Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Vapor, Liquid or Cooling Management. Flutes, plates, etc.

Moderator: Site Moderator

Kelbor
Bootlegger
Posts: 109
Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2012 9:52 am

Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Kelbor »

I went down to the store and got Chore boy "pure copper" scrubbers last night for a column Im building. I was doing a stripping run with my pot still and thought I would throw the freshly boiled scrubbers in my faux-expansion chamber for no real reason other then as a place to store them - I figured it would'nt hurt. Well, after my stripping run it appears the scrubbers are not copper as they stated....it appears like they were copper coated and now they area silver in spots.

I was under the impression that Chore-Boy copper was safe - What gives?!?!?

These are the ones I used
http://choreboyscrubbers.com/Products/U ... opper.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
rad14701
retired
Posts: 20865
Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:46 pm
Location: New York, USA

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by rad14701 »

You may have purchased cheap knockoffs from China... It's not at all uncommon to find those in the discount stores... Even the ones that say 100% copper are just copper coated... The real ones aren't made in China so reading the packaging can help determine what's real and what's not...
Kelbor
Bootlegger
Posts: 109
Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2012 9:52 am

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Kelbor »

...I forgot to add - the weird thing is that they passed the magnet test. If they are 'sticky' to a magnet then it is so slight that I did not notice it. They came out of the column looking pretty darn "silver" in places.
Kelbor
Bootlegger
Posts: 109
Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2012 9:52 am

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Kelbor »

Hi Rad,
I was trying to be careful about the cheap knock-off ones...that is why I searched specifically for the Chore-Boy brand that stated "pure copper". I will take a look at the box when I get home from work to see where they were made.

Did you see my link? That is exactly what the package looked like - They wouldn't have Chinese fakes in the same box as American real ones would they? They came from Rite-Aid which is NOT a corner mom and pop closet market. More of a small retail chain.
Prairiepiss
retired
Posts: 16571
Joined: Sat Dec 18, 2010 7:42 am
Location: Somewhere in the Ozarks

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Prairiepiss »

There have been a few others that have reported choir boy Scrubbers not 100% copper. I don't understand the why or how. But apparently they make multiple grades. And sell them in different markets? Maybe one plant makes the 100% and another fakes. The ones I bought are 100% copper.

Now you said it is showing silver? If its silver, passes the magnet test, and isn't rusting. I would guess its stainless steel coated in copper.
It'snotsocoldnow.

Advice For newbies by a newbie.
CM Still Mods
My Stuffs
Fu Man

Mr. Piss
That's Princess Piss to the haters.
rad14701
retired
Posts: 20865
Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2007 4:46 pm
Location: New York, USA

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by rad14701 »

Rite-Aide, Family Dollar, Big Lots, and several other major chains are inundated with cheap Chinese knockoffs throughout their store shelves... Don't let the franchise name fool you... That's how they make profit margin... Then when they get caught they pretend they weren't aware that they we selling fake knockoffs...

As I recall, you can order cases of 72 scrubbers directly from the manufacturer... I almost pulled the trigger on an order a year or two ago but my stainless steel scrubbers have held up so well that I haven't even had to use any of the extras I have on hand...
Prairiepiss
retired
Posts: 16571
Joined: Sat Dec 18, 2010 7:42 am
Location: Somewhere in the Ozarks

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Prairiepiss »

The only place I can find 100% copper Scrubbers is walgreens. They carry choir boy and a cheap one. Both are 100% copper. And I like the cheaper one better. They are more evenly structured. And fit perfect in a 2" column as they are. Work a treat.

Funny thing is I can't find a good place to get 100% stainless steel Scrubbers.

I have recommended these to quite a few here. And all that have bought them have reported the same findings. From all over the us. So it may be worth a try for you.
It'snotsocoldnow.

Advice For newbies by a newbie.
CM Still Mods
My Stuffs
Fu Man

Mr. Piss
That's Princess Piss to the haters.
User avatar
T-Pee
Master of Distillation
Posts: 4355
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2013 9:20 pm
Location: The wilds of rural California

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by T-Pee »

Lest it not be pinted out:

"Choir" boy scrubbers and "Chore" boy scrubbers are likely two completely different things of which I don't want to delve into. :esurprised:

tp
Prairiepiss
retired
Posts: 16571
Joined: Sat Dec 18, 2010 7:42 am
Location: Somewhere in the Ozarks

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Prairiepiss »

T-Pee wrote:Lest it not be pinted out:

"Choir" boy scrubbers and "Chore" boy scrubbers are likely two completely different things of which I don't want to delve into. :esurprised:

tp
Ding ding ding.
I didn't even notice that. I have chore boy.
It'snotsocoldnow.

Advice For newbies by a newbie.
CM Still Mods
My Stuffs
Fu Man

Mr. Piss
That's Princess Piss to the haters.
Kelbor
Bootlegger
Posts: 109
Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2012 9:52 am

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Kelbor »

Ha! That's a common mistake Im seeing a lot ...

With motorbikes it is like a steering damper and steering dampener - ya say one thing but when you type it something else comes out.
User avatar
T-Pee
Master of Distillation
Posts: 4355
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2013 9:20 pm
Location: The wilds of rural California

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by T-Pee »

Kinda like "pinted" and "pointed". :oops:

tp
cob
Master of Distillation
Posts: 2691
Joined: Sun Jul 26, 2009 4:38 pm
Location: little puffs of dust where my feet used to be

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by cob »

smart phone my A$$. C.O.B.
be water my friend
Hound Dog
Master of Distillation
Posts: 3002
Joined: Wed Jul 31, 2013 4:45 pm
Location: Hounds Hollow, VA

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Hound Dog »

The rolls of copper mesh seem easier to deal with to me. Scrubbers are too irregular.
LM Still Operating Instructions
Cranky's New Distiller's Advice
Using Google Search

Drinking Rum before noon makes you a Pirate not an alcoholic.
aquavita
Swill Maker
Posts: 376
Joined: Thu Jan 09, 2014 12:06 pm
Location: Wife Said to Find a Hobby... So here I am!

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by aquavita »

Libman Copper Scrubbers.

Order them on Amazon.

Made in USA. :clap:
cob
Master of Distillation
Posts: 2691
Joined: Sun Jul 26, 2009 4:38 pm
Location: little puffs of dust where my feet used to be

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by cob »

copper gauze is the search term on hd or the net.

http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... e#p6924192
be water my friend
User avatar
Jimbo
retired
Posts: 8423
Joined: Wed Oct 10, 2012 1:19 pm
Location: Down the road a piece.

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Jimbo »

This is the stuff i bought. I use it in my leibig, incredible difference in cooling, night and day, sucking the heat from the vapors to the cool copper 1/2" http://www.brewhaus.com/Copper-Mesh-P947.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

Fairly certain its 100% copper but it comes out lookin silver, black and just generally beat to living hell after a run.
In theory there's no difference between theory and practice. But in practice there is.
My Bourbon and Single Malt recipes. Apple Stuff and Electric Conversion
bellybuster
Master of Distillation
Posts: 4490
Joined: Tue Dec 18, 2012 5:00 pm

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by bellybuster »

you say looks like silver on your scrubbers?? Are you seeing any silver on the inside of your still?? if your boiler is electric, is it grounded???

I only ask because a while back there was a case of an ungrounded boiler actually plating the inside of the column and a measurable charge on the boiler itself.
User avatar
Jimbo
retired
Posts: 8423
Joined: Wed Oct 10, 2012 1:19 pm
Location: Down the road a piece.

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Jimbo »

ya its grounded, its not plating it comes right off. If I was electroplating in my still that would be very very bad, indicating voltage potential. thats a bigger issue than just no ground.
In theory there's no difference between theory and practice. But in practice there is.
My Bourbon and Single Malt recipes. Apple Stuff and Electric Conversion
bellybuster
Master of Distillation
Posts: 4490
Joined: Tue Dec 18, 2012 5:00 pm

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by bellybuster »

haha, was asking the OP Jimbo, do you remember that post with the guy that had some electroplating going on??
User avatar
Jimbo
retired
Posts: 8423
Joined: Wed Oct 10, 2012 1:19 pm
Location: Down the road a piece.

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Jimbo »

no i missed that one. Sounds scary!
In theory there's no difference between theory and practice. But in practice there is.
My Bourbon and Single Malt recipes. Apple Stuff and Electric Conversion
Kelbor
Bootlegger
Posts: 109
Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2012 9:52 am

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Kelbor »

Hi Guys,
Nope, No electricity in the likker shed - apart from the weak-ass extension cord I run up from the house for my vent fan so no electroplating. The Core Boy scrubbers I have say "Ultimate Scrubber! Pure Copper won't Rust or Splinter.

They did not rust or splinter but they sure as heck aint "Pure". The make location is Mexico (Not USA). I think I've just been Banditoed!

If they pass the magnet test and are not rusting, they area probably stainless steel coated with copper (Which they did). The copper has eroded off the steal in places but should be "Pure Copper" (at least the plating is probably "pure copper"). So the question is Is the two gallons of All-grain corn lows potable?
Soggy Bottom Boy
Rumrunner
Posts: 746
Joined: Sun Sep 09, 2012 4:43 pm
Location: Somewhere to the north of the.. ..Peoples Яepublik of Kalifoяnia

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Soggy Bottom Boy »

It's very simple to tell the difference between Chore Boy Scrubbers and Choir Boy Scrubbers, but you have to look closely. If you can't see any tiny, little testicles, they are Choir Boy Scrubbers.
"Well, ......I don't want Fop, goddamn it! I'm a Dapper Dan man!" ...Ulysses Everett McGill

"Good thing you found HD. It's like the mythbusters of distilling." ...Prairiepiss
User avatar
T-Pee
Master of Distillation
Posts: 4355
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2013 9:20 pm
Location: The wilds of rural California

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by T-Pee »

Soggy Bottom Boy wrote:If you can't see any tiny, little testicles, they are Choir Boy Scrubbers.
Especially if you're in Salt Lake City. :problem:

tp
Erichimedes
Novice
Posts: 16
Joined: Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:02 pm

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Erichimedes »

Kelbor wrote:If they pass the magnet test and are not rusting, they area probably stainless steel coated with copper (Which they did). The copper has eroded off the steal in places but should be "Pure Copper" (at least the plating is probably "pure copper"). So the question is Is the two gallons of All-grain corn lows potable?
I would be pretty surprised if the "copper" has already eroded off the stainless steel after only one liquor run. Does ethanol vapor erode copper that fast? All those big scotch stills would have holes in 'em by now!

You might want to find a definitive way of finding out what those scrubbers are made of before drinking your liquor. Post a picture up here?
User avatar
bearriver
Master of Distillation
Posts: 4442
Joined: Fri Nov 22, 2013 10:17 pm
Location: Western Washington

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by bearriver »

aquavita wrote:Libman Copper Scrubbers.

Order them on Amazon.

Made in USA. :clap:
I bought Libman's from the general store in town. Expensive there, but I have reason to believe they are real copper after several "tests" that some folks said to try.

I don't have the packaging but I want to say they were made in Mexico...
User avatar
bearriver
Master of Distillation
Posts: 4442
Joined: Fri Nov 22, 2013 10:17 pm
Location: Western Washington

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by bearriver »

Just checked. The Libman Scrubbers I own are made in Mexico
User avatar
Jimbo
retired
Posts: 8423
Joined: Wed Oct 10, 2012 1:19 pm
Location: Down the road a piece.

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Jimbo »

I posted this somewhere else on here. This is good stuff, and the bag is really big, picture is deceiving, its a shitload of copper scrubbie for 14 bucks. Maybe a lb?

http://www.brewhaus.com/Copper-Mesh-P947.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
In theory there's no difference between theory and practice. But in practice there is.
My Bourbon and Single Malt recipes. Apple Stuff and Electric Conversion
User avatar
T-Pee
Master of Distillation
Posts: 4355
Joined: Mon Feb 18, 2013 9:20 pm
Location: The wilds of rural California

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by T-Pee »

That's what I use. Good price, good stuff.

tp
aquavita
Swill Maker
Posts: 376
Joined: Thu Jan 09, 2014 12:06 pm
Location: Wife Said to Find a Hobby... So here I am!

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by aquavita »

bearriver wrote:Just checked. The Libman Scrubbers I own are made in Mexico
Wow - apologies.

Somehow I got the impression that they were made in either Aurora or Arcola, IL . :oops:
Lazarus Long
Swill Maker
Posts: 454
Joined: Sun Feb 02, 2014 9:16 am
Location: I have so many posts my counter started over.

Re: Bunk! Choir Boy scrubbers....

Post by Lazarus Long »

I purchased a 100' roll of copper mesh directly from Amstat. http://www.amstat.com/products/copper-m ... meshgauze/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

It's about 40 cents/foot. Anything with molasses seems to trash them more and require additional soakings to clean.
Post Reply