Remove Cross Section from Quick Disconnect

[jerryalan]

Hello,

I have the plastic QDs and I would like to remove the cross section from inside so it doesn't clog. I read that I should drill it out but when I tried this my bit got caught and split the disconnect.

Any tips?

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Dremel tool and a cutter bit.

 

[IrregularPulse]

Side cutters. It's just plastic right?

 

[jerryalan]

Side cutters. It's just plastic right?

I have one of these so I'll try it. It is plastic.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

I did that on the first one. the cutters left hangers that would give husk material a place to hang up on and eventually clog.

I used the dremel cutter to carve those away and then did the same on the other qd's.

 

[jerryalan]

I did that on the first one. the cutters left hangers that would give husk material a place to hang up on and eventually clog.

I used the dremel cutter to carve those away and then did the same on the other qd's.

I don't have a cutting bit for the Dremel but I do have those sanding cylinders. I also have a round file I can use. All-grain is getting closer and closer!

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

That will do. But, you know, they do sell them for like a dollar or two.

 

[samc]

I had same problem and lacked the tools to do it cleanly. Took them to a local machine shop and he did 22 of them for me in an hour for $15. I considered that a deal.

 

[BrewBeemer]

I had same problem and lacked the tools to do it cleanly. Took them to a local machine shop and he did 22 of them for me in an hour for $15. I considered that a deal.

What the hell, that's 1960's prices you got a great deal on that work or the guy just liked you?

 

[mariojr]

I used a Forstner bit and that did a great job. Just have to securely hold the QD and have an steady hand with the drill.

 

[jerryalan]

That will do. But, you know, they do sell them for like a dollar or two.

In that case I'll go make the purchase, thanks!

 

[BrewBeemer]

I used a Forstner bit and that did a great job. Just have to securely hold the QD and have an steady hand with the drill.

I bet besides eliminating the blockage problems you gained more cross
sectional area for better flow.

 

[SankePankey]

OK, but just understand that if you try to use plastic disconnects that have a shut-off valves (like a ball lock qd's) you won't be able to because that cross-section is what depresses the plunger.

I mix and match the ones with and without the shutoff. They both have their ups and downs. Basically, anything that isn't right over the brewhouse (and could leak on my floor...I brew indoors) gets a shutoff valve, but then draining is a little difficult.