What materials would work best in a brew kettle for the washers? I am piecing together the parts for doing a weldless ballvalve, thermometer, and sight glass. I need to put a rubber washer along the inside edge of the kettle wall to create a waterproof seal. I have a couple silicone washers that I got with my tubing from Williams, but I really don't want to pay for shipping on a couple bucks worth of washers. These will need to be food grade as well as boil resistant.
Silicone would be my first choice. Waterproof, heat proof (in the context of brewing), and food grade.
I guess if need be I can just buy a little more silicone tubing than I need for my sight glasses and cut off "rings" for sealing the parts. Not exactly silicone washers, but it should work, right? There are no local spots with silicone washers (and silicone tubing is outrageously priced at my LHBS).
you could probably find the exact silicon washer at Grainger if you have half an hour to browse. McMaster Carr as well, but they make placing an order a bit more difficult if you aren't industry. Williams is likely getting their supplies from Grainger anyway, then marking it up. online retailers seem to be real competitive with the expensive stuff, but really gouge you on the small items. $2 for a 25 cent item etc. I always get fittings, thermometers, tubing, valves, s/s anything from Grainger or US Plastic if I can. Cheers.
I called and placed an order with McMaster's for keg O rings and hose clamps. The guy was friendly enough and didn't give me any hassle for placing a smallish order. This was two years ago.
Did you check bargainfittings.com? That's where I purchased my three piece ball valves, washers included.
This thread is sticky note material. I'm going to say that a lot and when I need to find something in the future I'll just search my name and the key work "sticky."
