Welded kegs - Did I get burned?

[Sumo2000]

So I picked up my first couple kegs yesterday. Not knowing what to watch for I didn't even register the grind marks on each until I got them home. Should these be usable? They were both under quite a bit of pressure that I had to bleed off so I know they can take at least some pressure but I don't want anything to explode.

 

[SteveHeff]

Do you know what gauge it is? It doesn't LOOK bad in the pictures. Everything still looks very usable. Those grind marks don't look deep at all. Just my opinion.

 

[Sumo2000]

I can't find any markings indicating guage. Actually, just from knocking on the side one seems a bit more solid than the other so maybe two different guages.

 

[rjbank]

Ya they look a little beat up but I would use them. Trial and error! Good luck

 

[zachattack]

Well since the kegs aren't plastic and you won't have them at crazy pressures, I doubt they'd explode. Worst case I think is it'll pop back open at the weld and leak. You ever puncture a beer or soda can by accident when you drop it? You get a steady stream of liquid for a bit but that's it, they don't explode. Just make sure there are pressure relief valves on the lids.

 

[raouliii]

Fill with water and pressure test at a relatively high pressure, say 50psi. If they don't leak then use them. Treat them with a soft touch and they'll be fine.

 

[BigFloyd]

If you two-week carb them at serving pressure, the most they'll ever see is 10-12psi except for momentarily when you're seating the lid (maybe 20-25psi).

I'd be more concerned about checking to see that there are no crevices inside for bacteria to hide.

 

[markklug]

I bought a few kegs last year and got home to find the same type of repair on one keg. It was holding pressure at the time also. Its been through a number of batches now without any problems. Looks like a decent weld repair that should be fine imo