I am fixing to upgrade my kettle to all stainless Tri-Clamp fittings - like these here: http://breweryparts.com/index.php/fittings-and-valves/fittings-amp-valves-tri-clamp-174/adaptor-npt-to-tri-clamp-174.html. I am not “with” my kettle/fermenter right now and wanted to order these today. Are the Blichmann ball valve thread sizes 1/2" or 3/4"? Anyone know for sure before I spend $500 dollars on fitting?
FWIW, the accessory valves listed on their website are 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2".
Thanks Denny - weird, I looked at their website and could not find that info. :-\ It mush be 1/2" then.
Right here, buddy…
http://www.blichmannengineering.com/ball_valves/ball_valves.html
Doh! How didd I miss that … “Valves”. First menu item!. :
I’d wager it had to do with beer being involved! 
I wish I could use that excuse. I was only drinking coffee.
why not use cam lock fittings instead of tri clamp. www.proflowdynamics.com has some great prices on 1/2 316 ss cam and groove couplers of all styles that works better than tri clamps in my opinion
[quote]316 ss cam and groove couplers of all styles that works better than tri clamps in my opinion
[/quote]
What makes you say that?
I’ve always thought of triclamps as the standard for sanitary fittings and they’re pretty simple to use. Why do you like cam and groove fittings better?
They look easier to use with no loose parts. Is this the reason?
Man, had I seen those 6 months ago I probably would have gotten them instead of the polysulfone QDCs, and then I may not have bought the Tri Clamps. Oh well, I just got them yesterday and they are pretty freakin’ awesome. Might have to get some of these other ones as well, love the price!
So it looks like you ended up purchasing the tri-clamps Major…where did you end up finding the best prices? I just received my Blichmann kettles and want upgrade to tri-clamp fittings as I am most comfortable with them. At which valves did you upgrade your system to triclamp fittings? Im thinking about doing it for everything, but that can get a little pricey @ $20 per male fitting…
Your suggestions are appreciated!
Bobby
They are much more affordable here: http://www.brewershardware.com/1.5-Tri-Clover-X-1-2-Male-NPT.html and excellent quality.
Well I’m glad Rich at IHBHS has taken over posting on here. The Cam Lock couplers that I introduced to IHBHS from proflowdynamics are indeed much easier to operate than tri clamps. instead of having to deal with 4 seperate pieces (each side of the fitting, clamp and gasket) which takes two hands to put together and is not easy to do in a rush situation, like switching a hose full of hot wort from one tank to another, can actually be accomplished one handed. The Cams provide a tight secure connection that is leak free and just as sanitary as a tri clamp fitting. Prices range from $3.72 to $5.99 depending on which type you need sure beats the $12.00 for a tri clamp that doesn’t include a clamp or gasket. The food grade gasket housed inside the socket section is easily removable for cleaning and sanitation and can be ordered separately between $0.12 and $0.39 a pop (depending on if you want the standard buna n or silcon gasket). Check em out. http://store.proflowdynamics.com/modules/store/-Couplings-for-Homebrewers-_C12074.cfm