Sweet Deal!!!

[macabra11]

Hey guys, I am totally stoked because I just picked up a 10 gal Igloo cooler that was used once for water - and it was only $15!!!!!:rockin: Now I need to scour these forums to see what I need to put on my hardware store shopping list!
Wish me luck on getting all the right parts put together on the first try!

 

[Homercidal]

Good Luck!

 

[bad coffee]

check for bobbyM's picture. Helped me out quite a bit when I went shopping.

B

 

[chumprock]

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/cheap-easy-10-gallon-rubbermaid-mlt-conversion-23008/

I had a heck of a time finding the SS washer, even Fastenal told me they dont carry them anymore.

 

[Cape Brewing]

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/cheap-easy-10-gallon-rubbermaid-mlt-conversion-23008/

I had a heck of a time finding the SS washer, even Fastenal told me they dont carry them anymore.

On the SS washers...

McMaster-Carr

it may not be the cheapest one you'll find but McMaster has EVERYTHING... ALL THE TIME.

 

[macabra11]

Well I went to HD last night and got most of what I needed. They didn't have everything though. I went home and the 3/8" components I got were way too small for the hole in the cooler. The hole is 7/8" diameter, so I will return what I got and try to get parts that size. You were right about the SS fender washers... the guys at HD looked at me like I had lobsters crawling out of my ears when I asked for them.

I doubt I will be able to find 7/8" ID SS fender washers, so is there ANYTHING else I would be able to use? I want to try this thing out this weekend.

 

[jmp138]

I almost lost my mind looking for the SS washers, I hate to order little stuff like that off the internet. i finally found a washer that would work at the LHBS. I was talking to one of the guys about my problem and he said oh I've got one. If it comes down to it, you can buy a smaller sized stainless fender and drill it out, but let me tell you, that is a serious pain!

 

[macabra11]

I almost lost my mind looking for the SS washers, I hate to order little stuff like that off the internet. i finally found a washer that would work at the LHBS. I was talking to one of the guys about my problem and he said oh I've got one. If it comes down to it, you can buy a smaller sized stainless fender and drill it out, but let me tell you, that is a serious pain!

Yeah I KNOW it is a pain. I had to modify one of those little bas***ds once for a piece on my truck bed cover latch. I think I went through 2 dremel discs on that half-day of a project.

 

[springer]

I found a 4 pack of SS washers at Lowes . They have them in drawers of specialty Items. I did have to use a bastard file to enlarge the hole a tiny bit but they worked fine.

 

[macabra11]

I found a 4 pack of SS washers at Lowes . They have them in drawers of specialty Items. I did have to use a bastard file to enlarge the hole a tiny bit but they worked fine.

What size were the washers springer? Was there a part # on the package?

 

[springer]

What size were the washers springer? Was there a part # on the package?

I would have to say about 1 3/4" in diameter I did this about a year ago so I dont have part #'s

here is a pic of the washer

 

[macabra11]

Well I went to Lowes at lunch and they had 99% of what I needed (minus the SS washers of course), and the guy that helped me was awesome. I was beginning to think he was more excited about the project than myself! With the parts I have, I think I can make a good seal and get this thing together. I am going to try using the inside washer/nut that came with the cooler on the inside. If it all fits together, I will take pics and post the results.

 

[macabra11]

Well, I put it all together, modified some parts and got a great watertight seal! I was able to use it this weekend to brew a cream ale with great success!

Anyone have any suggestions for getting rid of the sharp fibers on the end of the stainless supply line? There are many spindles that I keep pricking my fingers on when reaching down there.

 

[atl_sud]

Well, I put it all together, modified some parts and got a great watertight seal! I was able to use it this weekend to brew a cream ale with great success!

Anyone have any suggestions for getting rid of the sharp fibers on the end of the stainless supply line? There are many spindles that I keep pricking my fingers on when reaching down there.

Tuck in into itself and fold it over itself a few times and hammer it flat.

 

[annasdadhockey]

great watertight seal! I keep pricking my fingers when reaching down there.

Oh, nevermind.:cross:

 

[Skrimpy]

On the SS washers again. I've read so many of these threads and it is always the hardest for people to find. Then I heard about a nifty kit you can get in most HDs an Loewes. It's a 3/8" Stainless BOLT KIT that comes with a stainless washer or two.

On another note...springer...your avatar is slowly killing me

 

[BioBeing]

You do not need a SS fender washer. Fender washers are huge. Just get a regular SS washer, and it will work.

 

[Skrimpy]

You do not need a SS fender washer. Fender washers are huge. Just get a regular SS washer, and it will work.

I concur Bio. I built one out of a HD 10 gallon cooler and just used SS washer. Besides, most FENDER washers you find will be too small to fit the nipple through. Like I said, if you're having trouble and don't have the time to wait for McMaster, check to see if HD or Loewes has the SS bolt kit. It comes with a 3/8 stainless washer.

 

[Runyanka]

Why does it have to be an SS washer, just curious? I mean, the temps in the MLT only reach maybe a max of 180 degrees. What can be done at those times for that short of a time? I mean, your using all those other componets that arent SS, such as the barb and what not. Is it rust your worried about, or off flavors?

 

[KYB]

Yea Lowe's has a better selection of the Specialty washers in the drawers it seemed. HD didn't have near big enough for what I needed. I have a 1/2" ball valve. I managed to get everything I needed finally and put together a secure leak free MLT.

 

[springer]

There are many spindles that I keep pricking my fingers on when reaching down there.

If you are talking about the end that goes on the bulkhead just fold the end inward and clamp it to the barb

Tuck in into itself and fold it over itself a few times and hammer it flat.

My wife has threatened to do this to me a few times

On another note...springer...your avatar is slowly killing me

Ya I like it....

 

[Wingnutj]

If you are talking about the end that goes on the bulkhead just fold the end inward and clamp it to the barb



My wife has threatened to do this to me a few times




Ya I like it....

I love the avatar also! I about died reading the fold it over comment. My wife just looked at me and thinks I'm looking at porn! She playing Geetar Hero. I'm doing research. lol
You guys really are a great group of people. I'm glad I joined the other day! BTW I about spit out my porter on the laptop Happy St. Patricks day guys!