Pin Lock Vs. Ball Lock

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I am looking to buy my kegs and I am wondering what that plus and minus of each style, if any, there are?

 

[Chairman Cheyco]

here's a decent thread on it...

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=26168

 

[banjopicker16]

MOST people use ball-locks. It is easier to use, since you ont need a special tool to unscrew the valves, AND stores will sooner supply ball-lock valve equipment before pin locks. When you go to a contest or something, you'll find that about 90 percent of people are ball-lockers.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

You need a special tool for the valves??? I just bought some the other day and they are awaiting delivery. I didn't buy a tool.

 

[jjasghar]

this always answered all my questions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelius_kegs

 

[Brewsmith]

The pins stick out from the base of the in and out posts. A socket won't fit directly over them like on the ball lock kegs. You can still use a regular wrench, I believe. The "special" tools are really just a socket with notches cut into it so it fits around the pins.

 

[rdwj]

The short answer is - don't get pin locks unless you're getting a great deal or you need the shorter / fatter kegs for some reason.