Force Carbing with a Corny Keg

[Hwk-I-St8]

So I got a couple corny pin locks for cheap and I'm wondering if I can force carb given the relief valve they have.

I currently force carb with a Sanke keg, but my friend wants to give this a try with my corny's. I usually run 25 psi for a couple days, then drop to 12 for a couple more, then down to 8 or 9 to serve.

One has a 1/2" tall dome with some holes in the top...looks like some sort of automatic relief valve. Assuming it'll handle the higher pressure, but how can I bleed the pressure when I want to drop?

The other I really can figure out. It has a 1/8" by maybe 1/2" tall rod that sticks out. I can't see how it's a valve at all.

Can I use these or do I need to buy new lids with the usual pull ring relief valve...

 

[jaspass]

Buying lids with pull ring valves is certainly an option. The other option is that so long as your liquid line in the keg is below the air stem inside the keg, you can bleed the pressure from the air side pin lock post directly. Don't do that if liquid line is high enough that the air stem is submerged, you'll shoot beer right out of the keg if so.

 

[plazola86]

Pictures would help.

 

[Lefou]

If you know where to look, there are conversion kits and lid replacements available online.
I was debating a keg setup for a while and finally pulled the trigger. Bought all the hardware, new ball lock keg, and gas regulator.

 

[bajaedition]

bring them to your local home brew store. they will answer your questions

plus will have the parts (rubber O rings) to make sure all the seals are good

As mentioned, you can get lids with those relief valves on them


wish you were local, I would set you up with some ball lacks for those pin locks

 

[Special Hops]

Just bleed it from the gas side poppet. Been using pin locks for years. Use a sanitized screwdriver (or similar tool) and push down on the poppet.

If you overfill your keg it will spew out licquid. But as long as the liquid level is below the gas dip tube you will be fine.

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

bring them to your local home brew store. they will answer your questions

plus will have the parts (rubber O rings) to make sure all the seals are good

As mentioned, you can get lids with those relief valves on them


wish you were local, I would set you up with some ball lacks for those pin locks

I did pick up an o ring set from the LHBS. They didn't have any replacement lids.

Are the ball locks better than pin locks? If so, why?

 

[IslandLizard]

The cost of replacement lids containing the pull ring or lever Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) may exceed the price you paid for the Pin Lock kegs themselves. The lowest price I've found is around $15 each. I have a few ball lock kegs with the domed PRV pin lock lids. No big deal.

As others said, to vent, just push the gas poppet down with a screwdriver, or a "nail set," or stick a gas QD on it.

 

[IslandLizard]

I did pick up an o ring set from the LHBS. They didn't have any replacement lids.

Are the ball locks better than pin locks? If so, why?

They're not better, but there are differences, aside from the lids and the posts. Pin locks are a little stubbier, wider and shorter than ball locks. In a keezer or kegerator you may not be able to place as many pin locks as ball locks if space is critical.

Also when you take your pin locks somewhere, better bring your pin lock QDs and a set of tubing with you and a picnic tap. Most dispensing systems are set up for ball locks or sanke taps.

 

[bajaedition]

I did pick up an o ring set from the LHBS. They didn't have any replacement lids.

Are the ball locks better than pin locks? If so, why?

I have found that most guys prefer the ball locks

I like the pin locks because they are shorter, so they fit better in the Keezer. That is why I like the pin locks

I get them and replace the pin lock fittings with ball lock and go for it.

I think that a lot of guys just go for whatever they first sourced.

 

[bajaedition]

I do not know what your metal fabrication skills are.

I have added a few pressure relief valves to lids, but then metal work is no problem to me, just go out to the garage and I have the tools.

All that valve will be is convenience. Using a nail set works great on the gas side to relive the pressure