Rubber covered keg of any use?

goatchze · Jan 27, 2010

You can:

1. Use it as a fermenter
2. Use it as a mashtun
3. Use it as an electric keggle
4. Use it as a stool

I wouldn't worry about the rubber "insulating" it if you want to use it as a fermenter. Insulation only slows the rate of heat transfer, it doesn't stop it. If you have a kegerator where it will fit, you can do any ferementation you want.

limoges · Jan 27, 2010

Or as a clown drum...

Mirage · Jan 27, 2010

It is funny, I wasn't excited at all about getting it (not at all what I was expecting) but after doing a bit of oxicleaning and bon-ami scrub, it is definitely growing on me! How do you all ensure that the inside is spotless before putting your beer into it? It is still soaking full of oxiclean atm (put oxi in at 1 PM and it is now 9:30 PM and the keg is still warm!) but it is next to impossible to see inside. Thanks!

McSwiggin' · Feb 19, 2010

Mirage said:
It is funny, I wasn't excited at all about getting it (not at all what I was expecting) but after doing a bit of oxicleaning and bon-ami scrub, it is definitely growing on me! How do you all ensure that the inside is spotless before putting your beer into it? It is still soaking full of oxiclean atm (put oxi in at 1 PM and it is now 9:30 PM and the keg is still warm!) but it is next to impossible to see inside. Thanks!

You have to remove the lug. There will likely be a split ring holding it on (if I remember correctly) and remove the lug along with the dip tube. Then soak in some very hot water with PBW or something similar. rinse it out and take a peak with a flashlight. should be good to go after that. If you have a small extending mirror like a mechanic uses, you might be able to get a better look inside.

Mirage · Feb 20, 2010

Yea, thanks! I removed the spear already and filled it full of oxiclean and hot water. There is definitely beer stone on the bottom of it. I am still deciding what to do with it. If I can get another keg I will probably just sell it but if I can't I will have to look into acid washing it.

McSwiggin' · Feb 21, 2010

Mirage said:
Yea, thanks! I removed the spear already and filled it full of oxiclean and hot water. There is definitely beer stone on the bottom of it. I am still deciding what to do with it. If I can get another keg I will probably just sell it but if I can't I will have to look into acid washing it.

I use oxiclean all the time myself, and I don't want to start a debate on this thread but in my opinion PBW works on the stone a little better than oxiclean. Also, There is a line cleaner called B*L*C (Beer Line Cleaner) that comes in liquid form and is mixed with water. That same company makes a cleaner called penetrate. We used to use it on long-draw draft lines that were heavily stoned and it always worked well. Ultra hot water is the key then let it soak. I am not sure where to buy it nowadays but I know it's still out there as I saw a line tech cleaning the taps at the local pub with it the other day. If you can find it, give it a try. That stuff works great on faucets too. Just pull them apart and let them sit in a hot water bath with a little bit of penetrate. They come out sparkling.

BrewBeemer · Feb 21, 2010

Using a rather agressive wire wheel the type that will eat flesh on contact with a big hand grinder like a Milwaukee porting grinder will eat thru rbbber vs burning thru it with a grinding wheel. To hold the keg up to a wire wheel on a buffing motor or arbor would tax your back and arms but would have the power to cut thru the rubber also. Either way a big mess maker but will not cut into or damage the stainless unless you kept the wire wheel on bare stainless. I would strip the rubber away at the lid and mounting locations for your fittings and leave the rest alone, why make more work for yourself? This way you still have hand holds as well a solid bottom. Great for a electric brewery working whith what you have.