Auto-siphon mod related questions

[Yesfan]

I didn't know where to post this, so since auto-siphons are the primary tool in this section, I figured it would be here. I also did a few searches on what I'm wanting to do, but no luck.


I have the basic auto-siphon that came with my Northern Brewer starter kit, the 5/16". I had an idea of putting a small section of tubing on the racking cane part with a male thread end to accept a swivel nut. Then I could use two pieces of tubing that would screw to the racking cane. One that's just bare tubing that I would lay flat in the bottom of my bottling bucket, and the other would have a swivel nut on the end for a liquid ball disconnect for keg transfers.

The issue is, I can't find a male connector to use on the racking cane end. I have plenty of extra swivel nuts, so thought maybe just use that and a female to female coupler. I didn't have any luck looking for those at my Lowe's or Home Depot. Any ideas on that?

The only other options I see is either buy a second auto-siphon or a second racking cane for my siphon, but I'm confused on the sizes. I see 5/16" (Northern Brewer) and 3/8" (Brewmasters Warehouse) that look like the same thing. Also, is the "pump" part of the auto-siphon the racking cane, or is the phrase 'racking cane' just another name for an auto-siphon? Thanks for any help.

 

[JoeSpartaNJ]

It depends on what you are looking to achieve. Siphon technology is pretty straight forward. To me, any mods to what is currently available would be a waste of resource as opposed to the costs and efforts involved.

 

[RoundKid]

Look for the male piece at a local hardware store. That is where I buy all those fittings. Both lowes and HD don't have them buy the tiny Ace Hardware does.

 

[Yesfan]

Ace didn't even cross my mind. I'll check them tomorrow. Thanks.

 

[BetterSense]

Why use an auto-siphon for keg transfers? Use CO2 and push the beer.

 

[Yesfan]

Why use an auto-siphon for keg transfers? Use CO2 and push the beer.

I'm talking about when racking from primary fermentation (bucket or carboy) to a keg, not from another keg. Instead of pulling a dripping hose from the keg after transfer, all I would have to do is just unhook the siphon from the liquid ball lock once the fermentor was emptied.

 

[JDGator]

You will need to leave the top off the keg when filling. I think you will create a pressure lock. What goes in, must come out. I like the idea but i dont think its worth the effort either. But i say try it and let us know if we are wrong.

 

[RoundKid]

You don't have to leave the top off, just open the pressure release or put a gas pop-it on with nothing attached.

 

[JDGator]

Really what difference does it make. Something has to be open.