hose connections

[_Mick_]

So I've decided to take my AG brewing to the next level and I want to build a HERMS rig. Because I'm a tight arse and want to cut cost where I can I would like some advice on QDs for my hoses. Is it ok to use brass garden hose fittings?

 

[mb-squared]

First, whatever QD you choose, you'll have to spend the money to make sure you get ones that don't leak. You don't want hot wort leaking onto your rig. And I think that by the time you're spending enough to get leak-free QDs in brass, you'll find that you can get them in SS for about the same price. Besides, you can run caustic soda through SS and not worry about it. Brass... not so much.

 

[_Mick_]

Ss would be ideal. Any suggestions on good suppliers? Also any advice on camlock vs qd?

 

[sponge]

I have both camlocks and QD's and camlocks are much easier to remove compared to QD's when they are hot to touch (after running hot/boiling liquids through them).

Spend a little extra on some decent SS camlocks and don't stuff around with brass garden hose fittings.

Just my 2c

 

[mb-squared]

Ss would be ideal. Any suggestions on good suppliers? Also any advice on camlock vs qd?

I used Bobby at Brewhardware: http://brewhardware.com/fittings-75/102-camlock-disconnects

I would definitely go with camlock -- cheaper and easier to disconnect, especially when boiling hot.

 

[Camo6]

If you want to go the tight approach you could use ss hosetails and hose clamps. Hosetails are about $5ea. This worked for me until I could afford QDs. I'd avoid the brass fittings too as I find even good ones leak and not sure the seals could handle high temps.

 

[_Mick_]

I used Bobby at Brewhardware: http://brewhardware.com/fittings-75/102-camlock-disconnects

I would definitely go with camlock -- cheaper and easier to disconnect, especially when boiling hot.

That site looks the goods, cheers.
What's their postage to oz like?

 

[mb-squared]

not sure anymore. he will put it all into the smallest 'flat rate box' he can, so it depends on how much you order. I ordered my whole setup from him, including 2 pumps, hoses and clamps and all my hardware and the shipping at that time was $65US.

 

[Tex083]

I like the brewhardware.com as you can get the "Big C" and the "BL" fittings, no point on spending money on big pumps that cant flow because of tiny "C"fittings.
I got 1 set when I ordered my sight glass, now im about to order 10 sets of fittings.
When you order make sure you order enough to fininsh the rig as some camlocks are not compatible with others.

And get the SS hose clamps that dont damage the hose, Bobby has them on his site too.

 

[mb-squared]

yes, I have "Big C" fittings on my rig. They are worth every cent.

 

[jonnir]

If anyone looking at ordering through there let me know. I might be keen on a few bits and pieces and we can share shipping

 

[spog]

For camlocks you could try looking in specialised pump shops ,farm supplies or engineering shops.
Cheers....spog...

 

[Batz]

I used these for years and they work really well.

https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_itemdetail.asp?cat=133&item=44653&intAbsolutePage=4

Now you do have to fit a 10 cent 'o'-ring to stop any leaks but with this they will seal on plain 1/2" nipples. They come in straight or 90 deg., cheap as chips...and yes food grade also OK with hot wort.
I can't believe more brewers don't use them.

Batz

 

[_Mick_]

ok cool thanks for the input guys.
Now sort of on the same topic what pumps are you guys using?
I was going to buy a couple of the cheap ones from craftbrewer for about $70 a pop does anyone else use these bad boys? are they any good?

 

[mb-squared]

I use Chugger. They had a rough beginning with their 240V pumps, but the bugs are worked out now and they are very good. Chugger has been a homebrewers favorite in the states for quite some time now, so they have a history, and they have fantastic service here in Australia (in case you do have a problem).

Can't comment on the $70 ones, other than to say, as with all things, you'll probably get what you pay for.

 

[sp0rk]

ok cool thanks for the input guys.
Now sort of on the same topic what pumps are you guys using?
I was going to buy a couple of the cheap ones from craftbrewer for about $70 a pop does anyone else use these bad boys? are they any good?

I've got one of the green pumps from KK (same thing) and so far I've been very happy with it

 

[_Mick_]

I use Chugger. They had a rough beginning with their 240V pumps, but the bugs are worked out now and they are very good. Chugger has been a homebrewers favorite in the states for quite some time now, so they have a history, and they have fantastic service here in Australia (in case you do have a problem).

Can't comment on the $70 ones, other than to say, as with all things, you'll probably get what you pay for.

A Chugger or March pump would be ideal but being on a tight budget is pointing me towards the cheaper ones. As long as people are useing them and dont have any complaints.

 

[QldKev]

A Chugger or March pump would be ideal but being on a tight budget is pointing me towards the cheaper ones. As long as people are useing them and dont have any complaints.

I've got both a Kaixin mp20, (bigger version of the green pump) on one system and a March on another system. Both have worked faultlessly.

 

[spog]

A $20.00 little brown pump on my system,easy to wire up ( 12volt) am happy with it.
My system was build as time and money allowed,although these pumps do a great job they are a cheap option and they are not very tough in regards to taking many knocks.
Having said that no matter what option you choose set your rig up so that the pump is protected from damage as you don't want it broken half way through a session.
As my system is set up for a little brown pump I will soon be buying 2 or 3 more as back ups just in case.of course that money could buy a better pump but it wouldn't suit my setup.
Cheers....spog...