Ball valves

[The Goatreich]

Hi all,
I'm looking to replace the tap on my coolbox mash tun with a ball valve type, so that I can get some silicon hose on the end. I'm a bit confused with the difference between the different products on offer. Screwfix have cheap ball valves that look suitable, (please ignore fitting size for now):
http://www.screwfix.com/p/full-bore-lev ... 15mm/80413

Compare this to the one for sale on the malt miller
http://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/index.ph ... ductId=194

You can see the malt miller one is much chunkier and probably of much higher quality, but do I actually need something like this for a plastic setup, considering at the moment my tap is a £2 water butt type?

 

[nobyipa]

heres what i used

3 Next Working day by 12 noon 1 £5.00 £5.00
6962 12 m x 12 mm, P.T.F.E. TAPE 1 £0.17 £0.17
14321 1/2" x 3/8" BSP F, REDUCING SOCKET, 316 S/S 1 £1.57 £1.57
14461 3/8" BSP PM, NIPPLE, S/S 1 £2.30 £2.30
14557 3/8" BSP TM, HOSE TAIL ADAPTOR, S/S 2 £1.64 £3.28
20176 3/4" Multi-use Washers 3 £0.26 £0.78
20306 2 peice 3/8" 1 £7.58 £7.58

Delivery Charge £4.95
Subtotal £25.63
VAT (20%) £5.12
Total £30.75
from BES
http://www.bes.co.uk/products/100.asp

:thumb: :drink:

 

[The Goatreich]

Nice thanks. That's still slightly more than I was hoping to spend for what will hopefully be a temporary thing.

 

[Jeltz]

I use one of these on my HLT.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brass-water-b ... 3a50821cf6

 

[stubrewworx]

I'm looking to fit one on my boiler, hopefully with a bazooka hop stopper.

My hole is 18mm, does anyone know what size ball valve would be suitable without enlarging the hole?

 

[Fil]

imho SS stripable 3 part valves are quite sexy bits of bling but are not necessary in the process pre boil, post boil where sanitation is crucial then perhaps there is a valid case for investing in easily sanitised and cleaned parts.

One thing about ball valves both the brass and SS versions use normal rustable steel for their levers so dont put em away damp..

Posible bullsh*t - but dont be tempted by slightly cheaper yellow handled brass ball valves, I think these are specific for gas use and as such may not be subject to the same lead levels demanded for valves used with pottable water..

 

[bobsbeer]

The other thing is don't be tempted to use a regular tap such as the one Jeltz linked to. Fine for the HLT, but could get clogged easily when using with liquid that might contain grains.

 

[The Goatreich]

A new pub in Cardiff serves beer from that outdoor style tap...

Good to know about the strippable parts, that does make a lot of sense. This would be pre-boil, specifically on the mash tun I already have one on my boiler/HLT. I plan to go completely shiny over the coming years, and when I do I'll get all singing and dancing taps, but for now as long as it's safe to use with hot liquid I'll go for a cheaper model.