Keg conversion

[Gymrat]

How difficult, expensive, is it to convert pinlock kegs to ball lock?

[Beer-lord]

I've never tried it but it seems to me to be simple. I assume you just buy a conversion kit and remove the pin lock posts and replace with ball lock.
But, I've never even looked for any conversion kits. Price wise, I would guess (if what I said above is true) you'd be looking at about $10-$15.

[Gymrat]

A friend who used to work for Cocacola told me he has 10 pinlocks and asked me if I wanted any. First I told him he could easily sell them for $40 each because I didn't want to take advantage. He still wanted to give me some so I said I would take 2. That will give me 8 kegs. I have yet to have all 6 of the kegs I have now filled at one time. But with a couple more I have absolutely no doubt I could brew anytime I want. Now that I am retired and have plenty of time that would be great

[Beer-lord]

You're asking me? I'm biased. For sure it would be great.
See if this is what you need, though you might want to ask the LHBS for their thoughts.
http://www.homebrewing.org/Keg-Post-Con ... _1808.html

[bpgreen]

I typed out a nice reply, but it got eaten by the gods of crappy hotel wifi connectivity.

If I were you, I'd take all 10. Used kegs are becoming scarce as the soda companies convert to plastic bags in boxes, so prices are likely to continue to rise, until they reach a point where it doesn't make sense to buy used. Having said that, I was up to 17 kegs at one point (somewhat accidentally) and scaled back to 12. I think 8 is the most I've had filled at one time, but it's nice to have a keg full of sanitizer that I can connect whenever I want to make sure the kegerator lines are clean.

There are two approaches you can take.

The first approach is to get quick connects and connections for both types of kegs. Even though I started with pin locks and still only have pin locks, I've got quick connect, so if I ever find a great deal on ball locks, I can just buy a few connectors and be ready to go. I think this gives maximum flexibility since you can switch back and forth at will.

The other approach is to buy ball lock posts for the kegs. I think these cost about $10 apiece or $15 for a pair. If you shop around, you may find better prices. The drawback to this approach is that you'll need to do this for every pin lock keg you buy.

Whichever of those approaches you take, there's an additional consideration. All kegs have pressure release valves. Ball lock kegs have release valves with a pull ring. Most pin lock kegs have a release valve that simply releases pressure before it gets to a point where it will damage the keg (usually around 500 psi, IIRC). So that's basically useless for venting. There are tools available for ball lock kegs that you slap on the gas post and twist to release pressure, but they're not technically needed, since you can depress the poppet with a screwdriver, church key, etc and get the same effect. Note that if you overfill the keg to the point where the gas line tube is below the liquid level, releasing pressure WILL result in a beer shower (this may or may not be a result of direct experience).

Replacement lids are available from all the usual suspects. I bought a few for about $18, but that was probably 5 years ago, so the price may have changed since then.

Another thing to consider is that the size and shape is different. My nephew has a kegerator with quick connects. It can accommodate 3 ball lock kegs, but if he adds a pin lock, he can only accommodate 2 kegs at a time.

[Gymrat]

Thankyou for your replies. Beer Lord that is a great deal. BP That was extremely informative. I have already told him I just wanted 2 though. I am sure I will regret that later but I just hate taking advantage of people.

[bpgreen]

Thankyou for your replies. Beer Lord that is a great deal. BP That was extremely informative. I have already told him I just wanted 2 though. I am sure I will regret that later but I just hate taking advantage of people.

I think you're making a good/moral decision turning down kegs you can't use. I wouldn't recommend that you take the kegs for free in order to sell them for $40/each. But you told him he could probably sell them for $40 each and he was still willing to give them for free. So take any that he's still willing to give you.

I'm not saying that you should do that for profit. Do it so you've got some spare kegs. And use quick connects so you can swap easily.

Let him sell the kegs he has left, but also let him know that you'll take leftovers.

[Gymrat]

I am going to see him Saturday. If I can get more I will but if I just get two I will have more than I can ever have full at the same time. Heck, I already do. I just keep thinking about times in the past that I felt like brewing but couldn't because I didn't have room to package unless I bottled.

[FrozenInTime]

Are these what your looking for? Pick up those free kegs from your friend and buy some of these. Will still make for some cheap kegs.

[Gymrat]

Are these what your looking for? Pick up those free kegs from your friend and buy some of these. Will still make for some cheap kegs.

Yes. Beer Lord found some for $10 cheaper. I am going to pick up some kegs Saturday.

[MrBandGuy]

You may take all 10, sell what you don't need, and split the cash with him. If you're willing to sell them and it's too much trouble for him. Just a thought, and a win win.

[FedoraDave]

I'm sorry I didn't see this thread sooner. I assume it's already a done deal.

But I accidentally ordered a pin-lock keg when I was assembling my keezer, and when I realized my mistake, I looked for a conversion kit, ordered it, and did the conversion myself. Not a big expense, and not a big hassle to convert.

[Gymrat]

I was at this guy's house yesterday. He is trying to sell it. I think he was offering me the kegs because he is trying to downsize. I still told him I would take two of them. I really don't know what I would do with anymore than that. He said he is going to clean them up and drop them by.

[MadBrewer]

I have 3 ball lock and 1 pin lock. I think I'm going to order some new gaskets and rings for all and when I do order the conversion posts. I really don't need an odd ball pinlock keg. I already deemed that one for Soda so it doesnt really matter but might as well all be ball lock for ease of use.

Evenutally I am going to go all brand new with my kegs. I rarely have more than 2 kegs filled at a time. It would be real nice to have a brand new setup. I really like the torpedo kegs from More Beer.

[Dawg LB Steve]

Heard of guys using the odd keg ex. pin lock for sours or bretts only to avoid cross contamination. Dedicated keg, lines and tap.