The containers we call Ball Lock and Pin Lock Kegs come from the soda industry. Also called Cornelius Kegs, Corny Kegs and Corney Kegs, they were originally intended to store and distribute soda pre-mix. The big soda companies decided on different style containers for their pre-mix. Pepsi landed on the Ball Lock style while Coke uses the Pin Lock style.
Homebrewers have since re-purposed these as homebrew beer kegs.
Brand New 5 Gallon Gallon Ball Lock Kegs from Adventures in Homebrewing
I have this great keg. Check out my Hands on Review
waveshare 2.7inch Passive NFC-Powered E-Paper
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This is a 2.7″ e-paper display that requires no power. I think this would make the basis for a great e-paper kegerator tap handle!
If you put together a build… We’d love to share the details with your fellow homebrewers. Email us the deets.
What are Other’s Saying? Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “tap handle” – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
4/22 6 PM Central: These are selling for $28.89. Shipping is also free to many US addresses. Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices
waveshare 2.7inch Passive NFC-Powered E-Paper Module No Battery Wireless Powering & Data Transfer Provides Android APP Black and White Display – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Credit for this photo and build to UnworkableProphet via Printables
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert. Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer. Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.
Updated: 4/23/2024
There are several different beer faucets to choose from when equipping your keezer. The most basic type differentiation is forward sealing versus rear sealing. The rear sealing are the most common type you will find in bars, with a sliding piston visible that comes out through the front of the faucet. Those faucets don’t do well unless you have a continuous flow of beer like is found in a bar. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you pour a lot of beer so the rearward sealing faucets will be fine. They’ll gum up and stick and you’ll be cursing that decision! So the popular homebrew faucets are forward sealing.
The long-time favorite forward sealing faucet for homebrewers was the Perlick brand, but they were expensive. Kegland introduced Intertap – Hands on Review – with a design variation of the forward sealing faucet and a more affordable price. Now Kegland has improved on their Intertap design with the new Nukatap faucet. As everything I’ve tried/researched from Kegland, they take a product and then engineer specific improvements to it- either to make it available at a lower cost or for specific improved homebrew functions.
With the Nukatap, Kegland focused on improving/reducing the propensity of beer to foam while being poured. Beer foaming is simply the act of dissolved CO2 coming out of the beer and then converting to gas at the surface of your beer. Cold beer can hold more CO2 than warm beer, so as carbonated beer warms, it causes CO2 to come out of solution and thus create foam. Similarly, beer under pressure can hold more CO2 than beer that is not under pressure. So as beer goes from the pressurized keg and into your unpressurized glass, this also causes CO2 to come out of solution and create foam.
Nukatap on Left, Intertap on RightNukatap on Right, Perlick on Left
The first design action Kegland did for Nukatap was on the sealing mechanism. One big challenge at fighting beer foam is how to get the beer around the sealing mechanism inside the faucet. Perlick faucets use a ball to seal and shut off the flow. As beer passes by the ball, the flow creates a low pressure zone on the backside of the ball, and thus beer goes from high pressure to low inside the faucet, creating an opportunity to foam. Intertap faucets use a football-shaped shuttle inside the faucet. This shape is less prone to the low pressure zone like a sphere has. Nukatap has a variation on the Intertap football shape, and Kegland kept tweaking it to keep the flow calm as it passed around the sealing shuttle inside. The shape ended up looking like an old-school atom bomb, and hence the “Nuke tap” name was born.
NukaTap Faucets come in three variations. Stainless, Stealth (Matte Black) and Flow Control. All feature stainless steel construction, forward seal design and all the other NukaTap innovations.
I’m also linking to Intertap faucets and accessories where applicable because all Intertap spouts work with NukaTap
Pictured: My Digital Spunding Build that features this gauge. See: Building a Digital Spunding Valve for complete project details
Digital Low Pressure Gauge with 1/4” NPT Bottom Connector and Rubber Protector
More InfoFrom HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions. prod:B07CXM3ZGT
A possible homebrew application for this is to use it as part of a Spunding Valve Build. A Spunding Valve allows you to ferment under pressure, naturally and precisely carbonate in the keg, fix over-carbonated beers and lots more. See: Build a Spunding Valve
As of this update, these are on sale for just $9.99. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with Prime Membership [Try Prime for Free] or a qualifying order. Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices
Digital Low Pressure Gauge with 1/4” NPT Bottom Connector and Rubber Protector by Uharbour, Range to 60 psi, Accuracy 1%, Resolution 0.1psi – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
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Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. ssprod:B07CXM3ZGT:anchor
Includes Kegland Kegs – Hands on Review, DuoTight Fittings – Hands on Review, Nukatap Faucets – Hands on Review and lots more
William’s Brewing Kegs and Kegging Sale!
Reviews:
Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds
Our Top Draft Resources This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds! Visit William’s Brewing – Web Only Clearance Sale Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.
This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert. Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer. Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.
Those of us that have kegerators know that cleaning the beer lines is a necessary thing. We also know that cleaning them is a pretty unexciting event. Products for cleaning them are generally unexciting as well because they’re all pretty similar. There is one product that is different- Safecid Beer Line Cleaner.
These are affiliate links. Note that multiple variations of these products may be available, as such a different version may appear at these links
Safecid has both an acid cleaner and an alkaline/caustic cleaner. The cleaners are as potent as other cleaners, but their patented chemistry makes it non-toxic. This means it is neither harmful to people (skin, eyes), nor harmful to the water supply when rinsed down the drain. And that’s what makes it different from other cleaners.
Alkaline Cleaner Distinct Blue Color
See-Through Volume Markings
The Brewer’s Association publishes draft beer cleaning guidelines for bars/breweries. They recommend a cleaning period of every 2 weeks, based on research looking at bacteria build-up in the lines. The research looked at the growth of both aerobic bacteria (leading to sour and vinegar off-flavors) and anaerobic bacteria (leading to butter and caramel off-flavors). This bi-weekly cleaning is to be done with an Alkaline cleaner, and then every 3 months an acid cleaner should be used. The alkaline cleaner deals with organic compounds (bacteria) and the acid cleaner deals with inorganic compounds (beer stone). They point out that the cleaning frequency is not dependent on how much beer is flowed through the lines- busy taps or slow ones alike.
Pin Lock Keg Blowout at Keg Connection
Related: Pin Lock Post O-Rings in bulk! Related: Ball Lock Keg O-Rings vs Pin Lock Keg O-Rings – are they the same?
Considering the current climate, if you’re a pin lock user. I think now is the time to stock up. Things have been getting consistently worse and worse on the pin lock front. The same has been generally true for ball lock kegs, but the process has been slower than pin locks.
Also: What’s the Difference Between Ball Lock Kegs and Pin Lock Kegs?
Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds
Our Top Draft Resources This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds! Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.
Kegland, based in Australia, produces a broad array of homebrewing gear. fermenters, electric brewing systems, loads of draft stuff (including DuoTight!) and lots more.
It’s obvious these folks are homebrewers at heart, because they’ve come up some really innovative stuff. The other thing they’ve generally done is hit really good price points. There is a balance between cost, features and quality and they seem to be hitting a lot of bullseyes.
This is an in depth hands on look at Kegland’s 5 gallon ball lock keg.
The sale includes these great kegs and lots more
William’s Brewing Kegs and Kegging Sale!
A look at the box
The other side of the box. This is one of the better looking keg boxes I’ve run across.
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304 stainless steel Cornelius Keg Lid with 1.5″ Tri-clamp Ferrule,NEW Corny Beer Keg Lid 60PSI PRV Food Grade Dry Hopper
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This can be used to convert a compatible Cornelius style keg to Tri-Clamp. That has a number of potential applications including using for dry hopping. See the project below for more on that.
As of this update this is selling for $29.99. Shipping is also free to many US addresses. Prices and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices
304 stainless steel Cornelius Keg Lid with 1.5″ Tri-clamp Ferrule,NEW Corny Beer Keg Lid 60PSI PRV Food Grade Dry Hopper – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Building a Dry Hopper for Corny Kegs – Dry Hop Under Pressure!
Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds
Our Top Draft Resources This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds! Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. ssprod:B0C48TM7F1:ptr
AC Infinity MULTIFAN S3, Quiet 120mm USB Fan
More InfoFrom HBF: Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions.
What are Other’s Saying? Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “kegerator” and “stir plate” – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
This model is nice because it’s USB powered. USB power blocks are easy to be had. That means no manual wiring and no guessing voltage. And, generally speaking, it’s not as expensive as some of the pre-wired options out there. This also has a speed control. That could potentially be useful for stir plate projects although I have no idea if it would offer the granularity needed for that sort of project.
4/17 12 PM Central: These are selling for just $13.99. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with Prime Membership [Try Prime for Free] or a qualifying order. Prices, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices
AC Infinity MULTIFAN S3, Quiet 120mm USB Fan, UL-Certified for Receiver DVR Playstation Xbox Computer Cabinet Cooling – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
FERRODAY Dual Gauge CO2 Draft Beer Regulator Dual Stage Pressure Regulator CGA-320 CO2 Tank Beer Kegerator Regulator with Relief Valve Beer Keg Pressure Regulator for Homebrew 0-60 PSI 0-3000PSI
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4/21 1 PM Central: This is on sale for $38.89. That’s the best historical third party Amazon price I found, notwithstanding Lightning Deals or coupons. Shipping is also free to many US addresses. Prices and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices
FERRODAY Dual Gauge CO2 Regulator Beer Kegerator CO2 Regulator Beer Keg Dual-stage Kegerator Regulator CGA-320 Beer Regulator Co2 Kegerator Part Beer Keg Regulator Co2 Beer Gas Regulator Beer Tap Tool – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds
Our Top Draft Resources This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
Stainless Steel Ball Lock Jumper via Valuebrew
More InfoFrom the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:
A Valuebrew Exclusive! Stainless Steel Ball Lock Jumper with our Food Safe Silicone O-Rings.
Use to connect multiple Ball Lock keg lines without disassembling. This allows you to clean more quickly and easily and allows you to clean QDs along with draft lines.
Works with BOTH liquid and gas posts. This allows you to jump from liquid to gas to do things like purging a keg from top to bottom using the liquid out post.
Note that o-ring color may vary, but you’ll always receive our food grade, silicone ball lock o-rings. Most likely, you’ll receive the pictured custom blue o-rings but we may substitute if we run out of stock. For gas QD connections, we recommend only short term connections as we cannot guarantee a leak free connection. Pictured QDs are not included.
Stainless steel ball lock jumper from Valuebrew. This works with both gas and liquid QDs. That means you can jump from keg line to keg line for cleaning and also hook up to the liquid side of your keg to purge with CO2 from the top to the bottom.
These also feature Valuebrew’s Food Grade Silicone Post O-Rings. Blue are pictured, but color can vary.
Valuebrew has generally struggled keeping things in stock and they’ve… specifically struggled to keep these in stock. As of this posting, these are in stock and on sale. Beyond the discounted price, you can add a second jumper on for even less.
Valuebrew is offering a pack of two jumpers and 25 replacement o-rings for $32.97. Coupon code JUMP discounts the combo by a whopping 32%.
Double Jumper Special! < note that you must use this link along with coupon code JUMP to get the deal, the standard product will not get you the discount
Standard Page: Stainless Steel Ball Lock Jumper
Hands on Review: Valuebrew Stainless Steel Ball Lock Jumpers – Works with Liquid AND Gas
Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds Our Top Draft Resources
This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. prod:doublevbjumper
Clean kegerator lines are a key part of serving delicious beer. Bacteria and mineral build in lines can cause off flavors, quick loss of head, under-carbonated beer due to rapid co2 loss and lack of legs forming on the inside of your beer glass.
Helps you clean multiple lines at the same time…
Valuebrew is offering a pack of two jumpers and 25 replacement o-rings for $32.97. Coupon code JUMP discounts the combo by a whopping 32%.
Double Jumper Special! < note that you must use this link along with coupon code JUMP to get the deal, the standard product will not get you the discount
Valuebrew’s jumper is unique because of the custom color, food grade o-rings and because … it works with both liquid and ball lock jumpers.
The directions on most line cleaners call for recirculating the cleaner for some period of time. Most affordable cleaning setups that are out there include a hand pump. Operating one of those for 15 to 30 minutes, for each faucet, doesn’t sound fun.
This article contains affiliate links. We may make a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase. You won’t pay more and you’ll be supporting Homebrew Finds and more content like this. Thank you for your support!
To really clean your draft lines, you need to keep solution flowing for a length of time, not just fill and wait. Initially I tried to clean my system by pushing line cleaner out of a keg. This was a waste of CO2. I also found it tough to keep solution running slowly enough to get the required amount of contact time. It’s easy to quickly push a cleaning or sanitizing solution through your system under CO2 pressure, but I found it to be a pain to try to do so slowly. This also requires quite a bit of cleaning solution versus a recirculating pump.
I decided to put together a recirculating draft line cleaning pump setup.
This post will walk you through rebuilding your homebrew keg, step by step. From de-labeling to cleaning to replacing warn out parts.
What Does Reconditioned/Rebuilt Mean?
The short answer is probably… nothing. I think reconditioned/rebuilt/refurbished are basically synonyms and there is no standard definition for any of these terms.
Here are the different definitions I’ve seen from different retailers via their offerings:
The short answer is probably… nothing. I think reconditioned/rebuilt/refurbished are basically synonyms and there is no standard definition for any of these terms.
Here are the different definitions I’ve seen from different retailers via their offerings:
The takeaway is that it’s important to read descriptions when it comes to reconditioned/rebuilt/refurbished kegs. The post walks through a complete rebuild process.
Floating Dip Tube via Adventures in Homebrewing
My explanation of how these works…
When we carbonate a keg, pressure is being applied to the keg from the top, via the head space. Beer at the top carbonates first. That carbonation works it’s way down the keg. I’m sure there’s also some movement in the keg that helps to mix things up and distribute carbonation. But just sitting there, I think that mixing is a slow process. However it all works, practically speaking, the beer at the top carbonates more quickly compared to the beer at the bottom. This allows you to serve from the top accessing the more carbonated portion of the keg. It’s also a benefit for clarity because trub settles out heading downward. You can see this stratification in a glass carboy. As the beer starts to clear, the top clears first. I don’t think if this is exactly accurate, but I picture carbonation happening with the same sort of stratification until the beer reaches equilibrium and is equally carbonated throughout.
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More: Recent AIH Finds
Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.
Mini CO2 Regulator
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Use to serve your keg of homebrew on the go or as a backup in case you run out of CO2. The good thing about this style of regulator as compared to the handheld injector style is that you can actually set a pressure and forget it.
4/19 12 PM Central: This is selling for just $21.99. That’s just 50 cents shy of the best historical third party Amazon price I found, notwithstanding Lightning Deals or coupons. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with Prime Membership [Try Prime for Free] or a qualifying order. Prices and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices
Dbgogo Hold Stable Pressure 0-60 PSI Mini Keg Regulator, No Leaking Portable Cornelius Corny Beer Growler Outdoor Picnic Party Carbonation CO2 Gas Ball Lock Disconnect keg Charger Dispenser Kit – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds
Our Top Draft Resources This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
Scratch and Dent Ball Locks from cornykeg.com
These kegs hold pressure and work fine, but have some more significant dents. They may have a broken handle or loose rubber top or bottom or an excessive amount of labels. These are refurbished ball lock Pepsi Style kegs with all new orings and a manual pull-ring relief valve. Photo shows example kegs, but are priced each.
As of this posting these are on sale for $42.95. Check site for current price & availability.
SCRATCH & DENT PEPSI STYLE BALL LOCK KEG
While you’re placing an order, it’s a great time to try Hopzoil
Complete Lineup: All Kegs at cornykeg.com | All Sale Items
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Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. rp:crsd
Kegland’s DuoTight Fittings are designed to work with EVABarrier Double Wall Tubing. They offer quick, reliable connections, easy implementation, a variety of fitting options and feature amazing versatility. They’re also, generally speaking, very well priced. DuoTights are push to connect fittings and require no tubing clamps.
The Tapcooler can connect directly to your compatible forward sealing faucet (Ultratap, Vent-Matic, Perlick 600 series, Nukatap and Intertap) and allows you to easily counter fill bottles directly from the tap!
Learn More about the Tapcooler! Hands on Review: Tapcooler Counter Pressure Bottle Filler for Forward Sealing Faucets!
OR Nukatap Counter Pressure Filler
The new fitting for Tapcooler makes a lot of sense of you already own a Tapcooler. If you don’t but are in the market for something similar that includes native DuoTight capabilities consider the Nukatap’s Counter Pressure Bottle Filler
DuoTights feature a unique double EPDM O-ring design. Coupling and uncoupling is quick and easy and requires no tools or clamps.
DuoTight Ball Lock QD on Left, Compatible EVABarrier Tubing on Right
Making a pressure capable connection is as easy as pushing the tubing all the way in the fitting and firmly pulling the tubing out.
To disengage the connection press the collar toward the fitting body and pull on the tubing. A couple tools are available to help with this process. See below for photos and links.
