Converting A Keg

[Sando61]

Hey Guys,

So I am am ready to step up my homebrew setup.
Currently I am still using a pretty basic starter kit, brewing about 5 gallon extract.
In the end I would like to go all grain but I I would like to 1st get comfortable brewing on a bigger setup 1st.

I have recently acquired a used keg and was looking to convert it into a brew kettle.
Anyone have any tips, tricks or even solid plans for doing this?

Thanks & Cheers,
-Tony

 

[3toes]

Hey Guys,

So I am am ready to step up my homebrew setup.
Currently I am still using a pretty basic starter kit, brewing about 5 gallon extract.
In the end I would like to go all grain but I I would like to 1st get comfortable brewing on a bigger setup 1st.

I have recently acquired a used keg and was looking to convert it into a brew kettle.
Anyone have any tips, tricks or even solid plans for doing this?

Thanks & Cheers,
-Tony

Be sure you check local laws and regulations before you do any modifications... Here in South Carolina kegs are highly regulated and tracked. "Acquiring" a keg can get you in a lot of trouble.

 

[Beernik]

In most places the keg belongs to whoever's name is stamped on the side of the handle regardless of who possesses it.

A good way to legally aquire a keg is to either ask the brewery directly if you can buy one they are retiring or ask scrap metal recyclers if they have one you can buy.


Legal issues aside...

Watch some YouTube videos on pulling the spear on a keg. You need to relieve the pressure on the keg and then pull the spear. When you relieve the pressure, make sure you have a towel or something down over the hole because you don't want a face full of stale beer.

Once you got the spear out (I say it that like it's not the hardest part of the job - at least it was for me), use an angle grinder to cut a hole in the top. There are a couple threads around about making a jig to help you cut a good circle.

Take it slow in the cut. It will probably take you 3 or 4 passes around the circle to get all the way through.

It's noisy as hell, so wear ear plugs as well as eye protection.

Once you have the hole, sand the hell out of the cut. The last thing you need is to go to the ER for stitches on brew day because you left a sharp edge. Run a pair of nylons or something similar to check for burs and sharp edges.

To drill holes for valves, thermometers, etc. get a step bit and cutting oil. Take it slow or you will temper the steel and then it's near impossible to finish the drilling. Use a round or triangular file to file down the holes. Check for snags and burs again.

 

[maierhof]

Start with this search to cut the top off:

https://www.google.com/webhp?source...ing+your+own+keggle+site:www.homebrewtalk.com

Then cut the holes, dimple them and solder:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/silver-soldering-diy-brewing-vessel-upgrades.html