[Fuzzy]

Every hardware store in this hemisphere will have an assortment of valves. These will either be brass or PVC and sized from 1/2 inch to 2 inches. However, you will have to figure out how to mount them on something.

 

[mrspock]

What are the features of a honey gate that makes it a honey gate, and what feature should I look for in such a valve?

 

[jip]

I've read that cleaning was a major concern with the valves. Honey gate is simple and easily cleaned. I'm sure there are others.

 

[Oldbee]

"What are the features of a honey gate that makes it a honey gate,.."

Instant or fast cut-off of flow, with very little after dripping I would think. Valves used for thick molasses, oil or other similar fluids.

 

[WVaBees]

A honey gate is only like $8. A valve setup from the hardware store will likely cost $5 or more and possibly not even work that well. You can also probably use plastic 1/4 turn faucets that are common in commercial kitchens. They cost just a couple bucks so if they get mucked up beyond cleaning they are cheap enough to replace.

 

[mrspock]

My only source is mail order... The premium gate is $45, and the Budget gate is $25.... Not including shipping, which will be $10.

Looks like plumbing store will be best bet.

 

[libhart]

I bet a knife valve would work. You could maybe make one with stuff you've got around.

http://www.aquatic-eco.com/subcategories/3122/Knife-Gate-Valves

little sturdier looking ones here, but a little more $$.

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=31690&catid=584&clickid=searchresults

 

[Birdman]

where are you buying them. kelleybees have them for 9.00 .

 

[honeybeekeeper]

Them are some high priced gate valves! shewwww!! Here is one thats alot cheaper!

https://products.kelleybees.com/wtkprod/detail.aspx?item=1109

Here is a bucket with a gate valve thats already assembled for $24.75

https://products.kelleybees.com/wtkprod/detail.aspx?item=644

 

[schmism]

Is there a commonly available tap/fixture that may be used in place of a honey gate?

you choice of free and handy dipper/glass/mug/cup/jar....

at some point you have to start questioning "is it worth it"

 

[mrspock]

I bet a knife valve would work. You could maybe make one with stuff you've got around.

That's along the lines of what I'm looking for - Thank you very much.

 

[honeydreams]

A honey gate is only like $8.

I would love to see a Honey Gate at that price.

 

[WVaBees]

I would love to see a Honey Gate at that price.

Halfway down the page...$7.99

http://www.maxantindustries.com/tools.html

 

[honeydreams]

:applause:Thank you very much!

 

[dcross]

If you use the Maxant one make sure the bottom of your hole isn't flush with the inside floor of the pail.

 

[oldenglish]

Here is my quote from Kelleys.

US Mail Priority with a 2-3 business day delivery would cost $19.55 total.
US Mail Parcel Post with a 7 plus business day delivery would cost $18.09 total.
UPS Ground with a 5 business day delivery would cost $20.28 total.

I refuse to order anything online where the cost more than doubles when shipping is added. This was for one $9 honey gate. Total weight of those things is just a couple of ounces.

Locally I can buy for $12.95+tx

 

[fish_stix]

Just go to Home Depot or other "big box" store and buy a PVC ball valve in whatever size you need. We use several of them in the honeyhouse. Do they drip? Yes. So have a small bowl handy to catch the drips. If bottling, then a honey gate works best, but a ball valve will work in a pinch and I seem to always be in a pinch!

 

[mrspock]

Just go to Home Depot or other "big box" store and buy a PVC ball valve in whatever size you need. We use several of them in the honeyhouse. Do they drip? Yes. So have a small bowl handy to catch the drips. If bottling, then a honey gate works best, but a ball valve will work in a pinch and I seem to always be in a pinch!

Again, great advice.

I appreciate all of the options you folks are presenting.

 

[Erik the Red]

In Aebi's "The Art & Adventure of Beekeeping", I saw one that would be cheap and easy to make. I'll try to describe it.

Brass pipe attached to the bucket. That goes into a 'T' joint (soldered), which is oriented vertically. Then you have a dowel rod whose diameter exactly matches the inside diameter of the pipe. That's it.

To stop the dowel from falling through, drill a hole in it, and glue a smaller dowel perpendicular to it, for a handle. This handle will sit on the top of the T-joint. If you wanted to get fancy, add a piece of pipe going up, & drill? a slot that goes up diagonally, so you have almost a half screw for that handle dowel to follow, with a 'landing' for it to rest on when open, so you don't necessarily have to hold it open.

Just a thought.