Category Archives: Tips

Resolve to… brew more! 40 Time Saving Homebrew Tips!

Time can be a big factor when it comes to homebrewing. Sure, it may be nice to spend sunrise until sunset carefully hand crafting a batch (or batches) of beer, but the practicalities of life can and do factor in when we’re deciding if we can brew a batch of beer. For your stage of life, time may not be a factor. If so, that’s awesome. For others, time saving tips and techniques could help you brew more often.

With those thoughts in mind, I put the call out to the HBF community [8 Ways to Connect with HBF] to get some time saving tips and tricks. A selection of those along with some of my own thoughts follows. Thanks to all who participated! A full list of contributors is at the end of this post.

How do I save time home brewing? Continue reading →

Short On Time? 40 Time Saving Homebrew Tips!

How do I save time home brewing? Continue reading →

Phomemo D30 Label Printer – label lines, kegs, manifolds and more

Label keg lines, kegs, manifolds, storage bins and more around your home brewery.

Phomemo D30 Label Printer, Bluetooth Wireless Mini Pocket Smartphone Label Maker Machine with Tape, Direct Thermal Printer Rechargeable Labeler Compatible with iPhone/Android, for Home Office – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

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Step by Step: Finding and Fixing Keg CO2 Leaks

Updated: December 18, 2024

A leaky keg can be an issue, a big issue. That nice, full CO2 tank can go away in short order. It’s frustrating, costly and inconvenient. This post should help you them and fix them.

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Checking for Draft System CO2 Leaks – Using The Pressure Gauge Method

For the most part, checking for keg liquid and CO2 leaks is pretty straightforward. Is beer leaking? Then you’ve got a liquid leak. Is there six inches of beer in your kegerator? That one’s really easy to spot. If beer is shooting out like a geyser, you’ve got a… fast leak. 🙂

For kegerator CO2 leaks, it’s a generally a little more work, but still pretty easy… spray everything with Star San solution (diluted of course) and look for bubbles.

A Problem Spot…

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Use Goo Gone to Remove Old Adhesive From Kegs

Used Kegs often have old stickers. After removing these we’re often left with sticky, hard to remove adhesive. Goo Gone to the rescue!

In my experience, Goo Gone is harsh on my skin so I’m using nitrile gloves. Glove are… handy. Did you see what I did there? 🙂 I just work my way around the keg a few times. That gives the Goo Gone a chance to chemically break down the adhesive while I provide some periodic agitation. In this case the adhesive dissolved pretty quickly and the small pieces of sticker that were left came right off. TIP: I recommend using Goo Gone sparingly. You really don’t need that much and you certainly WOULD NOT want to use enough that it gets on the handle or base of your keg. Goo Gone acts as a solvent for many adhesives. It could potentially loosen up rubber handles or bases. Then you’d need to use our Fixing Loose Handles Tip. So, just put a little on a paper towel or rag and add a little more if you need to.A look at the used paper towel with dirt, adhesive residue and small bits of stickers on it. Whammo!

Goo Gone Adhesive Remover - 8 Ounce - Surface Safe Adhesive Remover Safely Removes Stickers Labels Decals Residue Tape Chewing Gum Grease Tar

Goo Gone Original Liquid - 8 Ounce - Surface Safe Adhesive Remover Safely Removes Stickers Labels Decals Residue Tape Chewing Gum Grease Tar Crayon Glue

Goo Gone 16oz Spray Bottle

Goo Gone Pro-Power - 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) - Professional Strength Adhesive Remover, Spray Pump, Yellow

Search Amazon for “Goo Gone” to shop around for available options

This write-up is part of my post on rebuilding kegs – Jump To This Section – If you look through the post you’ll see just how good the keg looks at the end.

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Back in stock… EMD ColorpHast Precision pH Strips + Why Choose These Over a Meter & A Tip That Doubles Value

EMD colorpHast 4 -7 precision pH strips via MoreBeer

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

A simple, reliable way to test the pH of your beer, no meter required!

Quickly test the pH of your mash with confidence using our colorpHast pH strips. These strips are high-quality and made not to run, so you are assured an accurate reading each time. Comes in packs of 100 strips.

Accurate, Narrow Range Strips: These are more accurate and easier to read than most pH test strips. Use these to check the pH of your mash and of your finished beer. These offer the same advantages of a pH meter without the cost and maintenance that goes along with a meter.

Why these instead of a pH meter? pH meters have their place. The downside is they require maintenance and continued cost. You have to calibrate, clean and properly store pH probes for accurate readings. I believe this is why pH meter reviews tend to skew negative.

Tip… Cut these in half the long way. You’ve saved 50% and they are still easy to read.

Update 10/31: By my count these have been out of stock for a long time. As of this update they’re available again. Check the product page to see if they’re still in stock.

ColorpHast pH Strips – 4.0 to 7.0 (100 Strips) MT629 at MoreBeer

3 Pack pH.1-14 Test Paper Extensive Test Paper Litmus Test Paper 240 Strips pH Test with Storage Case for Saliva Urine Water Soil Testing Pet Food and Diet pH Monitoring (3 PACK with Storage Case)

Litmus PH Test Strips 160 Strips, Professional Universal pH.1-14 Test Paper with Test Pipette Droppers, for Teaching, Student, Chemistry Experiment, Saliva Urine Water Soil & Diet pH Monitoring

2 Pack pH Test Strips Universal pH 1-14 Test Paper Litmus Test Paper 160 Strips for Saliva Urine Water Soil and Chemistry Experiments

Plastic pH Test Strips, Universal Application (pH 0-14), 100 Strips | for Saliva, Soap, Urine, Food, Liquids, Water with Soil Testing, Lab Monitoring, etc.

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Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. tag:lnksfxd tag:b3peroff tag:b3colorphast rp:b3colorphast tag:watch1

Tip: Filling a quick bottle or growler from your kegerator faucet

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts!

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Tip: Dissolving Dry Malt Extract More Easily – Hot or Cold Water?

Pictured: 3 lbs Briess Golden Light Dry Malt Extract (DME) via Amazon

This is a quick and simple tip… Dry Malt Extract dissolves more easily into cold water than it does into hot water. That seems a little counter-intuitive to me, but I’ve found it to be true. It seems to clump up a lot less and just generally dissolve more easily.

Thank you to John Palmer author of How to Brew for this tip

Briess-1E-HKKA-3YTM Light Dry Malt Extract 3lbs for Home Brewing,Beige

Briess HOZQ8-875 Dried Malt Extract- Golden Light- 3 lb.

Organic Light DME - Maltoferm 10001 - 3 lb.

RiteBrew 812325 Briess - Dry Malt Extract - Golden Light - 3 lbs.

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12 x Big Bands 7″ x 1/8″ Rubber Bands – good for affixing temp probe on fermenters – $1.91 + free prime ship

Alliance Rubber Big Rubber Bands 12 Pack 7-Inch X 1/8-Inch Red 00700

More Info

Highlighted Features

REUSABLE: Unlike tape or string that can only be used once, Big Bands large rubber bands are reusable many times over, helping you reduce unnecessary waste and costs. When done with them, simply remove and store them for your next project.
SECURE TRASH LINERS: These oversized rubber bands are ideal for securing trash can liners so that you can put more into your garbage bin without worrying the bag will slip and cause a mess. Big Bands fit can sizes from 13 qt. to 32 gal. so they're great for both home and commercial use.
FREEZER AND MICROWAVE SAFE: These big rubber bands are freezer and microwave safe, making them ideal for securing lids on food for storing leftovers, or for reheating them the next day. Keep chip or cracker bags tightly closed to seal in freshness.
ENDLESS USES: Big elastic bands are a versatile tool that you can use at home, in schools or the office for a variety of purposes to stay organized and tidy.
MADE IN THE USA: Big Bands heavy duty rubber bands are made in the USA so you know that you're receiving a high quality product, fresh stock and fast service.

Learn More

I use these to secure affix my Inkbird temp probe to my fermenter. The 7″ x 1/8″ are large enough to work with my 7.9 and 5.3 gallon sized Speidel fermenters along with my 7 gallon SS Brewtech Brew Bucket. I like these vs using something like duct tape because i don’t like the adhesive that’s left behind with tape. I would guess these will work with many sizes and types of fermenters, but I can’t give you a conclusive list.

10/17 5:30 AM Central: These are selling for just $2.10. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with Prime Membership [Try Prime for Free] or a qualifying order. Prices and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices

Alliance Rubber Big Rubber Bands 12 Pack 7-Inch X 1/8-Inch Red 00700 – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also:

Alliance Rubber Big Rubber Bands 12 Pack 7-Inch X 1/8-Inch Red 00700

Alliance 00699 Big Bands Rubber Bands, 7 X 1/8, Red, 48/pack

Alliance® SuperSize Bands™, Assorted Colors/Sizes, Bag Of 24

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Tips and Gear for Growler Filling

Filling a growler or small draft dispenser from your draft setup is an easy and straightforward process. Here are some tips and tools for making this as easy and efficient as possible.

Tips and Gear for Growler Filling!

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Avery 5410 – 1″ Round Printable Labels – Great size for labeling beer caps

Avery 1″ Round Multi Use Labels. 600 total labels.

More Info

Highlighted Features

Labels stick stay and remove cleanly without leaving a residue!.
Ideal for drawers containers boxes shelves and other smooth surfaces.
Pack of 600 Labels

Learn More

1″ round labels work really well for labeling beer caps. Labeling caps works especially well if you’re planning to reuse the bottle. There is no work involved in removing old labels before next use.

What are others saying? Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “caps” – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

These are printable labels so you can create some nice looking labels. Avery offers free templates for popular software including Microsoft Word as well as free online design and print tool.

Avery Self-Adhesive Removable Labels, 1-Inch Diameter, White, Pack of 600 (5410) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also: GrogTag Deals and Coupons – GrogTag prints your design onto professionally printed, reusable labels

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

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Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. rp:averyround

Homebrew Tubing Tips… Cleaning, Drying, Re-Shaping, Storing & More

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts! This is a Top Post! See: All Top Posts

Tubing! Homebrewers use a variety of sizes and styles of tubing for siphoning, beer transfer, wort and water transfer on brew day, keg to keg transfers, kegerator beer and gas lines and more.

Cleaning Tubing

After using (depending on what I’ve used the tubing for), I’ll give the tubing a rinse to get the majority of stuff off and to keep my cleaning solution as clean as possible. Next is a soak in hot PBW solution. I’d say 5 to 10 minutes is typical for me. Followed by a thorough rinse.

Five Star - 91037068620 P.B.W. Cleanser - 4 Pounds

Reducing Water Spots on Tubing

If you have a problem with water spots on your tubing, make your last step a rinse in a diluted mixture of Star San. Not only will you get some sanitizing benefits, the Star San acts as a surfactant that helps fight water spots.

Five Star - Star San - 16 Ounce - Brew Sanitizer High Foaming Acid Anionic

Five Star - 6022b_ - Star San - 32 Ounce - High Foaming Sanitizer

adstarsan

Keep Reading – Loads More Tubing Tips!

Use a Wallpaper Prep Tray for Cleaning, Sanitizing and Storage of Longer Brewing Items

Pictured: Zinsser 98030 30-Inch Wallpaper Prep Tray – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Updated: 5/22/2024

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts! This is a Top Post! See: All Top Posts

I use a wallpaper try to clean and sanitize longer items like racking canes, auto-siphons, spoons, tubing and beverage out dip tubes. It works great.

These also work well for storing longer items. If you’re going to store things in these, I would recommend stacking a couple together to give them some extra strength.

What are Other’s Saying? Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “brew” – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Another similar option are planter boxes. They are generally sturdier than wallpaper prep trays and they’re about the same length. Since you can get away with one your total cost may end up being less.

Zinsser 98030 30-Inch Wallpaper Prep Tray – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also:

Search Amazon for “wallpaper prep tray”
Bloem 20-52430 Fiskars TerraBox Planter, Thyme Green, 30″ affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Search Amazon for “planter box” – consider total length when deciding

Related Resources and Categories

Related Top Post: Star San Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – Using Star San In a Spray Bottle
Related Top Post: Bus Tubs for Brew Day – Save Time and Effort
Related Categories: Cleaning, Sanitation, Storage

Do Not Soak In Star San

Five Star recommends limited contact time with ALL plastics. See: Star San Tips – Materials Compatibility + Do Not Soak.

Star San Tips and Tricks

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Last 50 Finds!
Top Deals – a curated list of the best deals
Homebrew Reviews – one of the largest libraries of homebrew reviews in existence!
Our Top Posts – tips, how-tos, resources posts and more
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Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions. tag:lnksfxd 12.20.10 toppost:wptray rp:tips#32 tag:tpr

Tip: Consider Oetiker Stepless Clamps for Kegerator Gas and Beer Lines

Pictured: Oetiker 16700010 Stepless Ear Clamp via Amazon

Updated: July 30, 2024

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts! This is a Top Post! See: All Top Posts

I use stainless steel Oetiker-style stepless clamps for most gas and beer applications. I like the fact that they are, generally… stainless steel, stepless and the fact that they stay tight and will not loosen over time.
These clamps are designed so that there are no steps (gaps) on the inside. That reduces the possibility that tubing will be torn or damaged.
These are single use clamps. The upside of that is… Oetiker-style stepless clamps will not loosen over time. When they’re tight, they’re tight. I really like that for kegerator applications because… A: I don’t like to empty CO2 tanks for no good reason and B: I don’t like standing beer in my kegerator.
A sizing note – Oetiker-style Stepless clamp sizes generally refer to the largest diameter in mm. So a size 13.3 means that the Oetiker Stepless clamp is 13.3 millimeters (about .52″) in diameter uncrimped.
Search Amazon for “Stepless Hose Clamps” to shop around and see what’s available
Related Top Post: Tips: Cleaning, Drying & Storing Tubing
Resource Page: Tips and Gear for your Kegerator
Related Categories: Draft, Tubing

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Short On Time? Time Saving Homebrew Tips!

How do I save time home brewing? Continue reading →

Short On Time? 40 Time Saving Homebrew Tips!

How do I save time home brewing? Continue reading →

Phomemo D30 Label Printer – label lines, kegs, manifolds and more

Label keg lines, kegs, manifolds, storage bins and more around your home brewery.

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

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Homebrew Propane Tank Tips – Refill vs Swaps and Extra Tanks

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts!

Propane Tank Tips

Refill vs swap: The capacity of the standard 20 lb propane tank is, well.. around 20 lbs. Several years ago, some swap services started to underfill tanks. For example, it’s my understanding that Blue Rhino fills to 15 lbs and Heritage Propane fills to 17 lbs.

For me, refilling a tank to 20 lbs is actually less expensive than swapping it out. For the purpose of comparison, let’s say that refilling and swapping are the same… $20 to swap and $20 to refill. The fill costs you $1/lb. If you’re refilling with a vendor that fills to 15 lbs, you’re paying $1.33/lb or 33% more.

When you refill your tank – You’re, generally, saving money, You’re supporting a local business and saving yourself time because you don’t have to get propane as often.

Extra tanks: I suggest having an extra tank (or two) of propane on hand. Running out of propane mid brew is a bummer. It is inconvenient and you can end up with a different beer than you intended because of the delay. This can also be a money saving thing too if your refiller charges by the tank. Since you don’t want to run out of propane on brew day, you may be more likely to swap or refill a tank that still have propane left in it.

Larger tanks: Another approach to saving trips for propane is to get a larger 30 Pound or 40 Pound tank.

Search Amazon for “Propane Tank” – offerings vary

Flame King YSN201b 20 Pound Steel Propane Tank Cylinder with Type 1 Overflow Protection Device Valve for Grills and BBQs, White

Flame King YSN-301 30 Pound Steel Propane Tank Cylinder with Type 1 Overflow Protection Device Valve DOT and TC Compliant, White (Package May Vary)

Flame King YSN230b 20 Pound Steel Propane Tank Cylinder with OPD Valve and Built-in Gauge, 20 lb Vertical

GASPRO Propane Tank Gauge, Propane Level Indicator for 5-20LB Tanks, Perfect for RV Camper, Propane Heater, Fire Pit, Gas Grill and More, QCC1/Type 1 Connection

Champs Propane Tank Gauge Level Indicator Leak Detector Propane Gas Gauge Pressure Meter for RV Camper QCC1 Type1 Cylinder BBQ Gas Grill Heater

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Top Deals – a curated list of the best deals
Homebrew Reviews – one of the largest libraries of homebrew reviews in existence!
Our Top Posts – tips, how-tos, resources posts and more
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Recent Deals!

10 Most Recent Homebrew Resource Posts & How-To’s!

We are Homebrew Review HQ! Our 10 Most Recent Reviews

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Use Heat Resistant Gloves for Minding Yeast Starters & On Brew Day

Pictured: G & F Heat Resistant Oven Glove via Amazon

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts! This is a Top Post! See: All Top Posts

I use a heat resistant oven glove when I’m making yeast starters in an Erlenmeyer Flask. It’s really handy (pun intended) to swirl around the flask or to quickly remove to keep the flask from boiling over.
These are also handy on brew day for handling hot, (but not wet) ball valves and such.
A lot of these types of gloves, including the pictured model and the ones I use are not waterproof. As such, they should not be used with hot liquids.
Some silicone models are available that may offer some water resistance. Generally speaking silicone gloves are going to be less flexible. That may make it harder to pick things up. You’re trading off some water resistance for grip.
Safety Note: Always use caution when handling hot items or ingredients and always read and follow manufacturer directions.
StirStarter Stir Plate – Hands on Review
Hands on Review: Propper Starter Canned Starter Wort
Search Amazon for “heat resistant oven glove”
Search Amazon for “heat resistant waterproof silicone gloves”
Ove Glove HH501-18 Hot Surface Handler Oven Mitt Glove affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
G & F Heat Resistant Oven Glove via Amazon
Top Post: Use Heat Resistant Gloves for Minding Yeast Starters & On Brew Day

G & F 1689L Dupont Nomex® & Kevlar® Heat Resistant Oven Gloves, for BBQ, Fireplace,and Grilling. Commercial Grade, Large, Sold by 1 Piece

Same material used by fire fighters
Maintains integrity and strength at high temperatures
Thermal regulating
Ambidextrous, fits right or left hand
Soft and pliable for easy grasp

G & F 1683-1 Dupont Nomex & Kevlar Heat Resistant Gloves, 13-Inch Extra Long Cuff Oven Gloves, BBQ Gloves, Large, 1 Piece

Made of DuPont Nomex and Kevlar
Both side silicone palm provide extra heat resistant and griping
Quality cotton and poly lining for perspiration free
One piece fits either right or left hand
Extended 13.5" Extra Long cuff for extended protection

$14.93

The Ove Glove - Superior Heat & Flame Hand Protection - 2 Pack Glove

THE 'OVE' GLOVE: Comes with 2 machine washable, hot surface handler The 'Ove' Glove
FLAME RESISTANT: Made from heat & flame resistant material used by firefighters. Withstands extreme heat up to 540 degrees Fahrenheit
FIVE FINGER FLEXIBILITY: Made with full finger mobility and can be used with your left or right hand. Each glove contains a silicone non-slip grip to protect against dropping pans.
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Great for barbeques, kitchen, rearranging fireplace logs, car repair, welding, light bulb changes and more.
JOSEPH ENTERPRISES INC: is the only legal manufacturer and distributor of the trademarked The 'Ove' Glove.

$21.99 ($11.00 / Count)

Ove Glove Hot Surface Handler Oven Mitt Glove, Perfect for Kitchen/Grilling, 540 Degree Resistance, As Seen On TV Household Gift, Heat & Flame,Tan

OVEN MITT: Comes with 1 machine washable, hot surface handler Ove Glove
FLAME RESISTANT: Made from heat & flame resistant material used by firefighters. Withstands extreme heat up to 540 degrees Fahrenheit.
FIVE FINGER FLEXIBILITY: Made with full finger mobility and can be used with your left or right hand. Each glove contains a silicone non-slip grip to protect against dropping pans.
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Great for barbeques, kitchen, rearranging fireplace logs, car repair, welding, light bulb changes and more!
1 pack of Ove Glove

$16.99

Ove Glove BBQ Superior Heat & Flame Protection- Extended Wrist for Additional Safety- Outdoor Cooking, Grilling, Barbeque

EXTRA LONG SLEEVE for extra protection when reaching into BBQ grills, fireplaces, and more!
MADE FROM HEAT & FLAME RESISTANT MATERIAL USED BY FIREFIGHTERS. Withstands extreme heat up to 540 degrees Fahrenheit.
OVEN MITT: Comes with 1 machine washable hot surface handler. Machine washable up to 140 degrees F (60C)
FIVE FINGER FLEXIBILITY: Made with full finger mobility and can be used with your left or right hand. Each glove contains a silicone non-slip grip to protect against dropping pans.
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL: Great for barbeques, kitchen, rearranging fireplace logs, car repair, welding, light bulb changes and more!

$19.99 -$1.67 $18.32

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