Locknuts for boiler elements

[MacKiwi]

I've been using these kettle elements for boiler builds...

http://www.thehomebrewcompany.co.uk/spa ... -1096.html

Those who have used them will know that they come with a flimsy plastic locknut. The done thing is to replace this with a beefy KM8 locknut. For my first build, I purchased these from Bearing Bros...

http://www.bearingboys.co.uk/KM8_LDK_Be ... _Nut-960-p

These are not stainless however. They do rust over time. Ok, it is on the outside of the pot, so no big deal. But it isn't shiney

I found a stainless version on Ebay, but they are expensive!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BEARING-OPTIO ... 2ec359c5dd

But I did find a regular M40 stainless nut for a good price (£2.50)...
http://www.componentforce.co.uk/categor ... -lock-nuts

Does anyone see a problem with using these hex nuts instead of the bearing locknuts?

 

[Vossy1]

Does anyone see a problem with using these hex nuts instead of the bearing locknuts?

No, as long as it fits the element thread snugly it'll be fine :thumb:

 

[PD]

I've had the same problem, they do spoil the pot when they start to go rusty ... :grin:

£10 a lock nut is too much for me to pay for their replacement tho.....

Your 3rd option looks a little flimsy to me and I'm wondering has it the " mass" to form a good seal ? As I tighten them by hand I need something to grip to get them tight enough to stop drips and I dont think that would very easy with those.

Interested to hear if anyone has found good chunky ones at a good price...

Just spotted Vossey's reply....Cheers I might try those then..... :thumb:

 

[MacKiwi]

I agree they aren't as substantial as the bearing locknuts. But it is still a big hex nut (40mm thread), so should be enough support (and still looks miles better than the wee plastic one the elements come with). I use a set of plumbers grips for tightening , I'm not sure my hands are strong enough to do a decent job on their own!

As per Vossy's comment, my concern is that the M40 threads are a fairly loose fit (I guess the kettle elements aren't metric, but something close). I hope some PTFE tape is enough to sort that out (it was for my original bearing locknuts)

 

[Vossy1]

Your 3rd option looks a little flimsy to me and I'm wondering has it the " mass" to form a good seal ? As I tighten them by hand I need something to grip to get them tight enough to stop drips and I dont think that would very easy with those.

I though of typing that but then thought they can't be any worse than the plastic back nuts :lol: ...then I was going to type use 2 if unsure

 

[MacKiwi]

Using 2 did indeed occur to me :)

 

[Vossy1]

:lol: we should just type what we're thinking it'd be a lot easier :rofl:

 

[AndyBWood]

Hi MacKiwi,

I went he same route as you; same elements from the sponsor and same lock nuts from Bearing Boys. No problems yet with the nuts rusting; I might just keep them moist with a thin coating of olive oil ( or similar ) though.

The hex nuts look like a great solution and two may be the answer as you say.

I have saved your link to the shiny KM8 locknuts and will never, ever, look at them again.......... :whistle:

A

 

[chastuck]

I've used brass nickel plated versions of the hex M40 nut and they work fine. You should have no problems with the stainless steel version.

 

[MacKiwi]

Cheers Chastruck - I've ordered the hex-nuts. I'll let you know how I get on...

 

[MacKiwi]

Just for the record, Component Force have called me to confirm it was the stainless locknuts I was after (hell yes). Apparently, due to an error on the website, the £2.50 price is for the nylon version. They are going to honor the original price, but expect that web price to be amended upwards shortly.

Friendly bunch to deal with though, so I will look at using them again

 

[MacKiwi]

Ok, so the hex nuts arrived. They work good!



They are a bit more substantial than I expected. You can only fit one - there isn't enough thread for two, but they have enough purchase on the pot to make a solid connection. I didn't have to use any PTFE tap either.

As per my earlier post, I'm not sure what the price will be if I order again, but that aside, I think they're a better solution than the KM8 lock-nuts, and way better than the plastic nut that the elements come with.

 

[chastuck]

Very smart. How much was the cost supposed to be? Also, when I checked their site it seems you have to buy them in fives, or did they sell you just two?

 

[MacKiwi]

I bought a dozen!

I'm building 3 mash-tuns and boilers for friends, plus I'll replace my old rusty KM8 lock-nuts on my own system. So the MOQ of 5 wasn't a big deal.

The lady I spoke to on the phone didn't have the proper price for stainless-steel to hand, so I don't know what it should have been. If they still haven't updated their website then get an order in and hopefully they'll honor it

 

[graysalchemy]

No the price was taken off when you first reported it.