Newbie Keg questions

[IwanaBrich]

I'm putting together my first kegerator! I picked up the fridge from Costco, I ordered the Taprite dual keg regulator along with 5# aluminum CO2 tank.

Now I have a a few question I hope you folks can clear up for me.

I am about to purchased two used Ball Locke kegs. I was planning to thoroughly clean them and then replace all the O rings. Do pin lock and ball lock use the same O rings? I found these on Cornykeg.com and they claim to be universal. Is that possible? http://www.cornykeg.com/catalog.asp?prodid=668621&showprevnext=1

Also which type of disconnects are best to use? I see some accept a 1/4" flare nut and some have 1/4" barb for the hose to attach to. I recognize that if I use the ones with 1/4" flare nut that I need to have a matching fitting on the hoses. Is one better than another? I don't want any leaks.

Which hoses are best to use?

 

[prandlesc]

Welcome to kegging - great way to serve beer. And yes, the kit you linked should work fine. I always use the flare nut fittings as it gives me a lot of flexibility and some peace of mine that if a valve goes, I can just thread another one on. I've never had leaks related to the flared fittings.

 

[day_trippr]

[...]Do pin lock and ball lock use the same O rings? I found these on Cornykeg.com and they claim to be universal. Is that possible? http://www.cornykeg.com/catalog.asp?prodid=668621&showprevnext=1[...]

Pin lock and ball lock kegs absolutely DO NOT use the same post o-rings. A big demerit to cornykeg.com for the errant advise.

Lid and dip tube o-rings are the same, but pin lock keg posts require a fatter o-ring, otherwise the disconnects will wiggle easily, and if cocked they will leak. And if that happens on a gas post, you'll end up with an empty CO2 tank...

Cheers!

 

[IvanTheTerribrew]

I personally like flare nuts. It really makes it a interchangeable connection without ruining the hose end. If you mean to ask which hoses you use, you will want a 3/16" ID hose for beer and 5/16" ID hose for gas. And of course be sure to get flare nuts for each size, they are different. Make sure you get about 10-12' of beer hose, it will be best for a smooth pour.

When you do have everything connected be sure to have a spray bottle of star San or of a water and detergent mix to spray on all connections to make sure there's no gas leak anywhere.

 

[IwanaBrich]

Why the larger hose for gas? I believe my regulator comes with 1/4" barbs, isn't that hose too big?

Sent from my SM-P600 using Home Brew mobile app

 

[day_trippr]

There's no reason to go larger than 1/4" ID for gas lines.
5/16" ID is old school...

Cheers!

 

[masonsjax]

Use 3/16" beer line and 1/4" barbs for everything, both gas and liquid. It will never leak and changes will be easy because it's all standardized.

 

[IwanaBrich]

I really appreciate all your input. It is very helpful,

I picked up the two used Ball Lock Pepsi kegs yesterday from the Local Home Brew store. He also sold me the hoses, connectors, party tap etc., so I'm god to go! He also sold me the replacement O Rings too (he was out of stock on them the last time was there). The kegs look a tad nasty on the outside but looked great on the inside, where it counts and no dents to speak of, just real dirty.

I decided to go with a party tap for now. Ultimately, I'd like to put a tower with Taps on the top of the Fridge, but for now I'm going to wait until the warranty runs out on the Fridge before I drill a hole in it.

I have not taken them apart yet but, I'm wondering if it is necessary to replace the pop-its and pressure releif valve, even if they look good?

Thanks

 

[masonsjax]

You don't have to. I didn't replace any of mine on the 12 kegs I own. A couple of my poppits could stand replacing because the rubber is damaged, but they still hold pressure so...

 

[day_trippr]

Agree with ^that. I have 14 ball locks that I replaced all of the o-rings but they all sport their original poppets...

Cheers!