Removing scratches from fermenter/bottling buckets?

[akaryrye]

Sorry if this is a really dumb question, but I have searched and searched to no avail. The only answer I ever read is that the bucket should be replaced if it has scratches. However, can they be sanded lightly with, say 2000 grit, followed by some buffing with a plastic polish to restore the bucket to a certain degree?

Thanks, and plz go easy on me ... its my first post here.

 

[BrianP]

Welcome to HBT.

You'd be better off getting a new bucket. That seems like a lot of work and it probably wouldn't help.

 

[akaryrye]

well ... after some searching on google, it looks 2000 grit is around 1000nm per particle. The lactobacillus bacteria, on the other hand is 40 - 60 nm or 4% - 6% of that size. Even after polishing, there would be plenty of scratches over 300nm ... so it looks like my idea would make it worse.

oh well, buckets are cheap

 

[Professor Frink]

+1 for getting a new bucket. It's not worth the risk, the price of a batch is more than the price of a new bucket.

 

[drayman86]

oh well, buckets are cheap

On the other hand, glass lasts forever (or at least until you smash it )

 

[BrianP]

Better bottles are a great option too. I clean mine with PBW (powdered brewery wash) or oxyclean and very hot tap water. No rubbing, no brushes (ever), therefore no scratches.

 

[llazy_llama]

~$15 for a new bucket.

~$20 for a new Better Bottle.

~$40 for a ruined batch + heartbreak + anger + frustration + having to swap out all your plastic gear due to infection.

The mathulator says get a new fermenter.

 

[bob1852]

and you can use your scratched bucket as a new container to hold your star san or whatever to sanitize your bottles, wands, thiefs, etc...

 

[llazy_llama]

Or wear it on your head like a hat.

 

[bob1852]

Or wear it on your head like a hat.

or turn it over and sit on it while you're bottling or racking. The opportunities are endless for a scratched bottling bucket!

 

[punk_rockin2001]

yep, its not worth it! buy another bucket, you'll be amazed at how quickly you'll use that bucket for something else.

 

[springer]

Or get the toilet seat lid and have that second bathroom SWMBO wants

 

[Brew-Happy]

Get a lid (~$2) for the scratched bucket and use it to store your brewing equipment: caps, capper, hydrometer, thermometer,...

That way your stuff is stored neatly and you know where to look when you need something.

+2 on doubling as a seat.

buy a new bucket.