National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Equipment & Chemicals => Topic started by: banjobrew on March 21, 2016, 08:08:06 PM

Title: Drilling a fridge
Post by: banjobrew on March 21, 2016, 08:08:06 PM
So I've a fridge (brand new) and a 6kg CO2 cylinder. The cylinder won't fit inside and I'm going to drill a hole in the side of it for the 3/8 OD gas line.

Has anyone any experience doing this?

If the gas line fits flush is there any need for insulation?

Has anyone used an alcohol solution to find cooling lines?

Any and all advice is welcome!

Thanks!
Title: Drilling a fridge
Post by: Leann ull on March 21, 2016, 08:18:21 PM
Better off with it outside you are more like to see when it's run out.
Most cooling lines are in the rear only on modern cheaper fridges.
Pierce the outer aluminium skin only on very low revs with drill bit, then take a nail dart or paperclip and push it through wiggling as you go then use a small screwdriver until you know you've hit the inside wall.
Title: Re: Drilling a fridge
Post by: banjobrew on March 21, 2016, 09:29:57 PM
Quote from: CH on March 21, 2016, 08:18:21 PM
Better off with it outside you are more like to see when it's run out.
Most cooling lines are in the rear only on modern cheaper fridges.
Pierce the outer aluminium skin only on very low revs with drill bit, then take a nail dart or paperclip and push it through wiggling as you go then use a small screwdriver until you know you've hit the inside wall.

In the rear and running over the top? All the youtube videos show them running from side to side over the top of undercounter fridges.
Title: Re: Drilling a fridge
Post by: Ed on March 21, 2016, 10:56:28 PM
i ran my line through the drain hole in the back of the fridge... just opened it out a bit wider to make sure the condensation could still run out past the line and job done.
Title: Re: Drilling a fridge
Post by: Leann ull on March 22, 2016, 12:04:54 AM
you'll know when you hit it! I've only ever done larder fridges.
Take your time make a slightly hole on outer skin and pick away at insulation with a tweezers or long nose pliers if your nervous about it
Title: Re: Drilling a fridge
Post by: dcalnan on March 22, 2016, 12:41:37 AM
I did exactly what CH is describing and had no problems.