw that but I'd rather just go and get it locally if I can. I think an ace hardware or something will carry them to so I will check it out.

I'm a little confused with the Keg weldless bulkhead kit on great bargain. I can't just get the bulkhead only correct? Need to choose the barb and valve too? That ends up being like $23 bucks for one kit....seems a little high for me from that other stuff I have read on here.

 

[SweetSounds]

You can order the bulkhead only for $12.00

But, another $12.00 for a stainless steel ball valve and stainless steel hose barb doesn't sound unreasonable to me...

 

[HarkinBanks]

You can't beat bargain fittings prices in my experience. I have ordered from them many many times.

 

[IPAAAA]

You can order the bulkhead only for $12.00

But, another $12.00 for a stainless steel ball valve and stainless steel hose barb doesn't sound unreasonable to me...

Which piece is the bulkhead? I would think that without the ball valve the bulkhead by itself seems rather pointless. Am I correct in thinking that?

 

[SweetSounds]

Which piece is the bulkhead? I would think that without the ball valve the bulkhead by itself seems rather pointless. Am I correct in thinking that?

Yes, you are correct. But if you think you can save a couple bucks on a ball valve locally, you don't need the one from Bargain Fittings...

If you look closely at the Bargain Fittings bulkhead you can figure out the parts involved and build it yourself. You can get the O-rings from Grainger or McMaster Carr. You can get the fittings from both of them also. Once you get the parts, you'll need to chuck the nut up in your lathe and cut the o-ring groove, and you'll be good to go.

 

[IPAAAA]

Yes, you are correct. But if you think you can save a couple bucks on a ball valve locally, you don't need the one from Bargain Fittings...

If you look closely at the Bargain Fittings bulkhead you can figure out the parts involved and build it yourself. You can get the O-rings from Grainger or McMaster Carr. You can get the fittings from both of them also. Once you get the parts, you'll need to chuck the nut up in your lathe and cut the o-ring groove, and you'll be good to go.

Ya sounds simple to you but not to me haha. I don't have a lathe so that is definitely outta the question.

I am just trying to do this right the first time but it looks like I am just gonna have to spend the cash..

I was just looking at that thread on using a 10 gallon gatorade jug and that setup only costs around 8 bucks so that is why I was thinking this was a little steep in price.

 

[IPAAAA]

I am also looking at getting a immersion chiller. I have not been able to find a good copper one that is 50 feet but also has the soldered on hose connections. Well atleast not for a decent price. I want to make my own but it looks like copper prices are just to much to make it worth my time and effort.

 

[broadbill]

I am also looking at getting a immersion chiller. I have not been able to find a good copper one that is 50 feet but also has the soldered on hose connections. Well atleast not for a decent price. I want to make my own but it looks like copper prices are just to much to make it worth my time and effort.

Have you checked prices with these guys yet for that copper tubing?

http://www.coppertubingsales.com/storefront/index.php

I've bought from them and they were great. I also have to recommend the harbor freight step bit and the weldless bulkhead fitting form Bargain Fittings...good luck!

 

[IPAAAA]

Have you checked prices with these guys yet for that copper tubing?

http://www.coppertubingsales.com/storefront/index.php

I've bought from them and they were great. I also have to recommend the harbor freight step bit and the weldless bulkhead fitting form Bargain Fittings...good luck!

$33 bucks before shipping seems pretty good. I just don't have everything else to solder the ends of the tube so I think all of that will add up.

 

[GGandee]

HBT user Pickles is selling these surplus bulkheads. I bought a couple, and they are on par with the high-end fittings McMaster Carr sells. Worked great, w/ no leaks. He is charging $12 each, and has a lot of good feedback on them.

I just sent him a message today to see if he has more left- he seems to be selling quite a few of them, not sure how many more he has.

Here's a link.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f16/stainless-steel-bulkheads-1-2-npt-internal-threads-173648/index5.html

 

[IPAAAA]

HBT user Pickles is selling these surplus bulkheads. I bought a couple, and they are on par with the high-end fittings McMaster Carr sells. Worked great, w/ no leaks. He is charging $12 each, and has a lot of good feedback on them.

I just sent him a message today to see if he has more left- he seems to be selling quite a few of them, not sure how many more he has.

Here's a link.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f16/stainless-steel-bulkheads-1-2-npt-internal-threads-173648/index5.html

So the bulkhead is what the ball valve hooks to? So I need to buy it and screw it into the pot then the ball valve screws onto the bulk head?

 

[GGandee]

The bulkhead will attach to the keg, giving you a female 1/2" npt connection on both the inside and outside of keg. To hook to your ball valve, assuming it has female ends, you would just use a 1/2" npt nipple to connect the two. The bulkhead will clamp down tight on the keg- it's pretty slick and simple. To make the hole in the keg, just use the smallest hole saw or step bit that will allow it to pass through.

 

[IPAAAA]

Thanks for the info.

 

[IPAAAA]

Just to double check I would need two of these once I get a mash tun right?