Keggle Build Parts

[Newts]

Hey all,

Looking at starting my keggle build this weekend and just wanted advice. I was hoping to get the lid cutout and a stainless steel valve with pickup tube done so I can actually start brewing with it. Think I have the lid sorted with my new Dremel and cutoff disks.

Does anyone know if you can buy a suitable weldless valve from a hardware store like Bunnings or Mitre 10 or do they have to be ordered from a HBS? Same question for thermometers.

The setup is initally for BIAB so I'm hoping if I kit it out with the above gear that will get me started.

Cheers,

Newts

 

[keifer33]

Cutting with a Dremel will require you to take your time, if you've got access to an angle grinder its alot easier but both methods will work. As far as locating a weldless valve setup your best going to the LHBS as they will have stainless steel and all ready to go. Gryphon Brewing have a nice selection of fittings on their website so you could put yourself a nice valve and weldless fitting to suit your needs.

 

[Newts]

Thanks keifer,

Yeah, i could use an angle grinder but I've just finished a project cutting aluminium with the grinder and I found it's quite easy to miss the target. With the Dremel at least if you don't get the cut right I can spend some time filing it out and get a nice round profile for a lid

Thought it was a long shot expecting a hardware store to have homebrew specific stuff but worth a try. Guess I'll just have to order and wait for arrival

Cheers

 

[Donske]

I got my ball valve and the nipple to attach it from a thrifty link hardware, I would have gone to Bunnings but I hate that place. Anywho, cost me about $20 all up.

 

[Truman42]

Bunnings and other hardware stores sell brass ball valves. Not as good as stainless but still okay to use. LHBS and other stores such as Blackwoods sell the stainless ball valves. You will also need a stainless nipple or stainless allthread is better, 2 x 1/2" nuts and either a silicone washer or O ring. Most LHBS that deal with these fittings have a stainless nut with a recess on one side that an O ring sits into. This seals good against the inside of the kettle.

You want to use another nut on the outside between the ball valve and the kettle wall so the inside nut has a flat surface to tighten up against. But if you use an allthread instead of a nipple you can probably get away without this?

 

[woodwormm]

If you're electric 'fired' don't discount turning the keg upside down and using a triclover fitting on the standard keg coupler collar to get a bottom draining kettle.

 

[BeerNess]

I'd invest in an all SS set up, lots of HBS offer them as part or sets, including many of this site's fine sponsors. Especially for BIAB (which btw rocks so much :super: ) the once off purchase of a good Stainless Steel Weldless set will outlast my keggle - will consider an upgrade to 70-100L pot at some stage... I've learnt the very hard way with a lot of brewing gear, Buy & Cry Once.