cornies

mot · Jun 15, 2007

i am new to kegging, but a guy around the area has 40 kegs for sale. 20 bucks a piece I am going to pick up a couple because I know I want to get into kegging sometime.
My question is what is the difference in corny kegs, isnt there like ball lock ones and pin lock ones or something like that?

Is there one better than the other or is it just a preference thing?
Any other info on cornies would be appreciated

homebrewer_99 · Jun 15, 2007

$20 for UN-reconditioned kegs is too much.

I got 25 kegs for $12 each. It'll take you another $16 EACH to recondition with new parts.

I would negotiate for a lower price.

c.n.budz · Jun 15, 2007

Yes, there are ball lock and pin lock. Ball lock are a bit more readily available. Pin lock can be a little more difficult to use due to the pins, granted I only have ball lock (and just got them) so I'm going off what I've heard from others. When you buy your cornies just try to get all the same kind so you don't need multiple hook ups.

TheFlyingBeer · Jun 15, 2007

homebrewer_99 said:
It'll take you another $16 EACH to recondition with new parts.

Other than the ~$3.00 in O-rings what would need to be replaced, that is if the posts and lid are fine.

homebrewer_99 · Jun 15, 2007

TheFlyingBeer said:
Other than the ~$3.00 in O-rings what would need to be replaced, that is if the posts and lid are fine.

I replaced the o-rings (3.95), poppets (5.00), and pressure relief valves (9.95)...OK, about $19. more each keg.

That's 300 for the kegs, 80 for the gas and 475 just to recondition...that's $855, then there's the tanks (100), regulators (120), fridge (180), tower (105), taps (95).

So, I've spent about $1455.00 just to convert to kegs from bottles. I haven't given up on bottles. I still have 23 cases of 0,5 liter ones

Jester369 · Jun 15, 2007

homebrewer_99 said:
I replaced the o-rings (3.95), poppets (5.00), and pressure relief valves (9.95)...OK, about $19. more each keg.

That's 300 for the kegs, 80 for the gas and 475 just to recondition...that's $855, then there's the tanks (100), regulators (120), fridge (180), tower (105), taps (95).

So, I've spent about $1455.00 just to convert to kegs from bottles. I haven't given up on bottles. I still have 23 cases of 0,5 liter ones

Wow - I've been lucky so far. None of the kegs I have needed new poppits or pressure relief valves. That's $14.95 a keg right there - ouch.

homebrewer_99 · Jun 15, 2007

Jester369 said:
Wow - I've been lucky so far. None of the kegs I have needed new poppits or pressure relief valves. That's $14.95 a keg right there - ouch.

I probably didn't NEED them either, but I did a complete overhaul.

neckbone · Jun 15, 2007

homebrewer_99 said:
I replaced the o-rings (3.95), poppets (5.00), and pressure relief valves (9.95)...OK, about $19. more each keg.

That's 300 for the kegs, 80 for the gas and 475 just to recondition...that's $855, then there's the tanks (100), regulators (120), fridge (180), tower (105), taps (95).

So, I've spent about $1455.00 just to convert to kegs from bottles. I haven't given up on bottles. I still have 23 cases of 0,5 liter ones

I hope you know, you'll need a bigger fridge than you can buy for 180 to handle 40 kegs. Also, at $40/tap, that's another $1600. Wow, you're well over 3 grand

But, the good news, is you have 40 kegs on tap.

kvh · Jun 15, 2007

you should get your O-Rings from McMaster Carr....

http://homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=29633
(Last post, first page)

kvh

BierMuncher · Jun 15, 2007

TheFlyingBeer said:
Other than the ~$3.00 in O-rings what would need to be replaced, that is if the posts and lid are fine.

You have the advantage of seeing and inspecting the kegs and maybe getting the pick of the litter...that's good.

Do you know if he has them pressurized?

I've never spent more than the $1.95 for a large O-ring on my un-reconditioned kegs. I've never had poppets be an issue...nor the relief valve. I get the small o-rings for the posts and dip tubes at Lowe's.

These are not computer components you're buying. Stainless steel containers with some very basic fittings.

One word...how ever many you think you want to buy??? Double it. Trust me on this one.

mot · Jun 15, 2007

BierMuncher said:
You have the advantage of seeing and inspecting the kegs and maybe getting the pick of the litter...that's good.

Do you know if he has them pressurized?

I've never spent more than the $1.95 for a large O-ring on my un-reconditioned kegs. I've never had poppets be an issue...nor the relief valve. I get the small o-rings for the posts and dip tubes at Lowe's.

These are not computer components you're buying. Stainless steel containers with some very basic fittings.

One word...how ever many you think you want to buy??? Double it. Trust me on this one.

i can check on the pressurized, why would you want them pressurized anyways? i am new to this

homebrewer_99 · Jun 15, 2007

To make sure they hold pressure.

Of course, any leaks should be correctable by replacing all o-rings, poppets and pressure relief valves.

Sound familiar???

BierMuncher · Jun 15, 2007

mot said:
i can check on the pressurized, why would you want them pressurized anyways? i am new to this

If they're pressurized now, it proves that they hold pressure.
Nothing more dissapointing than cranking in 20PSI to a new keg and having it leak out. That is not very likely if you've seen the kegs and there are no dents around the lid and the poppets appear tight...but moveable.

Whatever you do, get yourself a tube of keg lube (it's like food grade vasoline). It will make 90% of your problems go away by giving you a nice seal.

homebrewer_99 · Jun 15, 2007

I've worked with a hydraulic systems (still do) and know first hand about lubing o-rings, etc.

It makes all the difference for good seals.

I switched everything out that had rubber on it so I would not have anything to worry about and I would know they'll work.

mot · Jun 15, 2007

i emailed him about the rings and valves and such waiting hear back to see if they need to be reconditioned.
If they are in good shape is 20 bucks still a high price?

TheFlyingBeer · Jun 15, 2007

How did you find the seller? And where in MN is he, if you don't mind sharing.

mot · Jun 15, 2007

They are all ball lock he just said, and assured me that they hold pressure.
He said maybe a couple bucks just to replace the o-rings.

so is 20 bucks a good deal on each keg or is it a little high, I have never seen them that cheap but havent searched much on them

homebrewer_99 · Jun 15, 2007

I got mine for $12 and had to drive 3 hours to get them. I guess $20 isn't a bad price.

They were pressure tested and all dirty...go get some Barkeepers Friend (cleanser) to clean them up.

mot · Jun 15, 2007

TheFlyingBeer said:
How did you find the seller? And where in MN is he, if you don't mind sharing.

from the mailing list on st paul homebrew club.

do you want his email address? I will see if it is cool if If I give it to you

BierMuncher · Jun 15, 2007

mot said:
They are all ball lock he just said, and assured me that they hold pressure.
He said maybe a couple bucks just to replace the o-rings.

so is 20 bucks a good deal on each keg or is it a little high, I have never seen them that cheap but havent searched much on them

After shipping, mine are about $23 apiece. I'd say buy them and move on.

Again, though...buy twice as many as you think you will need. Just ask around...you never have enough cornies.

cornies

Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Supporting Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

...My Junk is Ugly...

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

...My Junk is Ugly...

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

...My Junk is Ugly...

Similar threads

Join the conversation!

Join today and get all the highlights of this community direct to your inbox. It's FREE!