What parts of a used corny keg should be replaced before I put precious homebrew in it? I may be able to acquire a few used Coca-Cola kegs on the cheap, but how much will it cost to refit the kegs with new seals/hoses? Are these parts readily available, and where do I find them?
Chris
Keg refit
Moderator: slothrob
Kegs
At a minimum you want to replace the gaskets. You can get gasket rebuild kits for about $3, it's cheap insurance--especially if the keg held soda or soda syrup in it--those smells stay in the rubber forever. You might also consider replacing the poppet valves ($5) and the pressure relief valve ($10). However, I'd check to make sure the keg holds pressure after replacing the gaskets before replacing these parts--you may not need them.
If I remember correctly, Coca-Cola used pin-lock kegs instead of ball-lock kegs (Pepsi). Since the two aren't interchangeable, you might want to consider standardizing your keg setup to either all pin-lock or all ball-lock. There is a way around this, and that is to purchase quick disconnect with threaded ends instead of barbed ends. The threaded variety will allow you to thread a barbed connector on there, which would be part of the hose. This way since the hose would be interchangeable you can use either pin-lock or ball-lock.
Most homebrew shops carry these parts. If not, you can always go online to morebeer.com or another similar site.
v/r
Bill
If I remember correctly, Coca-Cola used pin-lock kegs instead of ball-lock kegs (Pepsi). Since the two aren't interchangeable, you might want to consider standardizing your keg setup to either all pin-lock or all ball-lock. There is a way around this, and that is to purchase quick disconnect with threaded ends instead of barbed ends. The threaded variety will allow you to thread a barbed connector on there, which would be part of the hose. This way since the hose would be interchangeable you can use either pin-lock or ball-lock.
Most homebrew shops carry these parts. If not, you can always go online to morebeer.com or another similar site.
v/r
Bill
another keg resource
my favorite keg and keg parts supplier is Sabco out of Toledo, Ohio. www.kegs.com
(419)531-5347. They have excellent service, excellent prices, and excellent products.
(419)531-5347. They have excellent service, excellent prices, and excellent products.
No need
There is no need to change anything except the rubber products like Billy said. The Dip tubes can be cleaned. If the cannisters held a rootbeer product, make sure you replace all of these things. The root beer stays with you a long time. I got sanitizing tablets(like they use in a bar) and put them into a keg with hot water. I then proceeded to shoot this through the system with CO2 it was pretty effective at cleaning out the tubes and keg. You replace the o rings and seals, and you are ready to go. I do have coke and pepsi kegs. Billy had good advice for the quick connect being threaded. The fittings will cost you 3 to 5 dollars per a connect beer out, and gas in. Other than that, the Coke kegs that I have are slightly shorter and fatter. This may help if you don't have the head room in your beer cooler.
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Sabco
I can vouch for the effectiveness of the Sabco brew kettle. It's great!
Nate
Nate