Homemade Fermentation Locks?

[lucidtim]

Hiya, I'm new to homebrewing and have a few questions.

I've read that I need a fermentation lock to prevent bugs and bacteria from entering "my brew" and that carbon dioxide needs to escape. There seems to be some discussion as when the lock needs to be put in place, immediately or maybe three days ish after adding the yeast. Any opinions?

Either way it seems I need one and would like to make one to fit various containers. I have some small one gallon glass jars with lids but they are wide mouth. Are there any ideas on making my own locks? Or adapting store bought locks to different containers?

Buying the store bought locks isn't an issue as they are cheap but the glass carboys they fit are around 35 - 40 US dollars for me. Kind of a lot for me as my home brew operation is at the early stage of "learning not to kill yeast".

If it matters my first home brew is the Alcoholic water mentioned here on these forums.
Alchoholic Water Thread

[Annpan]

I read in the John Seymore book that you can use cotton wool..... um, I don't know what you call it in USA, the fluffy stuff ladies use to clean makeup off. I think the idea is just to stop stuff getting in, as long as the carbon dioxide can escape.

Though I haven't done any brewing myself, yet. Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut.

[JulieSherris]

Hi lucidtim - I've just had a little lecture AND a demonstration from hubby......

Now, you get the lock & the little plastic grommet/bung with hole... then you take your lid & drill a hole the same size as the grommet..... pop the rubber grommet in, add the lock - cheap as chips!

Oh, and he also says add the lock straight away, don't bother waiting...

Back to the homebrew lesson...oh, once you start him up, it's hard to stop him - bless!

[StripyPixieSocks]

Put the airlock in RIGHT AWAY... what's the point in waiting?

[Ellendra]

I've seen locks made from aquarium hosing and a glass of water, but those were rather more involved than a cotton ball. Maybe just tie a clean hankie over the opening?

[lucidtim]

Thanks all for the help.

I had it covered with plastic wrap with a small hole in the wrap. I've since drilled a hole in the lid and put in a cotton ball, and put the lid on. When I get a chance I'll make a trip to the local homebrew shop and get a proper lock.

From what I've read, some people leave it uncovered because the initial amount of CO2 leaving the carboy will keep out anything unwanted. They cover it later when it slows down.

My brew seems to fermenting ok, I'll see how it turns out in a few weeks.