Big mistake, like I was a noob

I've already tied rope to where the plastic handles used to be. They broke off. I don't see much else that could go wrong. *Knock on wood.* I'm just careful with the brass on the end and I'll be using it past my homebrewing adventures as a standard cooler.

The cliff?

 

Ha, I just bought a used 70qt from Goodwill for like $5 to fit for doing 10 gallons of Imperial at once, has a string holding a broken handle on. My current Coleman 48 had the lid bust off, so I just place it on top after doughing in, and then wrap it up for the night. Makes cleaning easier as it doesn't get top heavy when empty and open.

 

I totally forgot that my cooler had hinges. I broke those off after the empty cooler tipped over on the weight of the lid a few times. I just lay my lid on too. It's much easier to work with and clean as two pieces.

 

My lid is still intact, but I have considered drilling/sawing out the hinge things to make it separate. The lid is kind of a PITA when rinsing out the tun.

 

I did my first AG batch with the lid attached. After that, I just unscrewed the hinges and removed the little strap that's there to keep it from opening too far. The other significant advantage this provides is flexibility on which end of the counter I'm mashing on. Why carry 8g of hot wort farther than you have to?

 

Time has been kind to your cooler. It's time to help it along.