Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Kathyp on August 05, 2010, 03:38:23 PM

Title: honey gate ?
Post by: Kathyp on August 05, 2010, 03:38:23 PM
i needed another bucket with a honey gate on it.  in the past i just bought one already done.  this year i got the bucket at HD and the HG at Mann Lake.  now....is there a really easy way to make the hole?  i had though about using the door knob hole maker thing, but a. i can't find it and b.  i think it's to small a hole anyway.

suggestions?
Title: Re: honey gate ?
Post by: AliciaH on August 05, 2010, 04:03:38 PM
Can you measure the hole of the bucket you already have?  I would think that if you take that measurement back to HD they will help you find the perfect drilling option for your Makita (or whatever you're using).

I'm eager to see how you end up doing this!
Title: Re: honey gate ?
Post by: Livefreeordie on August 05, 2010, 04:36:06 PM
I think if you take the HG to Lowes or Home Depot, they can fix you up with the proper size hole saw.
Title: Re: honey gate ?
Post by: hardwood on August 05, 2010, 04:47:59 PM
The gates I use from Dadant require a 1 7/8" hole saw. When you make the hole, measure carefully and try to orient it so that the nut on the inside sits flat on the bottom of the bucket. You won't be able to turn the nut but rather screw the gate into it from the outside.

Scott
Title: Re: honey gate ?
Post by: hardwood on August 05, 2010, 04:50:09 PM
Just as an FYI...HD buckets are not rated as food grade. I'm not sure how much difference it makes to you...I personally use them...but if you're selling the honey the FDA wouldn't approve.

Scott
Title: Re: honey gate ?
Post by: hoxbar on August 05, 2010, 06:09:28 PM
I used a 2" hole saw bit on mine, I did it just a few weeks ago. I think the 1 7/8" might have been better. Mine doesn't leak but I'd test it with some water a few days before you put honey in it.
Title: Re: honey gate ?
Post by: hoxbar on August 05, 2010, 06:12:02 PM
Quote from: hardwood on August 05, 2010, 04:50:09 PM
Just as an FYI...HD buckets are not rated as food grade. I'm not sure how much difference it makes to you.

Mine's not food grade either. If it's only in the bucket for a little while I don't see what it would matter. What's the benefits of using food grade?
Title: Re: honey gate ?
Post by: Kathyp on August 05, 2010, 06:20:23 PM
Quotebut if you're selling the honey the FDA wouldn't approve

if you had to guess my opinion....   :evil:

no, it won't be in there long.  i just needed an extra drip bucket.
Title: Re: honey gate ?
Post by: bigbearomaha on August 05, 2010, 06:22:51 PM
I don't know about Home Depot buckets, but  I do know that 5 gal pails at Tractor Supply are food grade because they are there for farmers carrying food for and from animals in many cases.

Don't cost but a couple bucks apiece.

Big Bear
Title: Re: honey gate ?
Post by: AllenF on August 05, 2010, 07:13:39 PM
Food grade buckets ain't but $7  each and that's with a new lid.
Title: Re: honey gate ?
Post by: iddee on August 05, 2010, 10:07:46 PM
Food grade buckets from donut shops and slushy shops are 1.00 each or less, with lid.

I drill a hole the size of the first bit I pick up. Approx. a half inch. Then I open it up with my pocket knife until it fits.