Installing retaining ring on Sanke Keg - Page 2

shek · 10-27-2009, 06:20 AM

Any thoughts on using a spiral vs using a snap ring? I already have an old pair of needle nose pliers that I hit with a file so that they will grip a snap ring just right. Do the spiral rings wear out faster? I figured they might be more likely to get warped while installing and removing over time than the snap rings. Snaps are 2X expensive on MC's website but I figured they would be more durable.

**wilserbrewer** · 10-27-2009, 12:08 PM

IMO the original spiral rings are the way to go, no doubt. Follow the procedure in the OP and it will become very easy w/ practice.

Some very smart people designed the sanke keg system...they chose that ring for a reason(s)

ClutchDude · 10-27-2009, 02:07 PM

The snap rings are much more durable and friendlier for folks that are all thumbs. The spiral rings can become bent after repeated attempts and become a REAL pain to get compressed. They are also slightly easier to get out since it's quick pull with the pliers.

This of course, only applies if you get a set special pliers designed for snap rings.

However, once you get the hang of spiral rings, they are superior. You'll probably need one or two rings that get replaced before you're confident.

The biggest problem with the snap rings is that you need special pliers AND they can interfere with the keg coupler with their ears.

**ChadLeBald** · 01-08-2010, 09:38 PM

Any insight on usage of the sanke tool / knife? I was successful using the OP method on getting the spiral out & in with my first sanke keg. However, the next two kegs I got thus far have been impossible to pop the ring out. Sooooo, I bought the tool. Can't figure out what I'm to do with it though!

(hmm, maybe the snap ring is the way for me???)

garretto · 01-18-2010, 08:25 PM

If you dont have channel locks or vicegrips, use a cresent wrench during the "bite the ring in" step.
Feed the spiral ring as clutchdude shows

Put the mouth of the wrench over the keg lip and spiral ring

Twist the cresent wrench (the handle, not the adjustment dial) to pop the ring under the lip of the keg

Work your way around till done

**ChadLeBald** · 01-18-2010, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garretto

If you dont have channel locks or vicegrips, use a cresent wrench during the "bite the ring in" step.
Feed the spiral ring as clutchdude shows

Put the mouth of the wrench over the keg lip and spiral ring

Twist the cresent wrench (the handle, not the adjustment dial) to pop the ring under the lip of the keg

Work your way around till done

Was able to figure it out. The issue I was having was getting it popped OUT (oddly enough since that SHOULD be the easier thing). Just needed a stronger screwdriver to get the ring started--thought the sanke tool was supposed to help on that front, but it doesn't. It's only good for working the ring out quickly once you've got it started. Kind of pointless, since a pair of pliers can do the job in an extra 3 seconds or so!

ODaniel · 04-01-2010, 07:47 AM

I finally did this today. Had to grind down my screwdriver just a tad to fit in the little tab hole to pry the ring out, got some pliers, pulled around and out. Once I got my screwdriver in, took about 30 seconds to remove the ring.

Installing it again took no more than 30 seconds with said pliers.

ClutchDude · 04-01-2010, 08:18 PM

I used to keep a tiny flat head around to do the removal part, but have since used a jeweler multi-bit screwdriver that has the perfect thickness and width to work.

I believe it's a Husky-brand that's avaliable at Home Depot. It's great since it has bits that will handles all sorts of tiny screws, like #000.

**eager_brewer** · 05-01-2011, 06:58 PM

Clutch thank you! After beating my thumbs to death I said there must be an easier way to do this. I was not using the pliers to install it. Went back outside used the pliers and I was done in 30 seconds. Thank you!

pcollins · 07-09-2011, 12:28 PM

Thanks for this, clutchdude!

I did this just yesterday exactly as you described and that was before I found your post. I found this post because I was hoping there was an easier way to do it. LOL I'm thinking I just need practice.

What I was hoping for was an easier way so that when I have the spear out for cleaning I can just transfer the beer in through the open hole and then replace the spear post transfer. Based on how I did yesterday there's no way I'm going to try that right away until I get the technique down. The removal was fine for me and made cleaning super easy but it took me way too much time to replace the retaining ring for me to make it worthwhile.

Thanks for the tutorial!