No Weld Pot to Kettle Conversion

[wgeronimo]

Hi all

I have a fairly nice 5G stainless steel pot that I want to put a ball valve on. I have watched a ton of videos online and it seems pretty simple. My one question would be around the drilling procedure. Most people recommend a step drill bit. I don't have one of these, just a regular ol 7/8" bit. Can I still drill the pot with this bit or do I risk messing up the bit/pot?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jprice]

That's the size of the hole you need, if you can create a hole that big with the bit you have and it looks clean do it. From my experience working with metal, it is very difficult to drill a hole that big with just one bit, but i'm sure it can be done.

 

[wgeronimo]

Thanks Jprice.

So theoretically if I drill a hole using a 1/4 bit and gradually make it bigger each time with my traditional bits I could be okay?

I'm not the most handy guy but don't mind trying to learn. Just rather not mess up my $100 pot.

I probably should just buy a step bit and quit being so cheap.

 

[Shaneoco1981]

It will take FOREVER. You can do it, but I would recommend, if you don't have a step drill bit, to use a few smaller bits and then go to the 7/8's bit. I would probably start with a 1/16, goto 1/8, to 3/16's, etc. Drilling a little bit is WAY easier then drilling that big of a hole to start. But yes, it can be done. I would also recommend to use some type of lubricant. Your drill bits might actually survive the drilling.

EDIT: Also put some masking tape or painter tape on the pot. And use a philip's head screw drive to put a small dent in the pot so your bit don't run.

 

[bscott1011]

I would start with a small pilot hole and go bigger in a couple of steps. Use some wd-40 or similar spray oil to keep the bit cool and cutting smoothly. Harbor Freight has cheap stepped bits that you might get more than one use out of.

 

[jprice]

Thanks Jprice.

So theoretically if I drill a hole using a 1/4 bit and gradually make it bigger each time with my traditional bits I could be okay?

I'm not the most handy guy but don't mind trying to learn. Just rather not mess up my $100 pot.

I probably should just buy a step bit and quit being so cheap.

Yes you could step it up with whatever metal bits you have, try practicing on something metal and inexpensive before you do you keggle if you want to do that. Cheap is such a harsh word, I think you will find that most homebrewers are "thrifty" or "savvy". I for one never drilled my keggle, I just use a large measuring cup to mash/sparge/empty my keggle and a dial thermometer to tell me the temperature.

 

[bscott1011]

+1 for center punching and tape before drilling. I have an old nail set for dimpling metal. Stainless is fairly tough, go slow and use plenty of lube.

 

[TBaGZ]

Try and get someone to help you and hold the pot FIRMLY. Or better yet clamp it down. I can just picture a bit that big in a hand drill and bad things happening if that bit grabs instead of cuts.