Weldless Fittings Leak Tips?

[klyph]

Thanks klyph. Nice tip but I am trying to save money to avoid buying a step bit. My kettle is aluminum so I'm thinking that I will be able to get through it fairly easily, just wondering if I will be not doing something with it that a step bit would. Not really familiar with step bits, always thought they were like a poorman's "all in one" drill-bit.

So, do I really want to use a step-bit or chassis punch, or will a plain ol' drill bit be fine?

If you've got a 7/8" bit, it will cut through aluminum no problem. I should have mentioned I was talking about drilling stainless. Your method of using progressively larger bits on aluminum should work, but you might have to clean up the hole with a file.

 

[cjever19]

I wish I'd ordered the step bit with Bobbys kit but figured I'd get one at Home Crapo for cheaper. Wrong! Theirs start at $45!

Anyway, I'm using Bobbbys kit which calls for a 9/16" hole, which I do have a standard bit for. So I'm thinking I will go progressively larger to 9/16" then clean up around the holes with my Dremmel.

 

[Bobby_M]

If you have a 9/16" bit, you'll have no problem at all.

For bulkhead sealing issues up in the 1/2" NPT range, I really like the silver soldering approach whether it's just to connect a washer to the nipple or to straight up solder a fitting to the vessel.

 

[ReefmanV]

This is probably a little to late. But, Harbor Freight has these for about half of the Home Cheapo price.

Cheers
Jim

 

[Jewrican]

that is what i did as well. nice and cheap

 

[passedpawn]

i was BSing around with weldless fittings for HOURS trying to get my three keggles set up. finally i said screw it! I went and paid even more money to have them welded in place.

IMO, weldless is a waste.. find someone to weld it in there and be done with it. What is going to happen when you bump the bulkhead on something? Is it going to leak? Do you want to take that risk?

I'm all weldless on 3 keggles. Never any leaks. I bump that stuff all the time. Not a waste in my experience. However, I wish they were welded.

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

What I finally found to work was making sure the hole is large enough for the nipple (that ridge in the middle has to fit through cleanly) and use of a large silicone rubber washer on the outside.

My leaks, even the little drip an hour leaks, are gone.