Replacing plastic GAS IN diptube with SS ones

[Naked_Eskimo]

Right now I have two Firestone kegs that have plastic rather than steel gas IN dip tubes.

I want to replace the plastic ones with the steel ones found in the Cornelius brand kegs, but according to KegConnection, the SS diptubes are wider than the plastic ones....so I would need to drill out the holes for the diptubes.

Has anyone done this before or have any experience? I have no issue with the plastic ones, but I worry about their longevity relative to steel ones.

 

[Naked_Eskimo]

Bump. Nobody have to do this at all?

 

[gregdech]

Naked_eskimo,

Yes I have done it with great success. I don't recall what size drill bit I used, but just choose one that will fit. Also, use some form of lubricant/coolant when doing the drilling, keep heavy pressure on the drill to keep it cutting, and keep the drill turning slowly. Do this and you should be golden.

Cheers,

Greg

 

[lamarguy]

Keg Connection is correct, the SS gas tubes won't fit kegs with plastic tubes.

You can, however, purchase new plastic tubes.

 

[Naked_Eskimo]

I think the other option that I've come up with on the net is to take a SS dip tube and cut it down to 1/2". That way, you dont run into the taper at the end.

Might be an easier option than drilling out the hole.

PS> thanks for the link Lamarguy...but I was hoping on getting away from the plastic ones. Figure one SS will last a lifetime, whereas the plastic ones are more likely to bend/break.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

I "think" I just did what NE suggests. Vut a spare down enough to give the poppet a place to rest it's feet. The only need for the tube anyway is to help the poppet seal, IIRC.