Brand New Keg - Do I Need Lube?

[stylus1274]

I am finally jumping into kegging. Just got my set-up yesterday. *******!

I'm wondering if I need to lube the o-ring or anything else prior to first use?

Pardon my ignorance on the matter

 

[CU_tony]

Ive never had a new keg, but in my experience a little bit of lube never hurts ;p

 

[CU_tony]

In all seriousness though, unless the source assured me that the keg was ready to be filled with beer, I would disassemble, clean and re assemble with lube.
Then lastly fill with sanitizer and pressurize to test for leaks.
Def. fill the keg with something so you dont use as much gas while leak testing.

 

[porterpounder]

Been kegging for 15 years and have never used keg lube. Never had a problem. O-rings get replaced when they start to look worn out or squished.

 

[alexavery]

If you've got a brand new keg with new O rings you probably don't HAVE to. It will likely seal just fine. But if you have some lube already, I'd put some on the lid O ring. Doesn't hurt. But eventually you'll want to start using some on the Oring every time as the gasket gets a little older. It's a simple step that can prevent lots of headaches in the form of lid leaking.

 

[Rockn_M]

Lube is your friend.

 

[stylus1274]

Thanks for the answers guys. Between this post and others it seems the bunch is split down the middle. Some say just replace your o rings they are cheap anyways. Others say do the lube to extend life and whatever.

Since this is the first time this keg is being used I think I will opt out. Maybe a few down the road I will add it in.

 

[k1ngl1ves]

Thanks for the answers guys. Between this post and others it seems the bunch is split down the middle. Some say just replace your o rings they are cheap anyways. Others say do the lube to extend life and whatever.

Since this is the first time this keg is being used I think I will opt out. Maybe a few down the road I will add it in.

I recommend taking it completely apart and cleaning it. There will probably still be oil on parts from machining. It is worthwhile to put a little lube on the seals. Even though they're new, there's always a chance of pinching a ring or putting a small tear in one.

Always lube the rings on the outside of the posts. Makes it easier put on or take off the disconnects. Those o-rings take the most abuse.

 

[Morrey]

Just yesterday I sealed a keg and applied gas. Spritzed some Starsan in a spray bottle around keg lid and sure enough it was leaking which showed by bubbling around the seal. I took off lid and lubed the O-ring with keg lube. Leaking stopped when I resealed the lid and checked again with Starsan.

I use keg lube on all seals and make sure to spritz all seals to look for bubbling. Check your quick disconnects by spraying all around them as well as your main seal. Check (spray) your main CO2 tank valve and regulator fittings anytime you change tanks or configure your system.

Keg lube should be applied w/o fail else you wake up the next morning with an empty CO2 tank.

 

[stylus1274]

OK sounds good K1ng. I did plan on cleaning it before first use. The lube was the main question. The disconnects being easier to use may be a deal breaker

 

[stylus1274]

Just yesterday I sealed a keg and applied gas. Spritzed some Starsan in a spray bottle around keg lid and sure enough it was leaking which showed by bubbling around the seal. I took off lid and lubed the O-ring with keg lube. Leaking stopped when I resealed the lid and checked again with Starsan.

I use keg lube on all seals and make sure to spritz all seals to look for bubbling. Check your quick disconnects by spraying all around them as well as your main seal. Check (spray) your main CO2 tank valve and regulator fittings anytime you change tanks or configure your system.

Keg lube should be applied w/o fail else you wake up the next morning with an empty CO2 tank.

BOOM!!!!...... got it!