Cutting open a keg

[psujeeperman02]

Bought a 1/2bbl keg from my LHBS.
Would like to convert this to either a BK or MT.
Regardless, how large of a hole should I cut in the top?
I did a quick search last night and found a page that said 12" diameter hole.
Is that the standard?

 

[liquidcourage]

Mine is right about that size. I found a stainless steel lid that would fit and cut the hole according to that.

 

[psujeeperman02]

Mine is right about that size. I found a stainless steel lid that would fit and cut the hole according to that.

And that size seems to get the job done? No issues?

 

[liquidcourage]

I can't think of a time that I wanted the hole to be any bigger or smaller.

 

[passedpawn]

Bought a 1/2bbl keg from my LHBS.
Would like to convert this to either a BK or MT.
Regardless, how large of a hole should I cut in the top?
I did a quick search last night and found a page that said 12" diameter hole.
Is that the standard?

If you are going to fit a lid on there (i.e., a glass lid), consider buying the lid before you cut, Then you can make a cut that is perfect for the lid.

I've got loads of info at this link:

Simplest (?) Keggle Cutting Jig

 

[aeviaanah]

These lids give you some leeway on hole size. They are nice and cheap

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0725B1Q5H/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[CudaJoe]

go buy a crab pot lid or a turkey cooker lid. measure the diameter of the lid where it has a lip and also the full diameter of the lid. Make sure the circle you cut is between those diameters.

Thats the opening I have cut. crab pot lid fits perfectly. Ive seen people cut the entire top off including the handles... dont do that. Do what I did.

For some reason I dont have a photo of me keggle with the lid on.. you can see it in this photo.

 

[CudaJoe]

These lids give you some leeway on hole size. They are nice and cheap

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0725B1Q5H/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

actually thats a nice lid. Id get that lol. Id probably even check to see if I can use that now. The benefit to a metal lid is, you dont have to worry about breaking it if it slips off or you drop it.