I am looking to install bungs on my converted kegs for ball valves and thermometers. Does anyone have experience with the weldless ones that take the silicon O rings. Since the ball valve is at the bottom and subject to the heat from the burner I wondered if the weldless ones work well and how ofeten do you have to replace the O rings. I can Tig weld Bungs on myself, but I thought it would save time and bringing the kegs to work if I can use the weldless ones. Thanks
If done correctly they work fine. I just replaced an 8 gal pot with 2 weldless connectors that i used for about 6 years. They never leaked and I removed/cleaned/reinstalled many times. IMO if you plan on keeping this pot for a while and you have the ability to weld, why not weld?
The weldless fittings work great on the brew pot. I have gone years without an issue. But if I had access to a Tig I'd weld mine in a heartbeat
I just put a weldless on my 12 gallon brew kettle. It works flawlessly, the o-rings are designed for high temperatures. That being said, if I owned a TIG welder I would weld it. Either way test with water for leaks before you brew.
I've done the weldless for years too. No problems. I do wrap the outside with a piece of aluminum foil though for piece of mind.
I went weldless on a 15G Aluminium kettle that is blasted by a 32 jet NG burner that is hotter than Hades. No problems after a year+ (except when I moved it by hand and had to re-square everything). The silicon rings are still mint (and the ball valve isn't!) even hen blasted by full flame*. *Yes, I need to get a heat shield.
Thanks for the help. I think I will go with the weldless. It is a pain in the ass to bring the stuff to work. Dont have a Tig welder at home. Have 2 coverted kegs, working on # 3 then the next project will be a brew stand with pumps and temp control
