Kegging: Hose Clamps

njnear76 · 08-19-2009, 01:17 PM

I ordered a keg setup through kegconnections and it looks like they use the crimp hose clamps.

What is easier to use worm or crimp? What size worm clamp should I get if I replace them.

Thanks,
Mike

Baja_Brewer · 08-19-2009, 01:23 PM

I'd get the ones that are standard for 1/4" lines. Make sure that you get the all stainless ones (including the screw!)... some thing like part number 5011T141 from mcmaster.com

Edit, the screw ones are ALWAYS easier to get off than the crimp ones, thus if you mess up, you can just loosen them and re-do them

njnear76 · 08-19-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baja_Brewer

I'd get the ones that are standard for 1/4" lines. Make sure that you get the all stainless ones (including the screw!)... some thing like part number 5011T141 from mcmaster.com

Edit, the screw ones are ALWAYS easier to get off than the crimp ones, thus if you mess up, you can just loosen them and re-do them

That's what I thought. I was a little bit disappointed that they came with the crimp. Another question how do I get the crimp ones off?

JesseRC · 08-19-2009, 01:37 PM

WHoah ease of taking them off doesnt necessarily make them better. I find that the all stainless steel screw ones are hard to find, so if I am going to order them online , I went with the Oetiker clamps like Kegconnection uses. for most of my lines, they will be permanent. To take them off, I just use a screw driver or wire cutters. I guess its preference, just saying you shouldnt be disappointed.

njnear76 · 08-19-2009, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JesseRC

WHoah ease of taking them off doesnt necessarily make them better. I find that the all stainless steel screw ones are hard to find, so if I am going to order them online , I went with the Oetiker clamps like Kegconnection uses. for most of my lines, they will be permanent. To take them off, I just use a screw driver or wire cutters. I guess its preference, just saying you shouldnt be disappointed.

Hmmmm...

Well I'm just getting ready to keg my first beer and from what I understand, it is good practice to take everything apart to ensure everything gets cleaned well.

I'm sure all my hoses are clean since this is all new stuff, but it probably makes sense to clean the gas line and beer line between brews.

Mike

**GilaMinumBeer** · 08-19-2009, 01:48 PM

I have never cleaned my gas lines. The only time I would ever consider cleaning my gas lines is if beer were to somehow get backed up into the gas system.

As for the beer lines I never take those apart either. The lines and connectors get soaked toghether. No point risking a leak by dismantling what ain't broke.

JesseRC · 08-19-2009, 01:51 PM

I never clean my gas line, I've got check valves in there to make sure beer doesn't go back that way. As for the beer lines, I use pbw in an empty keg and run it through, followed by hot water, followed by sanitizer if I have some mixed. The faucets you can take apart if you like. Its a pretty simple process to clean the lines right before you keg your brew, since you have an empty keg already.

njnear76 · 08-19-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GilaMinumBeer

I have never cleaned my gas lines. The only time I would ever consider cleaning my gas lines is if beer were to somehow get backed up into the gas system.

As for the beer lines I never take those apart either. The lines and connectors get soaked toghether. No point risking a leak by dismantling what ain't broke.

Interesting. Do you take a part the disconnects or leave them whole?

njnear76 · 08-19-2009, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JesseRC

I never clean my gas line, I've got check valves in there to make sure beer doesn't go back that way. As for the beer lines, I use pbw in an empty keg and run it through, followed by hot water, followed by sanitizer if I have some mixed. The faucets you can take apart if you like. Its a pretty simple process to clean the lines right before you keg your brew, since you have an empty keg already.

I have check valves on my system. But I'm wondering if it is still possible for beer to flow up to the valve. I admit some ignorance when it comes to check valves.

JesseRC · 08-19-2009, 01:58 PM

You can take the disconnects apart, and I probably will once or twice a year, but running pbw and water through them should be fine. If you do take the disc apart , be careful not to lose parts. I took mine apart once and lost the oring inside, not easy to find. I'm sure you can still get beer backing up, but just make is a practice not to fill you kegs past the gas in tube.