honey gate question I haven't seen

[berkshire bee]

I've read some of the other threads on honey gates. I've heard mention of the brass ball valves, compared to the plastic cut-off gates. The plastic cut-off one I have always seems to drip a little after closing which is unavoidable by it's design. You just have to get the hang of timing it when you filll jars, but I always get a few with a streak of honey running down the side of the jar. Is there a gate that can be used on unheated honey, that doesn't drip, and is reasonably priced as in not $50 or more? Some of the higher priced ones in the catalogs say that they are for use on honey that has been heated.

[Walt McBride]

You could buy a total plastic PVC ball valve, 1" opening of the ball, at a plumbing supply shop. I would think it would go for under $15. You would need to cut back the PVC on the outfeed end to as close to the ball as you could get. Extra material past the ball is what causes honey to still flow after ball rotates closed causing drip. Same with honey gates.

Walter Kelley's #194-L 1" brass gate is a excellent gate. I see they are now going for $45.
I bit the bullet and paid the $21. they wanted for it 20 years ago. I do not regret it.
Walt

[berkshire bee]

Thanks walt. Does that brass one work fine with unheated honey?

[Pete0]

I recently purchased this valve from Brushy Mountain and installed it on a 5 gal pail:

1 1/2" Perfection Gate (Cat # 515)

Category: Miscellaneous
NEW we are excited about this new plastic Perfection Gate. Spring-loaded cut-off valve cleanly shuts off the flow and the large handle makes filling jars easier.
Pricing
Each: $ 24.95

It works great! Some cons are that it is BIG, sticks out about 4-6 inches off the side of the pail. It also is taller than the side gate and putting it in the same hole has it extending below the bottom of the pail so it cannot be set on the floor or any surface. I let it overhang a countertop or sink while I'm bottling and sit it on a bucket while storing. Some pros are that I can adjust the flow while filling a container. Start off full and then cut the flow back to a dribble to top-off. Filled 30 one pound containers yesterday and didn't have a stray drop anywhere! It cuts off clean with no second later drips.

Pete0
Bena, VA

[Walt McBride]

Berkshire that size is fine for warm or un warmed honey to bottle with as long as the temperature of the honey 65 F. or higher.
Walt

[berkshire bee]

Pete and Walt, thanks to both of you. I can stick with the one s I have for filling bulk containers and pick one of the styles you reccommend for filling jars. berkshire