Ball Lock Kegs vs Pin Lock Kegs – What’s the Distinction?
The containers we name Ball Lock and Pin Lock Kegs come from the soda trade. Additionally known as Cornelius Kegs, Corny Kegs and Corney Kegs, they have been initially supposed to retailer and distribute soda pre-mix. The massive soda firms selected completely different type containers for his or her pre-mix. Pepsi landed on the Ball Lock type whereas Coke makes use of the Pin Lock type.
Homebrewers have since re-purposed these as homebrew beer kegs.
First, It’s necessary to know each do the identical factor with barely completely different and dimensions and options. Be aware: All measurements on this submit ought to be thought-about approximate. There are completely different fashions and producers of kegs. Their sizes are usually about the identical, however some kegs and producers range barely. There are a number of sizes of kegs obtainable together with 2.5, 3, 5, 10 and 15 gallons. This submit focuses on the generally used 5 gallon measurement.
Restricted Time Keg Offers, Article Continues Beneath:
Ball Lock vs Pin Lock Lids
Usually talking… Each Ball Lock and Pin Lock type lids are the identical dimension and are interchangeable. You need to use a Ball Lock Lid on a Pin Lock Keg and vice versa. An enormous distinction are the PRV (stress aid valve) capabilities between the 2 kinds. Each have computerized security PRV valves. That’s, if the stress will get too excessive, each will mechanically vent for security causes. The distinction is in handbook PRV performance. Ball Lock Keg lids have a pull ring that lets you manually vent the keg as you’d like. You could need to try this for the aim of eradicating the keg lid or to vent extra stress in an try to get right down to a decrease stress. Having a handbook PRV valve is a bonus in my ebook and on this rely Ball Lock Type kegs win. Once more, these are normal statements, verify with the keg’s producer or distributor for particular keg lid dimensions and PRV performance. Be aware: There may be one other much less widespread measurement of lid/keg known as racetrack type. These aren’t interchangeable with normal lids.
An Straightforward Improve for Pin Lock kegs
New Cornelius Keg Lid with New stress aid valve – by way of Adventures in Homebrewing
Evaluating Ball Lock and Pin Lock Posts
Extra About Put up Sizes and Suitable Instruments
Ball Lock: There are two main submit sizes for traditional ball lock kegs. 11/16″ and seven/8″. These can are available in each 6 level and 12 level, appropriate variations. For the bigger 7/8″ posts I’ve seen each 6 level and 12 level kinds. A 12 level socket will work on a 6 level submit, however not vice versa. For the smaller 11/16″ posts I’ve solely seen 6 level. To not say that 12 level don’t exist, I simply don’t recall seeing any. I’ve seen a pair different sizes – 5/8″ and 9/16″, however I might personally think about these extra uncommon, and non-standard.
That is necessary from a software perspective. I like to recommend a 12 level socket or wrench for bigger 7/8″ posts. Smaller 11/16″ submit ought to work with both 6 or 12 level instruments.
Pin Lock: I’m conscious of 1 normal measurement 13/16″. As beforehand talked about this requires a particular notched socket.
Discovering Suitable Instruments:
- Keg Sockets – Select Your Sockets – by way of Keg Connection – select from ball lock and pin lock appropriate 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) – be aware that a number of variations of this product could also be obtainable, as such a special model could seem at this hyperlink
- 11/16″ 12 level: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 12-Level (CMMT47524) – be aware that a number of variations of this product could also be obtainable, as such a special model could seem at this hyperlink
- 7/8″ 12 level: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 12-Level (CMMT47528) – be aware that a number of variations of this product could also be obtainable, as such a special model could seem at this hyperlink
- Fingers on Evaluate: Craftsman Deep Effectively 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
Put up Thread Sizes:
Keg Kind Gasoline Put up Dimension – Thread Liquid Put up Dimension – Thread Product Hyperlink
- Cornelius Spartan 19/32″ – 18 19/32″ – 18
- Cornelius R (Pin Lock) 19/32″ – 18 (2 Pin) 19/32″ – 18 (3 Pin)
- Firestone A (Pin Lock) 9/16″ – 18 (2 Pin) 9/16″ – 18 (3 Pin)
- Firestone R (Pin Lock) 9/16″ – 18 (2 Pin) 9/16″ – 18 (3 Pin)
- Firestone Challenger 11/16″ – 18 3/4″ – 18
- Firestone Tremendous Challenger 9/16″ – 18 5/8″ – 18
- Firestone V Challenger 9/16″ – 18 5/8″ – 18
- Firestone VI Challenger 9/16″ – 18 5/8″ – 18
- John Wooden 85 11/16″ – 18 3/4″ – 18
- John Wooden RA (Pin Lock) 9/16″ – 18 (2 Pin) 9/16″ – 18 (3 Pin)
- John Wooden RC (Pin Lock) 9/16″ – 18 (2 Pin) 9/16″ – 18 (3 Pin)
- Tremendous Champion 19/32″ – 18 19/32″ – 18
- AEB Kegs 19/32” – 18 19/32″ – 18
Due to Keg Outlet for this data. They carry many of those choices.
Rebuilding Ball Lock and Pin Lock Kegs
See: Rebuilding & Reconditioning Homebrew Kegs! – Soar To: Pin Lock Part
They Use the Similar Inside QD O-Rings
Each ball lock and pin lock type QDs usually use the identical inside o-ring. These o-rings break, grow to be malformed and might simply… get misplaced.
Inside QD Substitute O-Rings – Meals Protected Silicone – by way of Valuebrew
Pin Lock vs Ball Lock Dimensions
- A 5 gallon Ball Lock keg is about 25″ tall and eight.5″ diameter
- A 5 gallon Pin Lock Keg is about 22-24″ tall and 9″ in diameter
These are tips. Precise measurement varies based mostly on producer and mannequin.
How Many Beers Does a Homebrew Keg Maintain?
5 gallons of beer = 640 ounces. That’s simply over (53) 12 Ounce Beers or (40) 16 Ounce/Pint Dimension Beers.
Extra Widespread Elements
Each kinds even have fuel and liquid dip tubes. These could have completely different dimensions, however the identical goal. Every keg additionally has a complete of 5 o-rings/gaskets. Lid, 2 dip tube o-rings and a couple of submit o-rings. O-Rings/gaskets are usually interchangeable between ball lock and pin lock type homebrew kegs.
Ball Lock Keg O-Rings vs Pin Lock Keg O-Rings – are they the identical?
Customary pin locks and ball locks use equivalent dip tube o-rings and lid o-rings
Put up o-rings are a special story. Customary pin lock keg submit o-rings are barely bigger than ball lock keg submit o-rings.
I like to recommend stocking up on meals grade spare o-rings. That is very true for submit o-rings. I like to recommend you modify these liberally. See: Why Received’t My Homebrew Carbonate? Fixing Beer Carbonation Issues – for extra data on that.
Shopping for in bulk means you get monetary savings and also you’ll have spares whenever you want them
Meals Protected Substitute O-Rings – Extra Data
THREE Ball Lock Solely Equipment
I’m conscious of three equipment that, to my information, can be found for Ball Lock Kegs, however not obtainable for Pin Lock Kegs. It’s value noting that once I began this part, there was a single accent. The checklist is rising. For those who’re on the fence, this can be a tick in favor of ball lock kegs.
#1 Ball Lock Jumper
#2 Carbonation Caps
Carbonation Caps match on 1L and 2L measurement PET Bottles and permit you to pressurize a PET bottle for transporting or preserving the carbonation degree of your homebrew (Squeeze out the air within the headspace first to reduce oxygen pickup). You may as well use them to rapidly carbonate homebrew and high quality tune carbonation ranges (perhaps for competitors entry) and… extra.
A Pin Lock Carbonation Cap?
No. I’m conscious of no pin lock appropriate carbonation cap. Past that, I’m conscious of no DIY Pin Lock Carbonator Cap Construct. I’d love that to vary. E-mail me when you’ve got one thing.
The one factor that’s comparable that may work with a Pin Lock Keg is Kent System’s Soda Bottle Cap. That has it’s personal connector that may hook up with tubing and in flip hook up with a Ball Lock or Pin Lock QD.
Ball Lock Carbonation Caps:
#3 Ball Lock QD with Shank
This ball lock beer connector from Kegland contains a shank collar to connect a faucet on to the ball lock connector. In contrast to the earlier two ball lock solely equipment, this one does have a piece round… an MFL QD + Corny Keg Disconnect Faucet Adapter will get you there, albeit not as cleanly.
Ideas on Ball Lock vs Pin Lock
Ball Lock Kegs have two large benefits in my ebook – Dimension and handbook PRV. Dimension – As a result of Ball Locks have a smaller diameter you will get extra of them in most fridges or freezers. I can get 4 Ball Locks in my Keezer, however solely 3 Pin Locks. Handbook PRV – Ball Locks usually function handbook PRV valves which make it simpler to vent kegs. A piece round for pin locks is to get a depressor.
Benefits to Pin Lock Kegs: Dimension. Dimension is also a bonus relying on what you’re utilizing for a kegerator. Possibly the shorter peak is best in your setup. Operate – some individuals swear by pin locks saying they’re superior to ball locks. Value was a possible profit to picking pin locks, however that’s not the case anymore. Hold studying.
Ideas on Used Cornys Working Out! and New Kegs
For years we’ve been listening to that provides of used kegs can be drying up. Up till not too long ago this hasn’t been a lot of a difficulty. Though we’ve seen a sluggish uptick in pricing, kegs have been seemingly plentiful and frequently properly priced.
I attribute this largely to the provision of top of the range new ball lock kegs. Makers of latest kegs upped their recreation so far as high quality and worth. To the purpose the place new ball lock keg costs can, at instances, be much like used ball lock keg costs. I feel new keg worth and high quality have helped stave off the disappearance of used kegs. I feel the menace was actual, however new ball locks helped to stretch out used keg provide
I do consider that bulk portions of homebrew kegs are dwindling. Alongside these strains I consider costs will proceed to go up and availability will grow to be a difficulty. That is already true for pin lock kegs. For instance, see MoreBeer’s Pin Lock Providing.
See: Are Used Kegs Working Out?
I’m new to Kegging – Which ought to I select?
This was extra of a toss up. However that’s now not the case.
Contemplating…
- Value and availability of pin locks
- Ball locks usually have lids with handbook PRV valves
- The supply of ball lock solely equipment
- The long run availability of ball lock kegs since new kegs are being produced.
I feel ball lock kegs are a transparent alternative. The one motive to contemplate pin locks, in my view, is for measurement causes. If the scale and form of your kegerator necessitate pin locks, that’s what you want to do.
For those who’re a pin lock consumer. I feel now’s the time to fill up.
Be aware which you can additionally fairly simply use each Pin Lock and Ball Lock kegs. It’s so simple as having strains with every type QD or swapping out QDs.
Keg Offers!
Keg Evaluations!
Rebuild Your Kegs!
What to Search for When Shopping for Used Kegs
Purchase from a high quality provider that stress checks kegs and ensures kegs will maintain stress. Used kegs can are available in quite a lot of situations, some with soda residue nonetheless in them. You’ll positively need to clear and sanitize the kegs, but in addition plan on putting in new o-rings in case your vendor hasn’t already achieved so. Even when they’re freed from cracks, they are going to have a soda scent that received’t go away with cleansing.
For a rundown of homebrew keg choices and suppliers try our Homebrew Keg Roundup
House Brew Keg Roundup – New & Used, 5 and a couple of.5 Gallon & Extra!
Associated!
Discovering Suitable Instruments:
- Keg Sockets – Select Your Sockets – by way of Keg Connection – select from ball lock and pin lock appropriate 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) – be aware that a number of variations of this product could also be obtainable, as such a special model could seem at this hyperlink
- 11/16″ 12 level: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 12-Level (CMMT47524) – be aware that a number of variations of this product could also be obtainable, as such a special model could seem at this hyperlink
- 7/8″ 12 level: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 12-Level (CMMT47528) – be aware that a number of variations of this product could also be obtainable, as such a special model could seem at this hyperlink
- Fingers on Evaluate: Craftsman Deep Effectively 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
Extra Homebrew Finds!
Additionally: Kegerator Ideas & Gear | Keg Restore Half #s | Latest Keg Finds
Our High Draft Assets!
It is a High Put up! See: All High Posts
Make sure that the parts you utilize are appropriate and rated in your supposed software. Contact producer with questions on suitability or a selected software. All the time learn and observe producer instructions. toppost:ballvspinlockkegs tag:tpr rs:6
