Stir bar

[Bru]

What is everyone using for DIY stir bars ?
- what shape, size of magnet ?
- have you covered it in anything (plastic etc) ?

 

[bendavanza]

I think Stir bars are cheap enough to buy pre made.

 

[lazybean]

$5 form brewers hardware.

 

[Coastarine]

The OP is in south africa, so they might have to be a little creative.

 

[k1v1116]

I havent tried anything like that yet but my best idea is to buy a magnet probably a rare earth magnet since they have the best size and weight to magnetic strength ratio, then cut some kind of food grade and temperature resistant plastic (cpvc?) to cover it and seal the seams with food grade silicone caulk. The reason you might not want to just cover it in silicone caulk is that it tends to be sticky and might not spin freely. An alternate idea is to buy a thin walled piece of stainless steel tubing to fit over the magnet and crimp the ends hoping it will seal or use the caulk.

Of course if you can just find an online place to order from they shouldnt cost much, Im sure south africa has lab supply places.

 

[camiller]

I think I have heard about someone using food grade epoxy as a covering. But heck if I can find where I heard it.

 

[Bru]

Thanks for the suggestions - Im going to try the crimped tube.

 

[Ysgard]

Cover it in Teflon tape. Don't want to scratch your glass up.

 

[bendavanza]

quick google map search found:
[ame="http://maps.google.com/maps?geocode=CTt5e64K7yItFZQycP4dsPCrAQ&q=laboratory+supply&f=l&sll=-26.175181,28.015512&sspn=0.015521,0.028045&ie=UTF8&radius=0.87&rq=1&ev=zo&hq=laboratory+supply&hnear=&ll=-26.175181,28.015512&spn=0.015521,0.028045&t=h&z=16"]http://maps.google.com/maps?geocode=CTt5e64K7yItFZQycP4dsPCrAQ&q=laboratory+supply&f=l&sll=-26.175181,28.015512&sspn=0.015521,0.028045&ie=UTF8&radius=0.87&rq=1&ev=zo&hq=laboratory+supply&hnear=&ll=-26.175181,28.015512&spn=0.015521,0.028045&t=h&z=16[/ame]

 

[Bru]

Thanks !
I also did a quick search and found a few places selling them for around R25
($3)