Corny Keg Decision

[Seanbmc]

I jumped on what I thought was a good deal on a kegerator last week, and now have a sweet one sitting in my apt. I have my 2nd all grain getting ready to go to secondary, and feel the clock ticking to get things in order for the kegerator.

I read that there is no huge difference between the two styles of kegs. I found a site with two used Pins for 58 vs 2 ball locks for 72. Id rather spend the cheaper amount, but read that the ball are more popular. Any big difference I should be aware of?

I have the Greater Northern Frosty Keg Kegerator. There seems to be enough height in there for either style. I would like to try to get 3 in there if possible. Eventually upgrading to a double tap and a 3rd chillin. Anyone know if this is possible with either style keg? The inside dimensions where kegs can sit are 15.5 x 17 3/4.

The kegerator also is fitted to work with store bought kegs, not homebrew. Will this kit be all I need for say the Pin Lock? http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004RSW5Z4/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I guess there may be some fitting/hoses that may need to be adjusted. But that is probably easy enough in a hardware store.

I know these basic threads are common. But when its my money and the future of my kegging I appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!

Sean

 

[TimpanogosSlim]

There are only a few meaningful differences between pin-lock and ball-lock. Aside from the posts themselves.

1: Ball-lock are about 1/2" narrower, which can make it easier to fit several of them in the same kegerator or keezer. But they are also 1-2" taller.

2: The standard lid on a pin-lock keg has either a fuse type pressure relief valve that cannot be actuated manually, or no pressure relief valve at all. To release pressure, you have to just push something into the gas post. said something can be a tool that costs a few bucks and is designed for the job. Some people shorten the gas tube so that beer fountains are less likely. cornykeg.com sells replacement lids w/ a manual pressure relief valve for $13.

3: If you have pin lock kegs, people will look at you funny, like you're wearing stripes and plaids or something. This is because ball lock kegs are more fashionable.

I decided to be agnostic. All of my disconnects are flare fitting type, and i have 2 ball lock and 9 pin lock. I also have no fashion sense.

 

[day_trippr]

[...]I would like to try to get 3 in there if possible. Eventually upgrading to a double tap and a 3rd chillin. Anyone know if this is possible with either style keg? The inside dimensions where kegs can sit are 15.5 x 17 3/4. [...]

It's close, but 3 kegs aren't going to happen. This diagram assumes ball lock kegs with their 8.5" diameter, and you can see the conflict circled in red...

Sorry.

 

[Seanbmc]

From my understanding pressure release in the keg can be important to get less pressure in the keg. Is it still simple to balance out tank/keg in a pin lock?

I really dont care what others think, my dumb friends wouldnt know the difference anyways .

 

[Seanbmc]

I measured the tray that sits at the bottom, so there is a LITTLE play, there may be enough room to squeeze it in. The door is also concave, but I think thats more for the big boys. What size circles are those, I can cut some out and see.

 

[day_trippr]

Having a manual PRV is really just a matter of convenience. As previously mentioned, if a keg doesn't sport a manual PRV you can relieve head pressure via the gas post.

And as my diagram shows, you're only going to get 2 kegs in that kegerator...

Cheers!

 

[day_trippr]

I measured the tray that sits at the bottom, so there is a LITTLE play, there may be enough room to squeeze it in. The door is also concave, but I think thats more for the big boys. What size circles are those, I can cut some out and see.

As I mentioned, they're 8.5" diameter to match ball lock kegs.

[edit]If you can find around a half inch of space on the inside of the door, you may be good for 3 ball lock kegs....

Cheers!

 

[Seanbmc]

And pin locks are fatter... so if more kegs are my priority then they are out question. Thanks for the info!

 

[nman13]

Hey I have this model and was also wondering if I could fit three ball locks in it.

Did you ever figure out if three can fit in it?

Thanks,

 

[nasty_rabbit]

The last post on this thread was 05/18/2012. You may not get a reply.

 

[DurtyChemist]

Hey I have this model and was also wondering if I could fit three ball locks in it.

Did you ever figure out if three can fit in it?

Thanks,

you should probably just measure it. I doubt it will since most kegerators are only big enough for a 15.5 gallon keg and three 5 gallon kegs are larger than that.