Rebuilding & Reconditioning Homebrew Kegs!

This put up will stroll you thru rebuilding your homebrew keg, step-by-step.  From de-labeling to cleansing to changing warn out elements.

Valuebrew Memorial Day Sale:

Word: Valuebrew’s O-Rings and Poppets are featured on this how-to useful resource.

Valuebrew gives a lineup of meals grade keg alternative o-rings in bulk portions.  Most choices are silicone with one Buna-N possibility.  Every part they carry is meals grade, extra data beneath.  They’ve some distinctive choices like bulk pin lock dimension put up o-rings, alternative common poppet o-rings, bulk inside QD o-rings and coloration coded Blue and Inexperienced put up o-rings

A few of these choices are featured in our Keg Rebuild How-To

Valuebrew is discounting bulk meals grade o-rings, DuoTight Suitable Gear, Common Poppets and ball lock jumpers by an EXTRA 15% whenever you spend $30 or extra.  This stacks on high of present reductions. Use coupon code memday22

Restricted Time Keg Deal:

Ball Lock Kegs – $45 + Free Ship Eligible & Stacking Deal

What Does Reconditioned/Rebuilt Imply?

A Have a look at the Un-rebuilt, Uncooked Keg

The keg is in good condition, however fairly soiled and in want of some TLCTrying on the high of the lid o-ring, you possibly can see that it’s actually dirty.  No shock, this can be a uncooked keg.Industrial ball lock kegs are normally utilized by Pepsi distributors.  Hey, look what we now have right here.  This holds Pepsi pre-mix.  Aspect observe… Pin lock kegs are normally utilized by Coke Distributors.  See: Ball Lock vs Pin LockA glance contained in the keg.  Hey… it’s Pepsi!  Like plenty of non-rebuilt kegs, this has soda in it.

Eradicating Keg Labels… A Trick That Makes it Straightforward!

As you possibly can see from this photograph, this keg had one sticker on it.  It largely goes across the keg.  Making an attempt to peel this sticker off yielded… 0 optimistic progress.  It was caught on the keg, presumably for years.  The precise printing itself is totally warn away.   I used to be solely capable of get very small bits of this sticker off.I wrapped my Fermwrap heater across the keg and let it heat up for a number of minutes.  The thought right here is to heat up the sticker and the outdated adhesive to make sticker removing simpler.After only a few minutes of warming the sticker got here up very simply.A minute later, I had your entire sticker eliminated in three chunks.The one factor that continues to be of the sticker is residual adhesiveGoo Gone to the rescue.  On this case it’s Goo Gone Professional-Energy, however the common stuff ought to work too.In my expertise, Goo Gone is harsh on my pores and skin so I’m utilizing nitrile gloves.  Glove are… useful.  Did you see what I did there? 🙂  I simply work my approach across the keg a couple of instances.  That provides the Goo Gone an opportunity to chemically break down the adhesive whereas I present some periodic agitation.  On this case the adhesive dissolved fairly rapidly and the small items of sticker that have been left got here proper off.  TIP: I like to recommend utilizing Goo Gone sparingly.  You actually don’t want that a lot and also you definitely WOULD NOT wish to use sufficient that it will get on the deal with or base of your keg.  Goo Gone acts as a solvent for a lot of adhesives.  It may probably loosen up rubber handles or bases.  Then you definitely’d want to make use of our Fixing Free Handles Tip.  So, simply put a bit on a paper towel or rag and add a bit extra if it’s essential.A have a look at the used paper towel with dust, adhesive residue and small bits of stickers on it.  Whammo!

Cleansing the Exterior of the Keg – PBW Scrub

Just like my bottle label removing tip, I like to make use of some full energy PBW proper on a sponge to wash the skin of a keg after I’m reconditioning it.  That has two benefits.  Some grittiness and because it’s full energy, further cleansing energy.Cleansing the skin of the keg utilizing PBW in my brewing space sink.

Disassembling The Keg

This explicit keg has 6 pt 7/8″ posts.  I’m utilizing my Craftsman 7/8″ Deep Properly Socket to take away the keg put up.  Associated: Fingers on Evaluate: Craftsman Deep Properly Sockets for Ball Lock Keg Posts

Associated: Instruments for Eradicating Keg Posts

• Fingers on Evaluate: Craftsman Deep Properly Sockets for Ball Lock Keg Posts
• Fingers on Evaluate: “Ball Lock Keg Wrench” – 11/16″+7/8″ Ratcheting Wrench – by way of Apollo Instruments Wrench Set
• Keg Sockets – Select Your Sockets – by way of Keg Connection – select from ball lock and pin lock suitable sockets
• Search Amazon for “Pin Lock Socket”
• 11/16″ 6 level: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 3/8-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 6-Level (CMMT43336) – observe that a number of variations of this product could also be out there, as such a distinct model might seem at this hyperlink
• 11/16″ 12 level: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 12-Level (CMMT47524) – observe that a number of variations of this product could also be out there, as such a distinct model might seem at this hyperlink
• 7/8″ 12 level: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 12-Level (CMMT47528) – observe that a number of variations of this product could also be out there, as such a distinct model might seem at this hyperlink

Right here you possibly can see the keg o-rings, gasoline dip tube and posts.  I’ll offer you some commentary on this mess after a tip on eradicating poppets.Some poppets appear to be nearly put in completely in keg posts. I feel that is by design and that the explanation they appear to be is as a result of they… are. I don’t like these as a result of they’re harder, probably inconceivable, to wash and sanitize.

Once I run into poppets like this I exploit a punch to dislodge the outdated poppet.  It normally doesn’t take a complete lot of pressure.

It’s noting that it’s attainable that you can harm the poppet doing this. To me, that doesn’t matter a complete bunch to me since I’m going to switch them with Common Poppets.Now we now have a full image of the what’s occurring with this keg.  This {hardware} is a mish mash of stuff.  The poppets are completely different, the dip tube o-rings are completely different, the lid o-ring was actually coated in crud and the whole thing smelled intensely of soda.  The put up o-rings really seemed to be in fairly good condition, however there’s no sense in maintaining them since they scent of soda and I’ve larger plans for this and all my kegs.  I’ll discard the o-rings and poppets.  Dip tubes, posts and lid are all in good condition.Utilizing considered one of my 1 gallon pitchers – Evaluate – to soak lid, posts and gasoline dip tube in scorching PBW resolution.

Cleansing the Keg

I’ve a Mark II Keg & Carboy Cleaner – Evaluate – and I adore it.  Nonetheless… after I’m reconditioning a keg, I choose to go old style bucket.  Main as a result of I wish to clear each the within and the skin of the keg.  Right here’s the keg in a bucket of scorching PBW resolution.  The keg itself is about half stuffed with scorching PBW resolution.  Fill the keg first after which fill the bucket, it will cease the keg from floating up out of the bucket.  Word: Earlier than I obtained to this step, I gave the within of the keg a radical rinse to do away with the soda pre-mix residue.After quarter-hour or so, I flipped the keg.  This precarious flip is one huge benefit to utilizing the Mark II Keg and Carboy Washer.  Once more, I’m making an attempt to wash each the within and the skin of the keg together with the bottom and handles.  My useful bus tubs – Extra Information – caught most, however not all, of the mess.  Acknowledge that bump on the underside?  If not, extra about that later.Subsequent is a radical scrub with Bar Keepers Buddy.  Bar Keepers pal works wonders with stainless-steel and also you’re going to see that within the completed product.Scrubbing with Bar Keepers Buddy.  This keg is beginning to look nice.

Reconditioning Keg Handles and Base

Rubber Handles get dried out and might begin to crack.  Kegs on this state additionally have a tendency to go away rubber marks on every little thing and soiled up your arms rapidly.  Armor All Protectant works nice to reinvigorate rubber handles and bases.A have a look at the clear and Armor All Handled Primarily based.  Trying good and glossy.

Aspect Word: What concerning the Bump?

Within the earlier photograph you possibly can see a bump.  At first look it might appear the keg base is unfastened or broken.  It isn’t.

In case you have a look at the within of the keg (now vibrant and glossy due to the rebuild/cleansing course of) You’ll be able to see that this bump is by design.  The liquid out dip tube is straight and suits proper in that notch.  From what I’ve seen this design is extra uncommon as most of my kegs shouldn’t have this bump.  The doesn’t matter, each designs perform the identical.

Shut up of the reconditioned rubber deal with.

Changing O-Rings

Why substitute o-rings even when they’re holding strain?

In my view, you’re going to wish to substitute all of the o-rings in your keg.  Usually talking they’ll be worn out and even when they aren’t they’ll scent of soda pre-mix.  Past that, who is aware of what they’re produced from.  Begin with a clear slate.  As you noticed earlier, the o-rings on this keg have been a grubby mismatch of soda drenched o-rings.

Keg producer AEB says to switch o-rings yearly. AEB produces a number of the greatest kegs available on the market and I agree with the one yr most often. Due to their very low price, I counsel altering excessive contact, excessive threat leak o-rings extra usually.

Excessive Threat:

• Publish o-rings: Particularly gasoline. Leaks originating from gasoline put up very tough to detect.
• Fuel dip tube o-rings: Leaks listed here are simpler to detect, however I additionally classify these as excessive threat. A leak at both the gasoline put up or gasoline dip tube is invisible and has irritating penalties… heading to your CO2 supply to swap or fill a tank.  Higher protected than sorry.

Excessive Contact: Inner QD and Common Poppet O-Rings. These contact each ounce of beer that’s poured.

I counsel utilizing Daylight Financial savings dates as a reminder.  One thing like this…

Most of those o-rings are pennies every when purchased in cheap bulk portions. Frequently changing, prices little or no and helps stave off undesirable off flavors, leaks and misplaced CO2. This schedule ought to preserve your kegs working nice from a gasket perspective.

The one gaskets which might be a bit dearer are lid o-rings. In case you wished to get a bit extra life out of these, you can substitute lid o-rings in odd years when Daylight Financial savings Time Ends (Fall). This is able to make them two years outdated after they’re changed.

Use Meals Secure Keg O-Rings

For no matter motive it’s tough to seek out alternative keg o-rings.  Valuebrew’s lineup options replacements made out of meals grade supplies.  Largely FDA rated silicone, with one FDA rated Buna-N possibility.  In addition they have some unique, distinctive choices.

Extra About Meals Secure Supplies

Changed lid o-ring.  That is silicone.  Valuebrew additionally gives a meals grade Buna-N possibilityProfile view of recent lid o-ringSubsequent up are recent dip tube o-ringsFor the keg put up o-rings, Valuebrew has an unique coloration coded possibility.  Blue and Inexperienced.  These are sized for ball lock kegs (though there’s a workaround for pin lock kegs, see pin lock part beneath).  You should utilize these nevertheless you’d like, however the thought is to paint code you keg posts for simple identification.  They advocate Blue for Beer and Inexperienced for Fuel.  I’m fairly enthusiastic about these.Put in on the keg postsBlue for Beer/Liquid Out Put inInexperienced for Fuel In Put in.  A Word on Fuel O-rings I’m fast to switch gasoline o-rings.  A leak on the put up is especially tough to check for.  I’ve misplaced a number of tanks of CO2 earlier than studying this lesson.  In bulk, these are low-cost, substitute them liberally.  My suggestion is each different keg.The complete set of o-rings I used to rebuild this keg.  Lid, Customized Posts, Dip Tube and Common Poppets.  See: Meals Secure Keg O-Rings in Bulk by way of Valuebrew

There may be one adjustment for Pin Locks, see Pin Lock part beneath.

Replace: New Colour Code Possibility – Grey and Black!

Valuebrew has launched Grey and Black o-rings. As the image signifies these are designed to match normal grey and black keg QDs.  These have turn into normal colours on ball lock, pin lock (normally the underside portion of the QD) and even just lately launched Kegland QDs (middle portion).

The grey and black are additionally produced from meals grade silicone and likewise out there in bulk portions.

Grey & Black Publish O-Rings at Valuebrew!

Putting in and Adjusting Common Poppets

I exploit common type poppets completely when rebuilding kegs. These have match each single keg I’ve rebuilt.  Typically they require some adjustment.  That’s course of is detailed right here.

I take away and discard the o-rings that got here the common poppets.  That will sound a bit odd, however there are a pair points.  First, I do not know what these are made from.  They’re most likely okay, however I’m unsure.  That is one spot that has plenty of contact with beer.  I wish to be certain these are meals grade.  Second, when it comes time to switch these o-rings I would like replacements that received’t change match.  I’m conscious of a single bulk o-ring alternative for common poppets.  Measurement might differ barely in comparison with OEM, so I substitute these earlier than adjusting for match in order that the replacements received’t change the way in which these match.  The stainless elements of common poppets ought to final an extended, very long time, having a dependable supply for replacements that you already know aren’t going to vary something is an enormous profit.  Past that, being certain you’re utilizing meals grade supplies at this level is price a couple of cents.

Replace… Common Poppets – 304 Stainless + Meals Grade Silicone! & Dependable O-Ring Replacements

Since this information was printed, Valuebrew has launched a 304 Stainless Metal + Meals Grade Silicone Common Poppet possibility!

I’m excited that there’s lastly there’s an possibility that comes with high quality o-rings produced from the suitable supplies out of the field!  Past that, Valuebrew has pledged to at all times carry alternative o-rings, so that you’ll at all times have a supply when the time comes for replacements. Common Poppets – by way of Valuebrew

The common poppet with meals grade silicone o-ring. In comparison with the poppets that got here with this keg.  Mmkay… the poppets that got here with these kegs are a mish mash.  The second factor price observing is the common o-ring might be going to be a bit tight.  On to becoming.Use a pair of Nipper Pliers to trim the common poppet to suit correctly.  This is what’s pictured.  Additionally, search Amazon for “nipper pliers”.  Search for a software that’s designed to chop nail heads.Trimming a coilEssential: I counsel trimming a half coil or much less and testing. You need the QD to slip on simply and for it to reliably maintain strain when the QD is off. Taking off a half of a coil and testing helps be sure you don’t find yourself making the poppet too unfastened.  On this case… you possibly can clearly see that I’ve damaged my very own rule.  Primarily based on the dimensions of the common poppet, I used to be assured I may take a full coil off and actually this labored completely.Tightening PostsChecking Match.  You need QDs to slip on with out extreme pressure.  It’s necessary the poppets are usually not too unfastened since you need them to dependable maintain strain when QDs are eliminated.

Maintaining Components Collectively

After adjustment has been full, these poppets now belong with this keg.  I received’t use them on different kegs.  That’s true for a lot of the remainder of the elements too.  Dip tubes and posts.  All these elements stick with this keg.  Keg lids are utterly interchangeable, so I don’t spend a complete lot of time maintaining a sure lid with a sure keg.

One other Benefit To Simply Replaceable Common Poppet O-Rings

Bitter beers.  Arduous surfaces could be cleaned and sanitized.  That features glass and stainless-steel.  That’s not true for comfortable gadgets, like tubing and o-rings.   In case you use the method outlined right here, this can be a easy repair.  Seize spares in bulk and substitute as wanted.

The method is almost an identical except put up o-rings.  Pin lock o-rings are shut, however not an identical to ball lock put up o-rings.  Valuebrew gives these in bulk.

If you wish to use one of many customized coloration o-rings talked about above.  These are sized for ball lock kegs.  For pin lock keg homeowners, Valuebrew suggests utilizing your alternative of coloration on the liquid put up and pin lock dimension o-rings in your gasoline put up.  The logic behind that is beer is much less prone to leak and if it does… you’ll see it.  The place gasoline can be invisible and is extra prone to leak.

Completed Product!

A glance contained in the kegEarlier than, Proper, After, Left.  The photograph might not be precisely truthful due to lighting, however you get the thought.  The completed product appears to be like wonderful.The visible look  is obvious whenever you have a look at the4keg imprint.  It was robust to learn earlier than and appears almost new now.

How Do You Discover Your Kegs Mannequin?  In case you look on the skin of your keg.  It ought to have an imprint with each the producer and mannequin.  within the case of the keg pictured above, it is a Spartanburg Challenger VI.

ShinyReconditioned Keg

Conclusions

Rebuilding and reconditioning a keg is straightforward.  It doesn’t take plenty of time, vastly improves the keg, saves you cash and makes it simple to understand a job properly completed.  Past preliminary price financial savings, changing poppets and o-rings can prevent time, cash and frustration.

For this challenge

4 Locations to Discover Nice Offers on Used Kegs

Posts, Lids and Damaged Handles

Posts

Posts are very sturdy however generally want changed.  The commonest harm I’ve seen is when the higher lip of the put up is bent.  That may inflicting sealing issues.  Once they do want changed, it’s necessary to get the suitable dimension.  Have a look at the keg for a producer and mannequin stamp and search for the right thread dimension.

Two Spots to Search for Posts:

Lids

Lids might turn into bent or broken over time.

An improve improve for Pin Lock Kegs:

Typically, Pin lock and ball lock cornelius type keg lids are interchangeable from a dimension perspective.  Which means you possibly can, typically talking, put a pepsi/ball lock type (handbook prv) lid on a coke/pin lock type (no handbook prv) keg.  In my e-book, that’s a strong improve.  See: What’s the Distinction Between Ball Lock Kegs and Pin Lock Kegs?

Free Handles or Bases

Ought to I purchase a New Keg or a Used Keg?

The Keg that I Reconditioned in This Publish (Left) subsequent to a Model New, Italian Made AEB Keg. They’re not completely the identical, however… they’re not completely completely different both.

Used kegs are typically sourced from soda bottlers.  They’re constructed with business use in thoughts and designed to final for a few years of tough responsibility service.

Model new ball locks might not be made to the identical requirements.  Nonetheless… We additionally don’t typically put our kegs by means of the identical abuse {that a} soda distributor would.

Not withstanding worth.  I feel each choices are legitimate.  In case you’re up for a bit elbow grease and changing a couple of elements, used often is the solution to go, should you’re extra fascinated by comfort model new is an effective alternative.  Virtually, at the very least as of this posting, I feel worth will trigger many to go the used route.

On the lookout for a Keg Rebuild Equipment?

“Keg Rebuild Kits” are a one dimension suits all method.  I like to recommend treating every keg invidually, changing elements as wanted.  One dimension suits all keg kits sometimes have an excessive amount of, or too little.  You’ll additionally typically lower your expenses by shopping for o-rings in bulk and the rest of the elements as wanted.

Keg Offers!

Additionally: Kegerator Suggestions & Gear | Keg Restore Half #s | Latest Keg Finds

Our Prime Draft Assets!

Value, promotions and availability can change rapidly. Verify the product web page for present worth, description and availability.

Make certain the parts you utilize are suitable and rated on your supposed utility.  Contact producer with questions on suitability or a particular utility.  At all times learn and comply with producer instructions.  high:rebuildkeg tag:tpr rs:5