Newbie Keggle Questions

[Apendecto]

I've got a Keg with the top sawed off and a really nice spigot (Thanks Bargain Fittings!) but I've got a few questions.

---How did you guys get a good clean hole for the ball valve assembly? I don't want to drop $40 for a 7/8 step bit and was curious how you guys did it.

---A Dip tube sounds like a great idea. I will be using a immersion chiller to cool the batch down and use gravity to get it to the Better Bottle. Do I just need a slightly bent piece of copper aimed near the bottom with some threads for the ball valve assembly?

---Does a dip tube or Bazooka screen get in the way of stirring/scraping the bottom to make sure extract isn't burning? I'm used to taking the pot off the burner, adding extract, and mixing/scraping the bottom so none can possibly burn. I also do this though out the boil, just to make sure.

---What do you use to stir with? My plastic paddle is not only too short for the Keggle, but also pretty flimsy.

---Do ball valves and the like get clogged up with hops and junk if I strain after the valve on it's way to the Better Bottle? Or is it necessary to strain before hand?

Thanks so much.

 

[humann_brewing]

unfortunely the step bit is the easiest way to get a good hole, I have heard of people using a hole saw but that scares me for accuracy. If you want cheap, check out harbor freight. $15 for a 2 piece set, take a 15% off coupon and save a couple bucks.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96275

For the dip tube, people like bargainfittings sell pre-made dip tubes that you can bend into place, just be carful with hops, you will either need a screen or use a hop sack.

http://www.greatbargain.net/order/shop.html

Do not have the burner running while adding extract and try to stir a lot while adding it so it is dissolved before getting to the bottom

Not much help with the paddle, I am still using a cheapy plastic one I started with, it is long enough and works for now.

I have learned to either use pellet hops or a hop sack dangling from some cariage bolts connected to a PVC end similar to this:

 

[bendavanza]

Look at Harbor Freight if you have one for a step bit, they are cheap and work great. Remember when drilling stainless go SLOW and use lots of PRESSURE. I sit on the keg and put my weight into it. start with a small bit (1/4" or so) before you start with the step, they aren't the best hole starters. Don't get the hole too hot, use some oil to lubricate and cool it. You can use veggie oil.
Or use a hole saw, bi-metal, and get a file to clean up the hole afterwards.
Then scrub the area with bar keepers friend and a new scrubby.

 

[Apendecto]

Cool, thanks guys. Judging on the how basic the dip tube looks, I'll probably just make one.

 

[Shaggyt]

I went through my first keggle conversion a couple months back and debated for a couple weeks on the step bit or hole saw...I ended up using the hole saw based on what was available for free via dad's tool cabinet.

I didn't know what to expect when using it...drilled slow with plenty of pressure and lots of WD-40 to cool the metal...worked great. Only took about 5-7 minutes to get through with a clean hole.

Good luck with whichever tool you chose.

 

[shortyjacobs]

Maybe I'm lucky, but this always sounds more complicated than it was for me.

I bought a 7 dollar hole saw. I smacked the keg with an awl to make a dent for the hole saw to start in. I didn't use water, oil, or any other "lubes" or coolants. I just pushed and drilled. Took me about 30 seconds to eat through the side of the keg. No worries. Then I cleaned up the hole with my dremel, as I'd drilled a 3/4" hole, and my nipple was 7/8", (there's a weird sentence).

 

[ibbones]

I got the di tube from Bargain Fittings and bent it ti the side by the bottom. I still need to work on my stirring to get the whirlpool better since I sucked up a few hops last time.

 

[Southside]

I'm glad I found this, I just got the top cut out of my first keg last night. now with this info I can get the hole drilled. However my next question is I already have a 1/2 ball valve and was curious if I can get the rest of the things to install it at Lowes or something. I dont have the money right now to buy the weldless kit.

Any suggestions would be great!

Thanks

 

[Bobby_M]

I'd recommend waiting until you do have the money and just siphon the wort out in the meantime. The real key to the operation is the silicone Oring and you're not going to find that at Lowes.

 

[abracadabra]

Before you start drilling you might consider getting a metal punch tool. mark the center of where you want the hole with a sharpie then using a hammer and the punch tool create a dimple where you want to drill. It makes things a lot eazier 1. gettting the hole started and 2 having the hole where you actually want it.

I've drilled a lot of holes and let me tell you a step drill is worth every penny you pay for it. I drilled out a SS kettle a couple of weeks ago that was my first experience with a step drill an man I loved it.

 

[shortyjacobs]

I'd recommend waiting until you do have the money and just siphon the wort out in the meantime. The real key to the operation is the silicone Oring and you're not going to find that at Lowes.

Sorry, but why? I have all butyl (black) o-rings....should I get me a silicone one?

 

[springer]

Sorry, but why? I have all butyl (black) o-rings....should I get me a silicone one?

the black o-ring will not hold up to the heat. butyl rubber is rated to 200°

 

[Southside]

Ok, I can wait to order that, but what is everyone using as a diptube and screen. I wont be using a hop bag and see people complaining about screens pluggin up from cold break and hop material. I'm trying to find a pic of the inside of someones keggle!

Thank you for the advice

 

[Brewmoor]

There is a post somewhere on here listing out the DIY weldless kit from lowes.

You can get black grommets at lowes that will work. I have them in my kettle and they hold up to the heat just fine.