Ball lock versus pin lock

[jarrodaden]

I have looked on line and can't seem to figure out the differences and the advantages of ball lock versus pin lock. There does seem to be a lot ofeople trying to switch from ball to pin but I am unclear about why.

 

[thirstyutahn]

There are a million posts about this so a quick search should get you tons of info.

However real quick its more a personal preference thing. Ball locks are taller but skinnier pin locks are shorter and fatter. They have different posts and disconnects. Pin lock parts can be harder to find. Also pin lock don't have a pressure release on the lid like ball locks which is really only a minor inconvenience. However pin locks are almost always much cheaper.

And despite what people say you can totally mix and match ball and pin locks. All you need to do is make sure you buy all your disconnects with mfl fittings and swivel nuts. That way all you have to do is unscrew from a pin lock and screw right back on to a ball lock...easy as can be.

So do a little research and figure out what works best for your needs .

 

[thirstyutahn]

Oh and unless this is some new development I'd say more people switch to ball lock than the other way around.

Again though it's really not a one or the other type deal you can totally mix or match.

 

[carlisle_bob]

Hi

Unless you enjoy keeping track of zillions of things, pick one or the other and stick with it. Duplicating connectors and repair parts is an expense as well as a hassle.

Some ball locks started out life as pin locks. That gets you into three categories rather than just two. If you go for ball locks, you may want to check to be sure they aren't converted pin locks. If they are they will be fatter (and shorter) than the rest of your ball lock kegs.

There is no real difference between the two, other than "real" ball locks should have a pressure relief valve on the lid. That can be convenient for burping kegs (dropping the pressure). It a *very* small difference, but about the only one. That pushes one in the direction of going with ball locks.

Bob