How to replace O2 regulator out post?

[Tobor_8thMan]

Nice having a few days off work to catch up on things unable to do during the weekend. Visited the local air/gas supply and obtained O2 and a regulator for adding O2 to my wort before pitching the yeast.

Tried the small red bottles of O2 from the BIG hardware stores. These small red bottles are expensive (compared to an O2 tank) and quickly run out.

The O2 regulator has a out barb with a screw connection. I purchased a new out barb with a barb to fit my tubing for the wand.

Unfortunately, no matter how I try, I'm unable to loosen the existing O2 regulator barb. I don't want to damage the O2 regulator.

Any advice and/or suggestions on removing the O2 regulator's existing out barb?

Thanks.

 

[dx250]

Could you post a picture of the regulator so we can see what you are working with?

 

[mongoose33]

There are two different thread types for regulators, left-handed and right-handed. I just added the high-pressure gauges to two 1-gauge regulators, and one was right-handed, one was left-handed.

My O2 regulator has left-handed threads to attach it to the bottle, so perhaps you're turning the barb the wrong direction? Don't know that for certain, just an idea.

 

[kingmatt]

I guess it depends on how often you brew but I find the little red canisters from Lowe's last me quite a while (around 10 brew days).

Remember you are using pure Oxygen so you don't need all that much. I run it for 60 seconds for my standard gravity beers and 90 for my bigger beers. If you see it bubbling up on the surface of your wort you are probably running it too high.

 

[mongoose33]

I guess it depends on how often you brew but I find the little red canisters from Lowe's last me quite a while (around 10 brew days).

Remember you are using pure Oxygen so you don't need all that much. I run it for 60 seconds for my standard gravity beers and 90 for my bigger beers. If you see it bubbling up on the surface of your wort you are probably running it too high.

I do the same thing; I get, I think, between 10 and 15 brews out of one of the red canisters. And that's even with oxygenating my starter wort in addition to the wort that is in the fermenter.

 

[imasickboy]

The O2 regulator has a out barb with a screw connection.

If the screw connection is what I think it is, you should just buy a swivel nut to fit. Less than $2.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

If the screw connection is what I think it is, you should just buy a swivel nut to fit. Less than $2.

That's much easier than removing the existing 1/2" barb. Think Home Depot has what I need? (A 1/2" female to 3/16" barb)

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

There are two different thread types for regulators, left-handed and right-handed. I just added the high-pressure gauges to two 1-gauge regulators, and one was right-handed, one was left-handed.

My O2 regulator has left-handed threads to attach it to the bottle, so perhaps you're turning the barb the wrong direction? Don't know that for certain, just an idea.

Biggest problem is holding/gripping the regulator while attempting to loosen the existing barb. I don't want to damage the regulator or put the regulator in a vice (and damage).

 

[imasickboy]

That's much easier than removing the existing 1/2" barb. Think Home Depot has what I need? (A 1/2" female to 3/16" barb)

Unlikely. Your LHBS should. Amazon will have them, also, for a bit more money, but probably with free prime shipping.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

Unlikely. Your LHBS should. Amazon will have them, also, for a bit more money, but probably with free prime shipping.

Having difficulty finding. Possible to provide an Amazon link? Thanks.

 

[dx250]

Does your regulator looked like this? If so this is the fitting that you want;

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007D5KS2A/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I posted from my phone and the picture is a little large.

 

[imasickboy]

Having difficulty finding. Possible to provide an Amazon link? Thanks.

Do a search for swivel nut.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

Does your regulator looked like this? If so this is the fitting that you want;

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007D5KS2A/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20View attachment 604814

I posted from my phone and the picture is a little large.

Yes, thanks. Oxygen out appears the same (1/2"). Trying to find a smaller barb for an oxygen wand tubing.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

Do a search for swivel nut.

Sorry, but I can find swivel nut. Having difficulty finding the 1/2" female to 3/16" (?) swivel. Trying to find a smaller barb for an oxygen wand tubing.

 

[imasickboy]

Totally missed the 1/2" part. I mistakenly assumed it was a 1/4" flare like every regulator I've ever touched.

Maybe three parts are what you'll need, (assuming the out on the regulator really is 1/2" NPT):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I19D5O/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 (which you may find at Home Depot)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006O93CLU/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 (it's a 1/4" barb, but 3/16" ID tubing does fit over it)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N66KKVI/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 (washer to go between the two. don't buy 25 of them, you'll only need one, just ask someone to mail you one or something. they are standard equipment when building a kegerator)

 

[IslandLizard]

Totally missed the 1/2" part. I mistakenly assumed it was a 1/4" flare like every regulator I've ever touched.

Looks like a 1/4" flare to me too. I think the OP measured the diameter of the male threads, and that may be 1/2" across. That doesn't make it 1/2" flare.

 

[IslandLizard]

Yes, thanks. Oxygen out appears the same (1/2"). Trying to find a smaller barb for an oxygen wand tubing.

Use a reducer barb, or 2 in series?

 

[dx250]

What you have is the standard 9/16-18 B fittings used on a good portion of torch hoses. They come in 3/16'', just go to your welding supply shop and ask for one, Amazon doesn't have them in that size. You shouldn't need to change anything on the regulator.