Ruined my kegerator

[Bert1097]

So I've had a kegerator since my college days (that was a joyous day) w/ a single dispensing tower for a Sanke system.

Since getting into homebrewing, I've wanted to convert it to a corny system w/ three taps. I aquired the triple tower, kegs and drill bit to convert.

All holes were drilled, the manifold installed then I come to find that 3 cornies do not fit very well inside. I had a stroke of genious and decided to install a lock hasp on the door figuring (correctly BTW) that this would keep the door shut w/ all 3 cornies.

I drilled all but the last hole for the hasp w/o any difficulty, thinking about how smart I am, how good 3 homebrews will be on draft.....etc. My last hole does not want to be drilled so I start pushing like crazy and it finally gives way and the screw self taps.

Then.....I hear a very concerning hiss.

Stops hissing. I wait. I then think that maybe there was a seal in the insulation that I punctured? I plug it in to see.... starts hissing again.

My beloved kegerator has met its demise.

 

[shortyjacobs]

The fridge is the cheapest part of the build, if you can get one off of craigslist or something....it sucks, but at least you have all the equipment!

 

[boogyman]

That sucks. Like shorty said though, you may be able to score a new fridge or freezer on CL for cheap.

 

[WPStrassburg]

Pop the inside panel off, pull the line out, have someone braze it up for you, recharge it and you're good to go.

 

[IrregularPulse]

Pop the inside panel off, pull the line out, have someone braze it up for you, recharge it and you're good to go.

And all for the price of 2 new refrigerators. Having a certified tech repair a punctured line is generally not worth the cost compared to a new fridge. One guy on here did just this. $150 just to have a tech come look at it, then it would have another few hundred to repair and recharge.

 

[WPStrassburg]

guess I'm lucky enough to have friends who work for beer.

 

[david_42]

Also WPS, many new refrigerators have the condenser coils attached to the outer skin and embedded in the foam insulation, making repairs just about impossible.

 

[tomije87]

What size fridge fits 3 cornies w/ the lock hasp?

 

[SouthPrattBrewing]

Is it a copper/metal line? Seal it with JB Weld, then maybe the recharge is the only real repair cost.