would a ball valve like this be better then a gate valve ?
Gonna catch hell for this from a select "special" few on here for this...
IMHO NO, The reason I like the gate valve is that is has more "adjustability" than a ball valve. The ball valve really has no way to hold it's position and in actuality is too "clumsy".
On the gate valve, you can lock it in place with something as simple as a Zip Tie or tie wrap and lock it down with the packing land. You can adjust it a half a turn at time and it will provide you with years of reliable service.
Oh yeah, and they're cheap.
GT