[jtoots]

OK, thanks for the feedback. Three more questions.

1. I want to start with two kegs and a beergun. Will one CO2 cylinder and a dual regulator suffice?
2. Apparently there are two types of hoses : 8x14 mm and 5x11mm. Do I need them both or can I just use the 8x14?
3. Can't find dedicated keg lube in Europe. Is there an equivalent that is more easily obtainable?

Thanks!

1. Yep!
2. Don't know, sorry.
3. I've read of people using KY jelly, which I'm sure works, but I'd suggest looking for anything food grade.

[Joe Sr.]

https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=22528.0

Here's a good thread on keg lube alternatives.  I have keg lube but rarely use it.  It's very hard to get off of anything it gets on.  I can't stand the stuff.

I've never tried the alternatives, though.

As to the hoses, I don't understand metric.  However, you'll have different tubing for your gas and liquid.  I suppose you could use the liquid tubing on the gas side, too, but I don't think there's any benefit.

[jtoots]

I have keg lube but rarely use it.  It's very hard to get off of anything it gets on.  I can't stand the stuff.

I only use it when I've got a slow leak that tightening connections doesn't solve quickly.  Otherwise, I raw dog it too. 

[homoeccentricus]

Thank you for adding new expressions to my twerp vocabulary.

[Stevie]

I find keg lube is most important on the dip tube rings and the post rings. Keeping the dip tube rings lubed extends their life and keeps them from drying and cracking. Adding a small amount of lube to the post rings keeps them from tearing and keeps the disconnect from getting stuck.

[Joe Sr.]

I've taken to spraying my posts with starsan when I attach the disconnect on account of sometimes they are hard to get on and off.

Maybe I should throw some lube on those o-rings...

[Stevie]

Just a tiny amount is needed. Just dab your finger tip and apply.

[a10t2]

You'll want to use the 5x11 mm beverage tubing for beer dispensing. The 8 mm is too large for short-draw draft systems. For the gas connections, you can use whatever size is convenient, but there's no need for the expensive beverage tubing. Thin-walled vinyl tubing can handle serving pressures no problem.

[homoeccentricus]

You'll want to use the 5x11 mm beverage tubing for beer dispensing. The 8 mm is too large for short-draw draft systems. For the gas connections, you can use whatever size is convenient, but there's no need for the expensive beverage tubing. Thin-walled vinyl tubing can handle serving pressures no problem.

OK, thanks for being metric. Ordered the 5x11mm.

[klickitat jim]

Keg lube is messy. I prefer wearing a pair to latex free exam gloves, spritzed with starsan, to apply it. Fingers just don't seem sanitary enough, and I just toss the gloves and associated mess when done.

I suppose that vaseline might work as an option, unverified, but according to Shallow Hal it safe in your eyes...

[homoeccentricus]

I died a thousand deaths over lunch as I went to the supermarket and bought an intimate lubricant, together with 307 junk items that I do not need to cover up the purchase.

The good news is that the pH is on the label: 5.5. So I don't need to measure and can plug that straight into Bru'n Water!

[HoosierBrew]

I died a thousand deaths over lunch as I went to the supermarket and bought an intimate lubricant, together with 307 junk items that I do not need to cover up the purchase.

That's fantastic. Best laugh all week on this forum. It's kind of a variation on the guy buying Trojans along with a dozen things he doesn't need or want, to look less obvious.

[erockrph]

I'm pretty sure KY isn't going to help as it is water based and will evaporate rather quickly.

I use the same goop that I use to lube the O-rings on my home water filter. It's a bit thicker/stickier than vaseline, but it is silicone-based. Regular vaseline is petroleum based and is probably a bad idea as well, as it may weaken your o-rings over time.

If you wanted to use personal lubricant, you might be better off with a silicone-based lube rather than water.

[Joe Sr.]

I think someone should put Astroglide on their kegs and report back.

[homoeccentricus]

If you wanted to use personal lubricant, you might be better off with a silicone-based lube rather than water.

Are you saying I need to go back to that supermarket?