Building a keezer

[rcp197]

This is a general question about cost. I've priced everything out for a three tap keezer, and it seems it will cost about $700. That's with a cheap freezer off of Craig's list for 50. Anyone have tips to reduce cost?

 

[b-boy]

Hard to get it much lower than that using quality parts.

I'd avoid buying cheap faucets.. Stick with perlicks.

You could forgo a manifold for a 4-way gas connector. That'd save you about $30-40.

go with an ebay controller over a Love controller. I've got one of each. For the price I like the Ebay controller. There's another $50.

 

[cyberwollf]

I built a super cheap 4 way co2 manifold from harbor freight parts. But it doesn't have shut off valves if you need that.

Get the stc temp controller off eBay for cheap.

 

[rcp197]

Thanks for the info! Do you guys use the oetiker clamps or just regular hose clamps? I'm not sure what the benefit of the oetiker is and they seem like a big hassle if I have to remove.

 

[Yesfan]

Thanks for the info! Do you guys use the oetiker clamps or just regular hose clamps? I'm not sure what the benefit of the oetiker is and they seem like a big hassle if I have to remove.

Not to mention expense (clamps, tool, etc.). What is the benefit of the Otikers over stainless hose clamps?

 

[cyberwollf]

I just used tiny regular ones. No leaks. Most of the time I have to cut the hose to get it off a barb anyways. It gets stuck on the barb and the only way to rip it off is to cut it.

 

[day_trippr]

Not to mention expense (clamps, tool, etc.). What is the benefit of the Otikers over stainless hose clamps?

Oetiker clamps provide a uniform constriction around the full circumference, where worm clamps always have a partial fixed radius area at the base of the worm drive. Oetiker clamps are also more likely to be fully stainless steel, where many "SS" worm clamps actually may have a non-stainless screw.

On the down side, Oetikers are pretty much single-use and are more easily installed with a special tool (though one can get away with side-cutters or square nosed pliers).

After all that, I still just use proper sized all stainless worm clamps without issue...

Cheers!

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

One way to save some coin is to skip the external temp controller:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/gu...mostat-32f-eliminate-external-control-249612/

I hear it can be a bit hit or miss whether or not it works for any specific freezer, but it worked for mine, and thus saved me $50-70...