Drilling a lid for an airlock grommet

[MashBag]

Can't you take it off and drill it then?

 

[matt.]

Can't you take it off and drill it then?

That's the plan. I was asking for advice on drilling the plastic lid. I didn't want it to split or break. Have you drilled plastic?

 

[MashBag]

I do feel like a heretic tho. I would not drill this at all. I haven't used airlocks for YEARS

.. And never a spatula

All I do is do the lid up and then turn it back ¼

Better still if the rubber seal is an o ring. Pull it out.

 

[MashBag]

That's the plan. I was asking for advice on drilling the plastic lid. I didn't want it to split or break. Have you drilled plastic?

Loads of times. Easier to drill that wood or metal, but having reread this thread I wouldn't bother.

Try turn back ¼ now. Happy days.

 

[matt.]

Loads of times. Easier to drill that wood or metal, but having reread this thread I wouldn't bother.

Try turn back ¼ now. Happy days.

Turn back a 1/4 ? The lid isn't threaded. It sits snug on a lip around the top of the bucket.

 

[MashBag]

Hang on. This is a bucket yes? Not a threaded lid.

Easier still, close it but don't snap it.

 

[matt.]

Here it is.

 

[MashBag]

If you do drill it. Drill straight through into a black of scrap wood. Gently with a sharp drill.

 

[MashBag]

Here it is.

Defo would not bother drilling.

 

[MashBag]

That is a mighty fine book you have there under the thermometer

 

[MashBag]

I would just hang a 50mm length of string or thin copper wire over the lid, before closing. This will make a tiny gap, which is all you need.

I guess that bucket is about 10 litres?

 

[matt.]

I would just hang a 50mm length of string or thin copper wire over the lid, before closing. This will make a tiny gap, which is all you need.

I guess that bucket is about 10 litres?

Yes, 10 litres.
I was given it . The tap leaked on my first brew but insulation tape solved that issue.
I'm using a thin 6" wooden spatula to keep the lid slightly ajar.
My only concern about leaving a tiny gap is flies or dust getting in. An air lock gives me more sense of security.
Maybe I'm over concerned?

 

[MashBag]

Yes

 

[MashBag]

I brew 500l of grapes under a shower curtain (for many years). I don't even have a lid for those fermenters let alone an airlock.

 

[Clint]

I did hear somewhere about MELTING a hole in the lid with a bit of hot pipe.

 

[MashBag]

A soldering iron is great for that.
Even a skewer heater on a gas hob. Then a stanley knife to remove the residue.

 

[matt.]

Many thanks for all contributions.
Today I plucked up the courage to drill the FV top and fit the grommet for the airlock.
I soaked it in hit water and used a small awl and the drills of greater sizes.
All went well, so thanks again.

 

[starseeker]

I did hear somewhere about MELTING a hole in the lid with a bit of hot pipe.

I did hear somewhere about MELTING a hole in the lid with a bit of hot pipe.

This was a favourite trick when plumbing up a roof tank etc, heat up a piece of copper pipe of the right size with the blow lamp and push it through the tank ,quick and a neat hole which just needed de-burring on the inside .

 

[MashBag]

I have a soldierng iron somewhere, with a 15mm straight fitted to the end. For a very similar task.