Corny keg posts come in a variety of sizes and are typically measured in thread sizes. For ball lock kegs, the posts are measured in Linear Flat (LF) thread sizes. The gas post or IN post tends to measure in 5/8”-18 UNF thread size, while the liquid post or OUT post measures in 7/8”-14 UNF thread size.
Depending on the make and model of the corny keg, some kegs have a threaded option with no external threads and use the spring-loaded poppet valve design instead.
The size of the post thread may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but it usually ranges from 1/4”-18 NPT to 3/8”-18 NPT for the gas post and from 1/4”-18 NPT to 5/8”-18 UNF for the liquid post.
If you are unsure of the thread size of your keg posts, measure the posts from the flat of one thread to the flat of the opposite thread with a caliper. The measurement in inches is the size of the post threads.
How do you remove a corny keg post?
Removing a corny keg post is a pretty straightforward process that doesn’t require any special tools. The first step is to make sure that you have removed the connection hose and any other pieces that are attached to the post.
Once you have made sure all the pieces are disconnected, you’ll need to remove the nut on the post itself. To do this, you’ll need to grab a wrench and start to turn the nut counterclockwise. Once the nut is removed, you should be able to pull or push the post out of the keg.
If you find that the post is stuck and can’t be easily removed, you’ll need to grab a pair of pliers or a pair of vice grips to increase the grip and make it easier to remove the post. After you have the post removed from the keg, make sure to clean the area before you attach the new post.
Having a clean area will help ensure the post is properly attached and there are no leaks.
What is a keg wrench for?
A keg wrench serves the essential purpose of helping to open the spanner head located on the top of most beer kegs. The spanner head is made up of two notches that are placed into two slots in the head of the keg.
Without the use of a keg wrench opening the head of a keg can be nearly impossible, or at least extremely difficult.
Keg wrenches are designed to fit into the notches of the spanner head, allowing for easy and effortless opening. The handles of most keg wrenches are thoughtfully designed to be ergonomically comfortable, making it easy to open the head of the keg with the least amount of effort.
Furthermore, many keg wrenches are also equipped with a bottle opener on the other end, so that your beverage of choice can be opened up and enjoyed directly from the keg.
How do you clean a pin lock keg?
Cleaning a pin lock keg is an important step in helping keep all of your draft beer fresh, so it is important that you clean it on a regular basis. Here is a step by step guide to properly clean your pin lock keg.
1. Disassemble the keg. Start by disconnecting the gas line and beer line from the keg. Then, unscrew the top side of the keg to remove the lid.
2. Prepare a cleaning solution. Create a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach and 2 gallons of warm water.
3. Clean the inside of the keg. With a soft brush, scrub the interior and posts of the keg to remove any dirt or buildup.
4. Rinse the keg. Use a rinsing siphon or a bucket of clean water to thoroughly rinse the keg.
5. Replace any parts. Inspect all of the o-rings and seals to ensure they are in good condition and replace any cracked, warped, or torn ones. Also replace any clamps or nuts that were removed.
6. Sanitize the keg. Apply a sanitizing solution of one tablespoon of bleach in one gallon of warm water. Fill the keg halfway, and then put the lid back on. Swirl the solution around inside of the keg, and then dump it out.
7. Use the keg. Once the solution is drained, you should be able to use the keg as usual. Be sure to rinse the keg with cold water before connecting it to the beer or gas lines.
Following these steps will help ensure that your pin lock keg is clean and ready to use. For best results, clean the keg regularly and always use a sanitizing solution after each use.
What size is a beer faucet wrench?
The size of a beer faucet wrench can vary depending on the make of the faucet. Generally speaking, the wrenches used to disassemble and assemble beer faucets come in sizes of 7/8″ and 15/16″. You should check the documentation or the manufacturer’s website to determine the exact size of wrench used for your particular faucet.
Additionally, some faucet manufacturers offer adjustable wrenches that can accommodate both size.
How do you keep a keg from sticking to the tap?
To prevent a keg from sticking to the tap, first make sure you have the right size and design of tap for the keg. When tapping the keg, make sure the spout is inserted correctly so it does not get bent or shifted.
Use a lubricated, oil-free tap to minimize sticking. Make sure your beer line has minimal bends and length to ensure a proper seal and keep the pressure correct. Keep the lines clean, free of dirt and debris, otherwise you risk the chance of the tap sticking to the keg.
Between pours, make sure to pull the tap or tap handle away from the keg to break the surface tension that may cause the tap to stick. Keep the temperature of the keg cold, as this will reduce the surface tension and help the tap to slip on and off easier.
Lastly, always leave the tap slightly open when finished pouring, this helps to prevent the seal from becoming too tight.
Are all keg taps the same size?
No, not all keg taps are the same size. Different types of taps are available for various sizes and types of kegs, and their size can vary significantly. In general, larger kegs will require bigger taps since they contain more liquid.
For example, a US ½ barrel keg, which holds 15. 5 gallons of liquid, may use a 1-inch tap while a US 1/6 barrel keg, which holds 5. 16 gallons, will use a ¾-inch tap. Some specialty taps are available for even smaller sizes, such as a 5-liter keg.
In addition, some taps offer adjustable flow rates and specialized handles. It is important to use the right tap for the right size keg in order to properly serve its contents.
How do you unfreeze beer lines?
In order to unfreeze beer lines, it’s essential to first identify the cause for the freezing. It’s very common for beer lines to freeze due to a clog, improper maintenance, or refrigerant issues. In most cases, excess water in the lines or a dirty beer faucet can lead to freezing.
In order to unfreeze the lines, you will need to shut off the power to the beer coolers and disconnect the lines from the cooler unit and move them to a warmer room or area. Once you have done this, you will need to identify the source of the problem and address it.
If the lines were simply frozen because of excessive cold temperatures, then the lines should thaw naturally in a warm environment.
If the lines were frozen due to a clog, it’s essential to flush the lines with a cleaning solution. Generally, this is done with a special line bladder or a faucet switch. You will need to attach the bladder to both ends of the beer line with a hose or PVC pipe depending on the type of bladder you use.
Alternatively, if a faucet switch is being used, you will need to unscrew the faucet and flush the beer through the switch keeping the flow in one direction.
Once the lines have been flushed, you need to sanitize the lines to ensure they are safe to use. To do this, you will need to fill an empty pitcher or bucket with a beer-line sanitizing solution. Then attach the pitcher/bucket to the end of the beer line, and adjust the pressure of the line and allow the sanitizer to flow through the line.
Once the lines have been flushed and sanitized, you can then reattach the lines to the cooler unit and turn the power back on. At this point, the beer should be flowing properly. If not, the lines may need to be replaced, or the cooler may need to be serviced by a professional.
How do you pour the beer from a tap?
Cleaning kegs and beer lines is a crucial part of owning a bar, pub, or restaurant that serves beer. Kegs and beer lines should be cleaned at least once a week, and more often if possible. When cleaning kegs and beer lines, it is important to use the correct cleaning solution and method.
To pour beer from a tap, first make sure that the keg is properly pressurized. If the keg is not pressurized, the beer will not flow from the tap. Next, clean the tap with a clean cloth. Be sure to clean under the handle as well.
Once the tap is clean, open the valve by pulling the handle towards you. If the beer does not flow, gently tap the side of the tap with your hand. If the beer is still not flowing, check the keg to make sure it is properly pressurized.
Finally, if the beer is still not flowing, check the beer lines for clogs.
How long should keg sit before tapping?
A typical keg of beer is 15. 5 gallons and weighs 160 pounds, so make sure you have enough space on hand to store it. Most commercial kegs are already carbonated, so all you need to do is chill them until you’re ready to serve.
How long you’ll need to chill your keg depends on several factors, including:
The size of your keg: A smaller keg will chill faster than a larger one.
The type of beer: Lighter beers like lagers and pilsners should be served colder than darker beers like stouts and porters.
The starting temperature: If your keg is already cold when you start, you’ll only need to chill it for a few hours. If it’s room temperature, you’ll need to give it a full 24 hours.
To be safe, plan on giving your keg at least 24 hours in the fridge before tapping it. This will ensure that it’s cold enough to serve, no matter what type of beer it is.
How long is a keg good for after tapped?
The amount of time a keg will stay fresh and carbonated after being tapped depends on several factors including how cold it is being kept, how much headspace is allowed in the keg, and the type of beer in the keg.
Generally, a keg of beer should stay fresh and carbonated for up to a month after it’s tapped assuming all these factors are met. The beer may remain drinkable for up to two months after it’s tapped, though the taste may begin to suffer after the first month.
To ensure the maximum shelf life of the beer, it’s best to keep the beer well-chilled, allow no more than a minimal amount of headspace, and use the keg within a month of being tapped.
How do you pour beer out of tap without foam?
To pour a beer out of a tap without foam, it is important to control every step of the pouring process. First, rinse out the glass with cold water to help keep the beer cold and create a more consistent pour.
Next, open the tap and set it to pour at the lowest pressure possible, which will help reduce the amount of foam created. Additionally, place the glass directly under the tap at a 45-degree angle and begin to fill the glass until it is ⅔ full.
At this point, it may be necessary to reposition the glass slightly before pouring further, as the displacement of liquid causes additional foam to form. Once the glass is ¾ full, slowly straighten the glass and increase the tap pressure if desired to finish pouring.
If foam does form, simply wait for the initial foam to settle before continuing to fill the glass.
How much ice do you put in a keg?
The amount of ice you put in a keg will depend on how long you plan to keep the keg cold and the size of the keg. Generally, for a full-sized standard 15. 5 gallon (1/2 barrel) keg, around eight to ten pounds of ice should suffice.
For a small five-gallon keg half of that weight should suffice. However, if you plan to store the keg for an extended period of time, you can increase the amount as necessary. It is recommended that the majority of the ice be in the tub or container the keg is stored in rather than directly in the keg itself as this will help keep the keg cooler.
When packing the container, make sure to fill all of the space with ice and seal it off as this will help keep it cold in the summer heat. Also, be sure to place a barrier between the metal keg and the ice, such as towels or cardboard, to help keep the metal from getting too cold and sweating.
Finally, make sure to change out the ice periodically to keep it fresh and compacted.
What is the difference between ball lock and pin lock kegs?
The primary difference between ball lock and pin lock kegs is the type of coupler (connector) used. Ball lock kegs utilize a quick-connect “ball and socket” system, while pin lock kegs have a “pin” system.
The couplers for each type of keg contain different connectors for the gas and liquid lines.
The ball lock coupler includes two quick-disconnects with separate fittings for the gas and liquid lines. Each fitting is held in place by two “balls” that are pressed into position with a small lever.
When released, they are easily disconnected. Ball lock couplers are more popular because they are easy to use, reliable, and generally more durable.
The pin lock coupler includes two posts around the perimeter of the coupler with metal “pins” extending above the posts that secure the connections in place. While they are not as easy to use as ball lock couplers, they are comparatively more secure and less prone to failure.
Ball lock kegs come in two sizes, a 2. 5-gallon and a 5-gallon, while pin lock kegs are available only in a 5-gallon size. Pin lock kegs can be identified by the three pins around the circumference of the connector, whereas the ball lock kegs are identified by two balls.
In terms of cost, ball lock kegs are usually slightly more expensive than pin lock kegs. Overall, the difference between the two types of kegs comes down to personal preference. Both types of kegs have advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right style depends on your specific requirements.
How do you take the top off a beer keg?
The most efficient and safe way to take the top off a beer keg is by using a keg tool or keg wrench. To begin, find the lids on either end of the keg, as these are what hold the top in place. Locate the lid on the top of the keg and insert the keg tool into the opening on the lid.
Turn the keg tool in a counterclockwise direction to loosen the lid until it is able to be pulled off with your hands. Once the lid is off, you can pull it away from the opening of the keg and set aside.
Now, the top of the keg should be opened and ready for use. Make sure to dispose of the lid in the appropriate manner.
