To clamp or not to clamp, that is the question.

Simple enough question; the barbs that go into the beer lines are such a tight, tight, tight fit, (I can't even pull them off without giving myself a hernia), is it ok to just forgo the clamp? Cleaner look and I won't bruise my hands when grabbing the quick disconnect at the wrong place........ Anyone ever had one blow off from less than 15 lbs??

 

I don't worry so much about blowing off the barb, as having a micro leak and losing my CO2. So I clamp, even though it doesn't appear necessary.



That's all I got.

 

Personally, I'd clamp anyway, cheap insurance. Check into oetiker clamps instead of the screw type, they're smaller and easier on your hands. With either type of clamp, consider putting electrical tape over them for a cleaner look and protection for your hands.

 

Even though I run 3/16" ID beer lines over 1/4" barbs, at casa day_trippr the answer is certainly "To Clamp"...

Cheers!

 

nuff said???

 

The consensus seems to be to clamp. I like the idea of the tape. Those oetiker clamps are pricey though! I was actually thinking of putting some heat shrink tubing over them, but then I realized there really isn't anything to "mate" together. The tubing would adhere really well to the hose but there isn't a suitable surface on the barb end..... Maybe I'll just shrink over the worm clamp and save my knuckles. Color coding for easy tap identification.

 

On the beer lines I still clamp because I'm not drunk enough to grab at the clamp and hurt my hands . But I know I've gone without in the past without any issues. If your tubes have any way of moving (opening door or lid) I wouldn't risk it. If not then it'd probably be fine. Probably. But we're talking about precious beer, is probably good enough?

Gas lines always. Fvckin' CO2.

 

I don't get the need for taping over clamps.
I've never gotten bit by one in years of kegging...

Cheers!

 

Heat shrink tubing over the clamps is a great idea. I might have to do that, at least on my picnic tap.