Camlocks

[Two Wheeler]

What is everyone using for hose fittings? I'm trying to rig up a pump and plate chiller, and want to do it right. But right is damn expensive, haha. Both OBK and Everwood are charging about $80 for the fittings I need, which are 4 "A" fittings, 6 "C", and 1 "F" plus hoses, gaskets etc.

I also saw that aluminum camlocks are much cheaper, as available from Pro Flow... but I know the consensus is that you "shouldn't" use Oxyclean/PBW on aluminum.  http://store.proflowdynamics.com/modules/store/-Aluminum-Camlock-Couplings_C69.cfm

I also thought I'd just put barbed fittings on everything, and just slide the hoses on and off the barb and use a spring clamp or something that's easily secured.

Anyway, I'm not opposed to spending the $100 (shipped) to get the right fittings if they are really worth it, but if anyone can share their experiences with alternate options it would be greatly appreciated.

[Kyle]

Camlocks are great. Most of the people in the club use them - meaning you can interface borrowed equipment easily at events. Also, they are very cheap compared to the other high-quality options; namely Q-Ds and Triclamps. The stainless Camlocks are something you buy once, and you're good to go. P.S. they've actually come down in price considerably in the last year or so.

[JohnQ]

What is everyone using for hose fittings? I'm trying to rig up a pump and plate chiller, and want to do it right. But right is damn expensive, haha. Both OBK and Everwood are charging about $80 for the fittings I need, which are 4 "A" fittings, 6 "C", and 1 "F" plus hoses, gaskets etc.

I also saw that aluminum camlocks are much cheaper, as available from Pro Flow... but I know the consensus is that you "shouldn't" use Oxyclean/PBW on aluminum.  http://store.proflowdynamics.com/modules/store/-Aluminum-Camlock-Couplings_C69.cfm

I also thought I'd just put barbed fittings on everything, and just slide the hoses on and off the barb and use a spring clamp or something that's easily secured.

Anyway, I'm not opposed to spending the $100 (shipped) to get the right fittings if they are really worth it, but if anyone can share their experiences with alternate options it would be greatly appreciated.

Same site, these are the ones to get...

http://store.proflowdynamics.com/modules/store/1-2-Camlock-Fittings-_C37350.cfm

JQ

[pliny]

Camlocks are great. Most of the people in the club use them - meaning you can interface borrowed equipment easily at events. Also, they are very cheap compared to the other high-quality options; namely Q-Ds and Triclamps. The stainless Camlocks are something you buy once, and you're good to go. P.S. they've actually come down in price considerably in the last year or so.

Yes, they are worth it.
Get camlocks, you're going to end up getting some eventually so just get them now and have it done with.

I have a few extra camlocks kicking around at my place. PM me if you're interested.
However, I don't know how much of the silicone tubing I have.

[Two Wheeler]

Thanks JQ, that's not really any cheaper so I'll likely give the business to Dave at Everwood.

As far as gaskets go, I assume it's one per connection? or is it one per fitting?

[Chris Craig]

I have 4 C-Type camlocks w/gaskets you can have for $20 total.  You want those on the hoses, then A-Type on your pump in/out, and F on your valves.

Yeah, they're expensive, but they're a 1 time buy.

[Chris Craig]

Actually, I have a 5th.  Type D.  You'll need a close nipple.  $25 for all of them, and I'll throw in a chrome-plated brass valve.

[Two Wheeler]

Deal Chris... see you at the meeting. Between you and Pliny I might be covered here.

[JohnQ]

Yeah, they're expensive, but they're a 1 time buy.

I read a great article by John Blichmann...
Buy once, Cry once
is his mantra,

Very true with camlocks.

JQ

[Two Wheeler]

Ok, after my first brew day with the camlocks set up, I can say they are worth every penny.