Weldless bulkhead on small pot, flatten first?

[simnick]

Longtime lurker here, looking for your wisdom.

I am working on a small electric BIAB setup, in this 5 gallon pot with colander.
http://www.webstaurantstore.com/20-qt-stainless-steel-pasta-cooker-combination/922SPSA20.html
I am planning to do 2.5 gallon batches in it.

If I am adding a weld-less bulkhead, I have a question:
Given the small diameter of the pot (and therefore greater curvature), should I flatten (with a mallet or something) the area where I am going to drill a hole? Or should I leave it as is?

I will be using a brewhardware.com style bulkhead, BTW.

 

[Weezy]

Assuming you're talking about the radius of the pot and not where the side curves around the bottom, the 12" pot isn't too skinny. The weldless stuff will work fine out of the box. No hammering needed.

 

[simnick]

Yeah, I am going to put it about 1.5 inches from the bottom, so the bottom curve should not be an issue.

Thanks for reassuring me! I have not drilled a hole in a pot before (although I have the tools), and just want to be sure before I stick a hole in my new pot.

 

[Weezy]

Use some WD40 to cool the bit every 10 sec or so. Have fun!

 

[ChuckO]

You could test by putting a fender washer on each side of the hole and tighten a nut and bolt through them. I would be surprised if it took very much force to flatten the pot. The weld-less bulkhead would probably flatten the pot just as much.

 

[simnick]

The drilling worked out pretty well, and the bulkhead seems to be leak free. Thanks everyone! It only compressed it a little bit flatter, but it seems to work.