Cost to refurb ball lock kegs

[jimmarshall]

I was just talking with SWMBOs brother, who used to brew before he had kids.I told him I was getting into brewing, and eventually I want to get into kegging. He told me me he had 2 ball lock kegs in the basement.... Bought them put a batch in one, it had a leak and never carbed right.... Never used them again.... Told me he would give them to me when I was ready.... Is it difficult to refurb and replace all the gaskets/o rings?
He also offered me 2 cases of grolsch bottles, and a case of straub pounder bottles.....talk about a score!

 

[tre9er]

If you can turn a wrench, you can refurb them. You can get kits with all of the o-rings, too, for a couple of bucks. You'll want to stock up on the post o-rings. I got a bunch of silicone post o-rings on Amazon for dirt cheap a while back. McMaster Carr has them, too.

 

[ras07]

The post o-rings (2 each post, one outside and one inside) are cheap and easy. The big o-ring around the opening is a few bucks, and often won't seal without some keg lube (but this is generally readily apparent and easily rectified). The poppets are a pain. There's probably half a dozen varieties, depending on exactly the mfg/model of your keg, and it can be hard to figure out the right one (and if the keg's been around the block a few times, there's decent chance that what's in there is wrong). And depending on the style, I've seen some LHBS's wanting up to $10 a piece (at 2 per keg). But I've had pretty good luck with the "universal" poppets you can find for $3 or so on ebay.

So for less than $15 and 15 minutes per keg, you should be set. Go for it. You certainly won't miss bottling!

 

[Hopper5000]

I have seen the refurb o ring kets for under 10 bucks... now if you need to start replacing other parts that does start getting expensive.

 

[tre9er]

I would be willing to bet the post o-rings were the reason he didn't get a good seal. Also, some kegs "want" you to put 30PSI in them to seat the lid o-ring. I always do that anyway, then gently pull the relief valve in short bursts to get the O2 out of there. I bet if you replaced the post o-rings you'd have a good seal.

 

[jimmarshall]

I haven't even bottled my first batch yet.... So I'm gonna give it a couple months....but ill definitely take him up on it.

 

[ras07]

I would be willing to bet the post o-rings were the reason he didn't get a good seal.

I have a lot more trouble with the poppets than the o-rings, myself.

 

[H-Balm]

Plus. .... When you fix it you can enjoy another satisfaction.

Not only did you learn how to make that beer delicious, but you also learned and made the vessel function!

What a hobby this home brewing is!