Category Archives: Reader Projects

How To: Step by Step Making a Magnetic Drip Tray

Pictured: Update International (DTS-419) 4″ x 19″ Rectangular Drip Tray, Stainless Steel – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Step by Step instructions for making a magnetic drip try for your Kegerator or Keezer.

This is a project that requires materials and tools. Operate power tools carefully. Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.

By: HBF Reader Andrew Cunje

Materials:

Update International (DTS-419) 4″ x 19″ Rectangular Drip Tray, Stainless Steel – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Alternate: DasMarine 19″ Length 4″ Width Rectangular Stainless Steel Beer Surface Mount Drip Tray
4′ of 6x.5 Poplar Wood (actual width is 5.5″)
1’4″ of 6×1 Poplar Wood (actual width is 5.5″) Note: A thicker wood will suffice for this…remember the longer the wood extends down from the joint, the less likely the magnetic bond will break from the leverage applied to the edge of the drip tray.)
4-5ft of Decorative Trim of your choice (Sold in lengths of 8′)
MUST BE 1.25-1.5 inch trim. I used 1.5 which I highly recommend.
3/4″ mounting screws (for magnets) or Epoxy/Gorilla Glue
1″ wood screws
Brad/Finishing Nails
1 large old school hard drive magnets (Bigger with Mounting Holes than newer drives) (Alternative: rare earth neodymium magnets that are .5″ thick (Approximately 8); these can be stacked if you can only find .25″ magnets)
Wood Glue
Wood Putty (Optional)
Wood Stain (Optional)
Tennis Racket Grip Tap (Or an old yellow rubber glove). Anything rubbery and tacky to increase friction against the fridge.

Update International (DTS-419) 4" x 19" Rectangular Drip Tray, Stainless Steel

DasMarine 19" Length 4" Width Rectangular Stainless Steel Beer Surface Mount Drip Tray, No Drain, Silver

Continue reading →

Using Temperature Activated Stickers to See Keg Levels

Thanks to u/CivilDistribution576 on r/homebrewing for this tip and picture

u/CivilDistribution576 Says…

They sell these sheets that are like 1 square foot vinyl stickers that change color at 59°F. I cut a strip out of one and placed it from top to bottom of the keg. Throw it in the kegerator and the sticker is a bold color (<59°F), take it out, and rub it to generate heat until the color turns white. Give it a couple seconds, and the color will be restored up to the level of the beer and make a clear indication of the fullness of the keg.

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Making a Fermentation Heater w/Heat Tape

Thanks to HBF Reader Charles for this guest post! [8 Ways to Connect with HBF]

You often have posts about deals on Fermwrap style heaters. I’d like to alert your readers about an option that is lower cost and I believe superior to any deals I have ever seen posted. Most Fermwraps are made with Flexwatt heater tape. Another brand of heat tape is THG Heat Tape, which I have seen people post on both reptile and brewing forums as being superior to Flexwatt; I have both and find it to be more durable. Regardless, Pangea Reptile sells the 12″ tape for $3/foot. They also sell the cord and connecting clips and will install it for only $4.99 more. They offer flat-rate shipping of only $4.99, so even if you order only one 12×24 wrap, it’s only $15.98 shipped. If you order more, or make one from smaller width tape, available in 3, 4, 6, or 12″, then the savings are even more. For instance, I ordered 5′ of tape and had them make two 30″ wraps, which gives more uniform coverage around a typical fermenter. Of course, you can DIY the cord if absolute lowest cost is important.

Note: This is a DIY project. Make sure you choose appropriate materials for your application. Contact manufacturer with questions. Prices are deemed accurate as of this posting, check Pangea Reptile for up to the minute price, availability and description.

Also Consider:

Homebrew Fermentation Heater via Amazon
BREWER’S EDGE® SPACE HEATER via William’s Brewing
The FermWrap™ Heater via MoreBeer
FERMENTATION HEAT WRAP via Brewer’s Hardware
Fermentation Heater for Homebrew via eBay
Inkbird Dual Stage Temp Controller | Yeast Starters and Fermentation Resource Pagen

Third Party Resource: This resource is part of our selection of top Third Party homebrewing resources. Check out the entire list of resources Third Party Homebrew Resources

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Inkbird ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller| Review

How To: Step by Step Making a Magnetic Drip Tray

Step by Step instructions for making a magnetic drip try for your Kegerator or Keezer.

By: HBF Reader Andrew Cunje

Materials:

Update International (DTS-419) 4″ x 19″ Rectangular Drip Tray, Stainless Steel – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Alternate: DasMarine 19″ Length 4″ Width Rectangular Stainless Steel Beer Surface Mount Drip Tray
4′ of 6x.5 Poplar Wood (actual width is 5.5″)
1’4″ of 6×1 Poplar Wood (actual width is 5.5″) Note: A thicker wood will suffice for this…remember the longer the wood extends down from the joint, the less likely the magnetic bond will break from the leverage applied to the edge of the drip tray.)
4-5ft of Decorative Trim of your choice (Sold in lengths of 8′)
MUST BE 1.25-1.5 inch trim. I used 1.5 which I highly recommend.
3/4″ mounting screws (for magnets) or Epoxy/Gorilla Glue
1″ wood screws
Brad/Finishing Nails
1 large old school hard drive magnets (Bigger with Mounting Holes than newer drives) (Alternative: rare earth neodymium magnets that are .5″ thick (Approximately 8); these can be stacked if you can only find .25″ magnets)
Wood Glue
Wood Putty (Optional)
Wood Stain (Optional)
Tennis Racket Grip Tap (Or an old yellow rubber glove). Anything rubbery and tacky to increase friction against the fridge.

Update International (DTS-419) 4" x 19" Rectangular Drip Tray, Stainless Steel

DasMarine 19" Length 4" Width Rectangular Stainless Steel Beer Surface Mount Drip Tray, No Drain, Silver

Continue reading →