pin lock or ball lock?

[PhysicsTeacher]

I'm going to buy some corny kegs in January and start brewing again using them instead of bottles. Eventually, I'll want to have some 5 gallon and 10 gallon Corny kegs. I already have a small CO2 bottle and some other equipment for it.

Which kind of corny keg should I get- pin lock or ball lock? How much does this really matter? What would it take to use both kinds of kegs?

Thanks,

PT

 

[TXCrash]

To use both kinds of kegs you'll need to get disconnects with MPT threads and change out when necessary.

I started with pinlock and feel they're a better system but they're hard to come by. Most use ball lock if only for the reason they're easy to aquire. You're going to end up with more kegs than you think.

 

[PhysicsTeacher]

There is a guy selling 5 gallon pin lock corny kegs and I was going to go buy up all he has (several last I heard). I don't mind waiting days/weeks when it comes time for me to buy the 10 gallon pin lock kegs (in April, for a big party in September), so long as I can find them eventually. How rare is "rare"?

 

[Yankeehillbrewer]

I'm just starting to collect all of my keggin stuff, and build a Keezer, but Ball Locks are a touch skinnier, so you may be able to fit an extra keg in your Keezer/Kegerator if your going that route.

 

[TXCrash]

If the price is right, go for it. What's he asking for the kegs?

 

[PhysicsTeacher]

$20 each keg, and he only has 4 left now. Yes, the plan is to eventually get a freezer and put the kegs in there.

 

[hezagenius]

Rather than create a new thread, I'll ask my question here.

With all the disconnects connected, which has a taller profile - ball lock or pin lock?

 

[zimman]

ball locks have a higher profile. I have 3 ball lock and 5 pin lock. I like the pin lock because they are a couple inches shorter however they are abit wider. maybe an inch.

 

[SweetSounds]

hezagenius,
I don't know about pin locks, mine are Cornelius brand ball locks.
The kegs are 8/5" in diameter, and 25" tall.
I use the flare end disconnects with barb fittings, and they stand exactly 1" higher than the top of the keg.

So 8.5" X 26" with fittings attached
I also understand that there are subtle differences in diameter between Cornelius, Firestone, and others. Though they may not be so subtle if you need a hammer to make that last keg fit!

 

[hezagenius]

Thanks. How about cleaning? Are they both about the same in terms of disassembly and cleaning?

 

[SweetSounds]

From what I've read, they are built the same. Top pops out, posts screw off, dip/gas tubes pull up, and clean away.
The exception with pin locks is the tools... You have to have 2 special sockets to remove pin lock posts without screwing up the pins (So I hear). I've read you can make them yourself by grinding notches in a couple of sockets, or you can buy them premade.
Ball locks just take a normal 7/8" socket or wrench.

 

[gabeweisz]

Doesn't every argument seem to ultimately be about Coke vs Pepsi ?

Either work fine. Pin locks are slightly taller, but it shouldn't really make a difference. Whatever you can get more cheaply will work.

 

[lurker18]

I have both, and am just starting to get into the kegging thing. I just finished pulling apart and cleaning the pin lock and had no trouble at all. I bought the premade socket, and it will work for both posts, so you only need one. For the disconnects, I got them from Midwest Supply, and I got the ones that are screw on, the barb that goes into the hose can stay there, and the disconnects can screw onto that. I got a few of each, so it won't matter what keg I am using, all I have to do is change the disconnects.
Get what comes to you, and if they are cheap, pick them up.

 

[spiny_norman]

If you specifically want pin lock kegs, I've had good experiences ordering from here:

http://cornykeg.com/

$15 used, or $25 refurbished each.

 

[mordantly]

im all ball lock baby! even though i could get either type.. a guy has hundreds of them at a scrap yard kinda near by.

 

[elmetal]

im all ball lock baby! even though i could get either type.. a guy has hundreds of them at a scrap yard kinda near by.

then sell to us!

 

[Yankeehillbrewer]

im all ball lock baby! even though i could get either type.. a guy has hundreds of them at a scrap yard kinda near by.

Where? It would be worth the drive.