My first keezer - Cost and build steps.

[Ragman]

I just wanted to list the steps and cost breakdown of my keezer build for anyone else looking to build one.

Step 1 - buy a chest freezer. Found a used one on craigslist for $89. Was a good deal during pandemic cause they were a little hard to find.

Step 2: - Bought AIH Used 2-5al corny keg setup - 5 Gallon Ball Lock Keg System w/ Picnic Faucets, 2 USED Kegs - $122
Bought 5# Co2 tank from local shop (Air Affair) - $70
Check to make sure they fit and if a collar is necessary.

Step 3: - They do fit without collar but I would rather not have to lift the lid each time I want to get a beer and I dont want a tower tap on the lid so I will build a collar. So first I removed the freezer lid but removing the hinges. Then I bought a piece of lumber. 1 - 2X8X8 Pine board - $12 - Lowes - Cut board to size and glued ( I had the wood glue) together - I used Silicone $5 to attach to freezer.

 

[Ragman]

Step 4: Attach Lid to Collar and purchase Inkbird temp controller from Amazon. $35 https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Max-...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Step 5: - This was my issue - the rubber gasket on the lid had a smell stuck in it that I couldnt get rid of so I just pulled the gasket out and placed camper seal tape on the lid and on the top of the collar. Camper seal tape (Amazon) $6 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000052031/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Purchased foam board for insulation around the inside of the collar. from Lowes $6 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kingspan-I...-Polystyrene-Foam-Board-Insulation/1000236635

Step 6: - Foil tape from Lowes $13 - https://www.lowes.com/pd/3M-1-88-in-W-x-360-ft-L-HVAC-Tape/3961817
- 3 way gas distributor from amazon - $20 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075XKXBYS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- 10 Ft Gas line $15 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BKWWMB6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
- Package of hose clamps $8 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XSHNPBR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Installed gas distributor, new lines clamps, PC fan (free from old PC) and foil tape.

 

[Ragman]

Step 7: Had some pieces of scrap trim laying around so I build a little framework for the collar. $0 used finish nail gun to attach.

Step 8: - picked up some stain from lowes for $13 - shouldve went with smaller can for $5 but oh well. After staining I added some Polyurethane I had laying around and applied a few coats. Picked up a magnetic tool tray from Amazon to use as a drip tray. $22 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZ54HLM/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Step 9: I had some silver spray paint lying around so I sprayed the vent cover on the side and a large rectangle on the lid with silver paint. AFter it dried I just used some painters tape on the lid to make the 3MB and then painted the rest of the keezer black - Black paint from Lowes $13.
- I was able to score a nice set of Nukatap faucets and SS shanks from a forum member for $90 - installed those as well.

Here is where it stands now - waiting on Stainless steel drip tray and custom made Tap Handles. So far its been a lot of fun building and I think total cost is about $535 right now.

 

[Genuine]

So far so good! Edit: just saw you added more to your post! Looks great! Did you use any specific paint on it? I've been trying to decide between that or vinyl wrapping mine.

 

[DawgPen Brewing]

So far so good! Edit: just saw you added more to your post! Looks great! Did you use any specific paint on it? I've been trying to decide between that or vinyl wrapping mine.

There is spray paint made specifically for appliances at Home Depot or Lowes. Worked great for me with almost no prep.

This looks like a great build to me. Way to go!

 

[Ragman]

This is the paint I used. Not sure how it will hold up to scuffs and scratches tho - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Rust-Oleum...or-Paint-Actual-Net-Contents-32-fl-oz/4459357

 

[Tom Foolery]

How did you hook up the PC fan?

 

[Ragman]

Found an old power supply from a set of PC speakers and wired it up, I have the power supply plugged into a 3 way splitter thats plugged into the inkbird controller so that the fan only comes on when the freezer kicks on.

 

[Ragman]

Finished, I think (but can we really EVER say we are finished?) with custom made tap handle, bottle opener and catch tray.

 

[BigJoeBrew]

@Ragman Great build! Not saying you have to, but this is what I did. You have room to fit another corny on the hump if your collar is tall enough and run your co2 line out the collar and have the bottle on the outside.

 

[Ragman]

@Ragman Great build! Not saying you have to, but this is what I did. You have room to fit another corny on the hump if your collar is tall enough and run your co2 line out the collar and have the bottle on the outside.

Seriously considering that. Thanks!

 

[bizoneill]

Finished, I think (but can we really EVER say we are finished?) with custom made tap handle, bottle opener and catch tray.

View attachment 717189

Nice build! Do you know the size/make of this specific freezer? Trying to decide which way to go with mine...

 

[Ragman]

It's a Kenmore 5.0cf. See pic. Good luck with your build.

 

[bizoneill]

It's a Kenmore 5.0cf. See pic. Good luck with your build. View attachment 729508

Thanks dude! I went with a Danby 7.2cf.