Air lock preference

[Rocky]

Just wondering which style air lock you all prefer and why. I like the fact that I can reliably clean the three piece air lock but I like the visual that I get from the S-shaped air lock. Just wondering what you all prefer. Thanks.

 

[Flem]

Rocky, I like the S-shaped for the same reason as you---You can see the activity better than with the 3-piece. I keep K-meta in both so I am not so concerned about the cleanliness. They stay pretty sanitized all the time.

 

[LanMan]

If I am using a glass fermenting vessel then I don't really care but on better bottles or a plastic bucket then I like the S-shaped ones because they will bubble in reverse instead of sucking all the liquid from the airlock into your fermenting vessel.

 

[robie]

I like and use both the 3-piece and the S shaped.
The S shaped work well with a Vacu-Vin for degassing.

 

[Tom]

1pc "S" shape

 

[Dugger]

I use both - I use the 3 piece for fermenting and early stages; it's easy to clean. I use the 1 piece for bulk aging because it seems to need less topping up than the 3 piece.

 

[Runningwolf]

S-shape all the way. Just bought 10 more today along with more bungs

 

[ibglowin]

S-shape all the way. Just bought 10 more today along with more bungs

 

[Runningwolf]

Fact is Mike you really don't realize how many you really need. If you're working with say 10 carboys, then you have gallon, 1/2 gallon and 750 ml bottles your sticking airlocks in as you rack down. So I have no idea how many I have but I'm sure it's over 50. Then your have to have drilled bungs for them and and solid bungs for the carboys.

Yes my name is runningwolf and I have been addicted since the day I began and I am not seeking rehab.

 

[ibglowin]

Hehehe......

Mea culpa, mea culpa!

 

[Rocky]

I kind of like the S shape more but I have a concern with the way they are made. They appear to be blow-molded into a clam-shell mold and, in addition to the thin walls, there is a knit line where the two side of the mold come together. This could be a weak point that could leak air. I am probably worrying for nothing because I have never had a problem with one.

 

[Runningwolf]

I am probably worrying for nothing because I have never had a problem with one.

Alright Rocky get back down in the cellar and quit dreaming up these problems. LOL

 

[Wade E]

S-type here all the way. Get a good pipe cleaner to clean these.

 

[ibglowin]

I use the 3 piece. They seem to hold more Sulfite solution to me and can thus go longer with out refilling.

The S type works perfect for vacuum degassing with the vacuvin though!