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Author Topic: Keg Coming....Now What?  (Read 3339 times)

Offline flbrewer

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Keg Coming....Now What?
« on: April 24, 2015, 07:59:52 pm »
OK, got a keg and CO2 tank coming shortly. I need some guidance on the preferred type of regulator, dual or single gauge? Secondly, for now, I plan on just using a picnic faucet assembly. Is there anything else I'll need at this point?

I am going to be using my existing chest freezer as a dual use chamber at this point. When the fermentation is over, I'll be throwing the keg in there.

Offline Wort-H.O.G.

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Re: Keg Coming....Now What?
« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2015, 08:40:32 pm »
OK, got a keg and CO2 tank coming shortly. I need some guidance on the preferred type of regulator, dual or single gauge? Secondly, for now, I plan on just using a picnic faucet assembly. Is there anything else I'll need at this point?

I am going to be using my existing chest freezer as a dual use chamber at this point. When the fermentation is over, I'll be throwing the keg in there.

prefer the dual because you see whats in the tank and line pressure, but again just go with what you want at this point. other than that, you are good to go and ready to enter the kegging arena.
« Last Edit: April 24, 2015, 08:42:05 pm by Wort-H.O.G. »
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Offline HoosierBrew

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Re: Keg Coming....Now What?
« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2015, 08:54:01 pm »
OK, got a keg and CO2 tank coming shortly. I need some guidance on the preferred type of regulator, dual or single gauge? Secondly, for now, I plan on just using a picnic faucet assembly. Is there anything else I'll need at this point?

I am going to be using my existing chest freezer as a dual use chamber at this point. When the fermentation is over, I'll be throwing the keg in there.

prefer the dual because you see whats in the tank and line pressure, but again just go with what you want at this point. other than that, you are good to go and ready to enter the kegging arena.

+1.  Eventually you'll need to get o-ring change kits and keg lube to ensure you get a good seal, but I'm assuming this keg should have new seals. I would use a thin layer of keg lube on the new seals - nothing is worse than a small air leak that drains your CO2 tank or keeps beer from carbonating fully.
Jon H.

Offline Stevie

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Re: Keg Coming....Now What?
« Reply #3 on: April 24, 2015, 09:49:21 pm »
Did you go new or used keg?

Offline flbrewer

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Re: Keg Coming....Now What?
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2015, 04:13:59 am »

Offline euge

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Re: Keg Coming....Now What?
« Reply #5 on: April 25, 2015, 05:06:49 am »
Dual regulator.

I used cobra taps for nearly eight years until landing a proper kegerator with a tower. Realize now that I wasn't really missing anything.
The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool. -Richard P. Feynman

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Offline ScottBeh

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Re: Keg Coming....Now What?
« Reply #6 on: April 25, 2015, 05:18:21 am »
I would spring for the thumb adjust out pressure rather than the flat screwdriver/hex nut style

Offline flbrewer

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Re: Keg Coming....Now What?
« Reply #7 on: April 25, 2015, 06:56:50 am »
I would spring for the thumb adjust out pressure rather than the flat screwdriver/hex nut style

Yeah, had planned that.

Offline flbrewer

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Re: Keg Coming....Now What?
« Reply #8 on: April 25, 2015, 07:01:30 am »
I know I'll need a couple of quick disconnects, and some lines as well. Why are there so many options here?
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/couplers/balllock.shtml


Do you also need some sort of clips or clamps for the gas/ beer lines?

I'm considering non-PVC tubing. I see they sell stuff like this http://www.morebeer.com/products/ultra-barrier-silver-antimicrobial-pvc-free-beer-tubing-516-id-foot.html
« Last Edit: April 25, 2015, 07:36:11 am by flbrewer »

Offline leejoreilly

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Re: Keg Coming....Now What?
« Reply #9 on: April 25, 2015, 07:25:14 am »
I know I'll need a couple of quick disconnects, and some lines as well. Why are there so many options here?
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/couplers/balllock.shtml


Do you also need some sort of clips or clamps for the gas/ beer lines?

I use hose clamps on my gas lines because I initially turn the pressure up to about 30 psi to seal the keg and jump-start carbing. Probably belt-and-suspenders, but that's what us anal guys do. I don't use them on beer lines, since they only see serving pressure.

Offline 4swan

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Re: Keg Coming....Now What?
« Reply #10 on: April 25, 2015, 02:24:49 pm »
I have a spray bottle that I have filled with Starsan solution made with distilled water.  I spray the picnic tap to clear out residual beer.  It helps keep it clean between servings.

Offline dmfcb750

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Re: Keg Coming....Now What?
« Reply #11 on: April 26, 2015, 06:44:52 am »
It really depends on whether you arr using the CO2 to push beer or carbonate the kegged beer. I add about a third cup of sugar when kegging and let it sit a couple of weeks then use CO2 to push beer.

Offline klickitat jim

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Re: Keg Coming....Now What?
« Reply #12 on: April 26, 2015, 10:46:06 am »
What's going to drive you nuts is when you have to turn in your brand new shiny empty CO2 tank for an old beat up full one. Ask me how i know. Especially if you discover that you paid more for the new one than a deposit would have been.

Offline euge

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Re: Keg Coming....Now What?
« Reply #13 on: April 26, 2015, 11:34:30 am »
I've never swapped a tank. Any place I've been will fill it on the spot, usually. I won't leave the tank or exchange.
The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool. -Richard P. Feynman

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Offline flbrewer

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Re: Keg Coming....Now What?
« Reply #14 on: April 26, 2015, 12:48:50 pm »
Yeah I verified that before I ordered one!