Universal Fermentation Airlock
![55a182464fbade57bb0006d8.jpeg](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FBR/EQ42/IBYWYSDE/FBREQ42IBYWYSDE.jpg&filename=55a182464fbade57bb0006d8.jpeg)
This instructable shows how to add an airlock to almost any hermetically sealed container.
Tools and Materials Needed
![HPIM1743.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FSJ/MS7F/IBC1YOC6/FSJMS7FIBC1YOC6.jpg&filename=HPIM1743.JPG)
![HPIM1744.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F0T/DW5I/IBC1YOC8/F0TDW5IIBC1YOC8.jpg&filename=HPIM1744.JPG)
![HPIM1746.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F2U/43Y5/IBC1YOCC/F2U43Y5IBC1YOCC.jpg&filename=HPIM1746.JPG)
The tools and materials needed:
A step bit or a 1/2" knock our punch
Total cost of consumables for one mount < 5 dollars.
Make a Hole on the Lid
![HPIM1747.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FMX/IC7Y/IBC1YOCD/FMXIC7YIBC1YOCD.jpg&filename=HPIM1747.JPG)
![HPIM1751.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FP6/R12G/IBC1YOCP/FP6R12GIBC1YOCP.jpg&filename=HPIM1751.JPG)
Use the step drill or the knockout punch to make a hole on the lid of your container.
The optimal hole size is one that the threaded end of the cable gland can barely fit through.
Mount the Cable Gland
![HPIM1749.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F6X/6NZI/IBC1YOCJ/F6X6NZIIBC1YOCJ.jpg&filename=HPIM1749.JPG)
![HPIM1750.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FG0/D1GM/IBC1YOCN/FG0D1GMIBC1YOCN.jpg&filename=HPIM1750.JPG)
![HPIM1752.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FS8/OCSQ/IBC1YOCS/FS8OCSQIBC1YOCS.jpg&filename=HPIM1752.JPG)
Pull the rubber gasket on the threaded end of the cable gland.
Insert the cable gland and tighten the nut with a wrench.
NOTE:
Silicone rubber is a better sealer then a normal rubber gasket but I didn't want to open a tube of silicone for this project. If you have silicone rubber at hand feel free to use it :)
A Note on Airlocks
![HPIM1754.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FA0/V96U/IBC1YOCV/FA0V96UIBC1YOCV.jpg&filename=HPIM1754.JPG)
Some airlocks may have edges left from the manufacturing process. You may have to sand them of to ensure an hermetic seal.
Have Fun With the Variations and Create a Jumbo Air Lock
![HPIM1766.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F0J/O7PF/IBC1YODN/F0JO7PFIBC1YODN.jpg&filename=HPIM1766.JPG)
![HPIM1753.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FC6/1O0J/IBC1YOCU/FC61O0JIBC1YOCU.jpg&filename=HPIM1753.JPG)
![HPIM1756.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FW6/XPTO/IBC1YOD1/FW6XPTOIBC1YOD1.jpg&filename=HPIM1756.JPG)
![HPIM1757.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FYG/G39Q/IBC1YOD5/FYGG39QIBC1YOD5.jpg&filename=HPIM1757.JPG)
![HPIM1759.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FTH/QNYC/IBC1YODA/FTHQNYCIBC1YODA.jpg&filename=HPIM1759.JPG)
![HPIM1761.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FDB/37JZ/IBC1YODD/FDB37JZIBC1YODD.jpg&filename=HPIM1761.JPG)
![HPIM1763.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/F79/1DW6/IBC1YODG/F791DW6IBC1YODG.jpg&filename=HPIM1763.JPG)
![HPIM1764.JPG](/proxy/?url=https://content.instructables.com/FBN/FF1S/IBC1YODI/FBNFF1SIBC1YODI.jpg&filename=HPIM1764.JPG)
Try out the flexibility of this method :)
I only used 1/4" tubes here but if you use a bigger cable gland you can easily mount a 1" tube on your container.
Here is the video that I got the idea from (now these are some serious fermenters !!!!)
Have fun with your fermenting :)