Pin versus ball lock

[pclarks]

Hey guys, I'm finally going to order a kegging system. Should I get a pin-lock or ball-lock system? Does it make a difference?


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[atoughram]

I've always had ball locks, but I dont think it matters. Ball lock stuff is easier to find.

 

[JuanMoore]

Pin lock kegs are slightly shorter and fatter, while ball locks are slightly taller and thinner. That's about the only practical difference that could have an impact on your set-up. I use ball locks because I can fit 4 of them in my keezer, compared to only 3 pin locks. Friend uses pin locks converted to ball lock posts because they're the only type short enough to fit in his keg fridge (ball lock QD's are shorter than pin lock).

 

[butterpants]

Pin locks are much cheaper and easier to source at the moment.... well where I live.

 

[patthebrewer]

Ah yes the age old question....well it's as simple as do you prefer coke or pepsi

Seriously, Pinlocks are shorter and slightly squatter, ball locks are taller and thinner, which will impact how many you can fit in your kego. Parts readily are available for either. As someone previously mentioned pin locks, at the moment, are cheaper.

 

[insanim8er]

I don't understand why everyone thinks pin locks are always shorter and wider. It's simply not true. It all depends on the brand of the keg since there are several manufacturers.

I have several spartan pin lock kegs that have pressure relief valves on the lid, they're the same dimensions as a ball lock. The only difference is the posts and coupler.

These are all pin locks and they're better than any of my ball lock kegs



But the style with the rubber handles (I believe they're firestone) are the ones that are shorter and winder plus often times have a lid with no PRV or they don't have the ability to manually pull the relief valve.

As started, that style is cheaper generally by $10+ but the issue only lays in what you're trying to fit it into.

 

[JuanMoore]

I don't understand why everyone thinks pin locks are always shorter and wider. It's simply not true. It all depends on the brand of the keg since there are several manufacturers.

I have several spartan pin lock kegs that have pressure relief valves on the lid, they're the same dimensions as a ball lock. The only difference is the posts and coupler.

Because your Spartan kegs started out life as ball lock kegs, and someone replaced the post fittings with pin lock fittings at some point. You're right though, not every used keg that has pin lock fittings is shorter and fatter, and not every keg with ball lock fittings is taller and thinner, because people sometimes convert them from one fitting to the other. If you see a retailer with "converted kegs" for sale, they are typically pin lock sized kegs with ball lock fittings.

But the style with the rubber handles (I believe they're firestone) are the ones that are shorter and winder plus often times have a lid with no PRV or they don't have the ability to manually pull the relief valve.

Firestone manufactured both types. Cornelius R, Firestone A, Firestone R, John Wood RA, and John Wood RC are all the shorter/fatter style, and all started out life as pin locks. Cornelius Spartan/Super Champion, and Firestone Challenger (V, VI, and Super) are all taller/thinner, and started life as ball lock kegs.

 

[insanim8er]

Ya, I guess it's very much possible they've been converted, but I've aquired the same exact kegs through multiple sources, some from different states even, (in both 3 and 5 gal) with pin locks. But it's possible they've all be converted I guess.

It is important to understand the difference of the short fatter ones though because I had a guy trying to sell kegs on Craig's list. I asked if they were pin or ball, and he said ball.... I noticed the carboy next to it and knew they were converted. Saved me a drive and time wasted.

 

[patthebrewer]

What I said comes from experience drawn changing endless syrup tanks in my high school fast food jobs..........not wiiling to admit what decade that was though