[WattsOnTap]

What do you use, and why?

I'm currently using the spring-loaded ball bearing type - http://www.homebrewing.org/12-Barb-Female-SS-Quick-Disconnect_p_1961.html - but considering swapping to the cam lock style - http://www.homebrewing.org/Pro-Flow-Dynamics-12-Type-C-Female-Coupler-Hose-Barb_p_2098.html.

Primarily for use with Chugger pump during mash recirculation and sparging.

[Philbrew]

Cam locks.

- They do not restrict fluid flow.  Especially important on suction side of pump.

- Easy to clean.  No hidden places for crud to collect.

[mabrungard]

Yep, Camlocks. For all the reasons Phil cites. I use female camlocks on each end of hoses and male camlocks at each piece of equipment. I like that some suppliers provide silicone gaskets in the female camlocks. Those gaskets are well-sealing and durable, in my experience.

[Stevie]

Same. Going to be adding fiberglass camlocks to my garden hose fittings too. The spring loaded ball lock type start to grind after a few years.

[blair.streit]

+1 to what all of these guys said. I've been really happy with my Cam Locks (bought from Pro Flow Dynamics and like the gaskets as Martin mentioned).

After reading this I now want to put one on the end of the water hose that I use for chilling so that it's easier to connect/disconnect when I get to the end of the boil.... And maybe onto my water filter and RV hose for pulling water.... And maybe in the backyard for the sprinkler too 

[Stevie]

GHT camlocks - https://www.dultmeier.com/catalog/0.630.2123

A bit pricey, but I like that they are a different color and different size to prevent mixing.

[WattsOnTap]

Thanks, all.

Had a less than ideal brew day a few weeks back, with at least one of the problems identified as caused by the quick disconnect.  The o-ring inside a female QD came out and lodged in the throat of the male fitting.  Delicious wort started spraying out of the junction and I was not happy.  I was having some other flow issues that day, which may or may not have been an early sign of problems with that connector.

I like the looks of the Pro Flow Dynamics connectors, and the fact that they are  about 2/3 to 1/2 the cost of the other style (depending on where you shop).

[Stevie]

Proflow dynamics has sales all the time. Also check Bargain Fittings, cheap prices and flat rate shipping.

[Phil_M]

Aside from cost, I'm not sure I'm seeing a problem with the ball bearing sort...

These are what I've got, though I think mine came from different vendors...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IEFHIK8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0064OF85I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

With being sized for 1/2" ID tubing, I really don't see any flow issues. As far as cleanup, they flow straight through, with a silicon gasket seal.

Price aside, I think the cam lock/ball bearing debate comes to personal preference. I'm used to this style of connector, it's commonly used on air tools. Also, no cams to snag open on clothing. I can easily connect/disconnect them one handed.

[WattsOnTap]

So, this is what was happening inside my quick disconnects:



The o-rings were warping or dislodging and obstructing the flow.

I ordered some of the Pro Flow Dynamics cam locks.  They arrived Saturday, after I was well into in IPA.  I swapped out the QDs Saturday night and brewed a stout on Sunday.  I like the cam locks so much better!  I really liked the solid feel of the connection, the extra length of the barb, barb spacing better accommodates hose clamps, and not one issue with flow rates.  I had a a better brew day all around with the stout.  I don't know how much really was attributable to the cam locks, but I sure was a happy brewer on day one of using them.

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