What fittings to use for welding Sanke kegs

[dmcmillen]

I just got my 3 sanke kegs and am planning to have someone weld the fittings. I will be installing top and bottom valves and a thermometer on each keg. The question I have is what should I use: 1/2" male nipple or 1/2" female coupling. Female seems to more common, especially for installing dip tubes, sparger,... It doesn't look like it makes a lot of difference; just means I'll use nipple or coupler adapters for whatever I'm connecting.

Also, what should I use for the thermometers; mpt/fpt is tapered thread, so I am concerned that once welded in there it might be difficult to get the thermometer positioned correctly. The pot I have been using has a straight locknut welded in for the thermometer so it just screws all the way in.



Anyway, I would appreciate any thoughts and suggestions

David

 

[sickbrew]

I got all my fittings from bargainfittings! My welded fittings are all female except for my brewpot which as one female and one special fitting that is male on the outside and female on the inside. Cant buy those, special mod on large SS pots from Morebeer. I ended up buying a bunch of extra parts, like the 1/2 male NPT nipples and have ended up using most of them. I have made at least 3 different orders and have been very pleased with the products. Check out the price on the SS camlock fittings for your tubing connections.

$5 flat rate shipping.

cheers

 

[JuanMoore]

I'm not sure, but I think one of the reasons you see more female couplings is that they make it easier to get a nice sanitary weld without any damage to the threads.