Sankey spiggot hole size?

[CampAjohn]

I am in the midst of converting a Sankey keg to a boil pot. I have a 1/2" i.d. ss coupler coming from Austin Home Brew. Does anyone know what size hole I need to drill for that coupler?

[Blkandrust]

I'm not sure about the coupler,but i ordered a weldless spigot from them and i made a 7/8" hole.

[CampAjohn]

Thanks, Blckandrust, I was thinking that might be it. I appreciate your quick reply.

[danno]

7/8" is the right size for a weldless fitting, but if you're geting it welded in, it's not big enough. Not sure what the right size is for a welded fitting, but 7/8" isn't it...

when you drill out a SS Sankey, use a slower speed and even pressure. I use a 7/8" hole saw, which gives a pretty clean hole, although the hole saw was only good for about four holes before several teeth had broken off...

[CampAjohn]

Thanks, Danno. I decided to wait until I have the coupler in hand to choose the bimetal hole saw size. I don't want to drill it twice! I used 10 bimetal jigsaw blades to cut open the top. SS is tough stuff. 'Course, that's why it will last so long. While I got you, do you do anything to improve the heat trasfer to your keg, such as a piece of aluminum or copper between keg and burner?

[danno]

not for a Sankey, they're quite thick...

[CampAjohn]

I got the 1/2" coupler, and it requires a 1-1/8" hole. The i.d. of the coupler is actually closer to 3/4", as the 1/2" refers to the inside dia. of the pipe that goes into the coupler, not the outside dia.

Danna, thanks for slowing me down!

[CampAjohn]

actually, after drilling the 1-1/8" hole, my welder told me it was too large. Closer to 1". Better to let welder size and cut the hole!