Welding vs Weldless

[1stTimer]

I am in the midst of converting a keg and was wondering if using weldless materials (spigot, site glass) works just as well as having them welded on. I ask because finding someone in my area to weld may not be the easiest task. Also, where would you order these items from? Cheaper the better but I also need quality. Thanks again everyone. Best brewing related website by far!

 

[DustBow]

Most people use weldless I would say....they work great.
Check out bargainfittings.com and brewhardware.com

 

[1stTimer]

Thanks. I will be ordering from somewhere tonight. Have to get this thing put together soon! Im having withdrawals.

 

[eknee]

I've only used weldless plumbing parts on both of my keggles, but they've worked with no problems.

I bought my parts from bargainfittings.com and have been really happy with their customer service.

Sent from my iPhone using HB Talk

 

[1stTimer]

Yeah, Im liking their prices and the feed back I'm seeing. So now I am going to order my spigot and site glass. They cant get here fast enough. This is my first conversion so if anyone has any tips or warnings I would appreciate it. Im a bit of a perfectionist so hopefully I can get this done.

 

[Bobby_M]

Take this for what it's worth. I'd personally want to use a welded coupling for the ball valve drain only because it's a joint that is going to get flexed over and over by operating the valve. I'm not saying weldless doesn't work fine, it does and that's the only reason I sell them.

On the sight glass side of things, I have never had a single report of the weldless versions of the kit leaking. Keep in mind I've sold a lot more of the compact version so that's what I'm most confident in at the moment.

 

[1stTimer]

Bobby, when you get a chance can you check your messages? Thanks

 

[Bobby_M]

Was typing out a long response... coming in a couple minutes.

 

[Shockerengr]

Take this for what it's worth. I'd personally want to use a welded coupling for the ball valve drain only because it's a joint that is going to get flexed over and over by operating the valve. I'm not saying weldless doesn't work fine, it does and that's the only reason I sell them.

On the sight glass side of things, I have never had a single report of the weldless versions of the kit leaking. Keep in mind I've sold a lot more of the compact version so that's what I'm most confident in at the moment.

I had one I got from northernbrewer with a very slow drip....it wasn't enough for me to ever bother fixing...

That said, I did go through later and replace all my weldless fittings with welded ones.

Getting a tig welder had a lot to do with that tho.

 

[Spartan1979]

If you decide to go weldless, this is a great reference:

http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/kettles-overview

http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/hot-liquor-tank?page=4

Buying the shims he talks about allows a nice, tight connection.