Ball or pin

Post by Steve B
I got three Cornies for free. They are Coca-Cola, hence pin types. They
are a little difficult to operate for me with old hands. Is it worth it to
replace them with ball types?

If you mean replacing the pin lock fittings on the keg with ball lock
fittings, then no, you can't as the threads are different.

Post by Steve B
What kind do you have, and if you have pins,
are they very tough to work with?

Most people get whatever is most readily available in their area. Note
that the pin lock kegs and fitting are slightly taller than the ball
lock kegs - an issue if height is a problem. FWIW, I'm a big fan of
stainless steel disconnects - more expensive but are a pleasure to use.

Tony
http://home.comcast.net/~verhulst/RIMS

Steve B

2011-10-21 15:29:24 UTC

Post by Steve B
I got three Cornies for free. They are Coca-Cola, hence pin types. They
are a little difficult to operate for me with old hands. Is it worth it to
replace them with ball types?

If you mean replacing the pin lock fittings on the keg with ball lock
fittings, then no, you can't as the threads are different.

Post by Steve B
What kind do you have, and if you have pins,
are they very tough to work with?

Most people get whatever is most readily available in their area. Note
that the pin lock kegs and fitting are slightly taller than the ball lock
kegs - an issue if height is a problem. FWIW, I'm a big fan of stainless
steel disconnects - more expensive but are a pleasure to use.
Tony
http://home.comcast.net/~verhulst/RIMS

I have a few e mails in to the suppliers, northern brewers one of them, that
has an "adapter" post available. It would be a very simple matter to have
these made by a company that would sell a lot of them. They're $10 each,
and right now, I'd buy six if I could find them. The pins are just too hard
to use, but I may have to live with them for now.

Steve

Dan Logcher

2011-10-21 17:24:57 UTC

Post by Steve B
I got three Cornies for free. They are Coca-Cola, hence pin types. They
are a little difficult to operate for me with old hands. Is it worth it to
replace them with ball types?

If you mean replacing the pin lock fittings on the keg with ball lock
fittings, then no, you can't as the threads are different.

Post by Steve B
What kind do you have, and if you have pins,
are they very tough to work with?

Most people get whatever is most readily available in their area. Note
that the pin lock kegs and fitting are slightly taller than the ball lock
kegs - an issue if height is a problem. FWIW, I'm a big fan of stainless
steel disconnects - more expensive but are a pleasure to use.
Tony
http://home.comcast.net/~verhulst/RIMS

You need the deep socket pin-lock fitting tool and then its no big deal.
Shop around, but here's one http://www.midwestsupplies.com/pin-lock-ratchet-socket.html

--
Dan

Steve B

2011-10-21 19:07:04 UTC

Post by Steve B
I got three Cornies for free. They are Coca-Cola, hence pin types.
They
are a little difficult to operate for me with old hands. Is it worth it to
replace them with ball types?

If you mean replacing the pin lock fittings on the keg with ball lock
fittings, then no, you can't as the threads are different.

Post by Steve B
What kind do you have, and if you have pins,
are they very tough to work with?

Most people get whatever is most readily available in their area. Note
that the pin lock kegs and fitting are slightly taller than the ball lock
kegs - an issue if height is a problem. FWIW, I'm a big fan of stainless
steel disconnects - more expensive but are a pleasure to use.
Tony
http://home.comcast.net/~verhulst/RIMS

I have a few e mails in to the suppliers, northern brewers one of them,
that has an "adapter" post available. It would be a very simple matter
to have these made by a company that would sell a lot of them. They're
$10 each, and right now, I'd buy six if I could find them. The pins are
just too hard to use, but I may have to live with them for now.

You need the deep socket pin-lock fitting tool and then its no big deal.
Shop around, but here's one
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/pin-lock-ratchet-socket.html
--
Dan

I used a common wrench. What I need is the adapter posts that will make a
pin keg use a ball connector. I think they're made, just have to find them.
I have some e mails out to suppliers, thought some here may be
knowledgeable.

BTW, only one keg had tight fittings, the others came off easily with the
wrench. On the hard one, I used the wrench and a rubber mallet, and it
loosened on the first strike. Just get it all lined up before hitting. I
have a lot of machine working stuff, and I can slot a regular deep socket
rather than pay the price they want for one socket. Sockets are fifty cents
apiec at my local hock shop.

Steve

Dan Logcher

2011-10-22 14:38:41 UTC

Post by Steve B
I got three Cornies for free. They are Coca-Cola, hence pin types.
They
are a little difficult to operate for me with old hands. Is it worth it to
replace them with ball types?

If you mean replacing the pin lock fittings on the keg with ball lock
fittings, then no, you can't as the threads are different.

Post by Steve B
What kind do you have, and if you have pins,
are they very tough to work with?

Most people get whatever is most readily available in their area. Note
that the pin lock kegs and fitting are slightly taller than the ball lock
kegs - an issue if height is a problem. FWIW, I'm a big fan of stainless
steel disconnects - more expensive but are a pleasure to use.
Tony
http://home.comcast.net/~verhulst/RIMS

I have a few e mails in to the suppliers, northern brewers one of them,
that has an "adapter" post available. It would be a very simple matter
to have these made by a company that would sell a lot of them. They're
$10 each, and right now, I'd buy six if I could find them. The pins are
just too hard to use, but I may have to live with them for now.

You need the deep socket pin-lock fitting tool and then its no big deal.
Shop around, but here's one
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/pin-lock-ratchet-socket.html
--
Dan

I used a common wrench. What I need is the adapter posts that will make a
pin keg use a ball connector. I think they're made, just have to find them.
I have some e mails out to suppliers, thought some here may be
knowledgeable.
BTW, only one keg had tight fittings, the others came off easily with the
wrench. On the hard one, I used the wrench and a rubber mallet, and it
loosened on the first strike. Just get it all lined up before hitting. I
have a lot of machine working stuff, and I can slot a regular deep socket
rather than pay the price they want for one socket. Sockets are fifty cents
apiec at my local hock shop.

You may only need ball-lock posts, as some pin-lock kegs can be converted to
ball-lock very easily. Are they tall and thin, or short and fat? Is there a
brand name on the side?

--
Dan

Steve B

2011-10-22 23:39:19 UTC

Post by Steve B
I got three Cornies for free. They are Coca-Cola, hence pin types.
They
are a little difficult to operate for me with old hands. Is it worth it to
replace them with ball types?

If you mean replacing the pin lock fittings on the keg with ball lock
fittings, then no, you can't as the threads are different.

Post by Steve B
What kind do you have, and if you have pins,
are they very tough to work with?

I have a few e mails in to the suppliers, northern brewers one of them,
that has an "adapter" post available. It would be a very simple matter
to have these made by a company that would sell a lot of them. They're
$10 each, and right now, I'd buy six if I could find them. The pins are
just too hard to use, but I may have to live with them for now.

You need the deep socket pin-lock fitting tool and then its no big deal.
Shop around, but here's one
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/pin-lock-ratchet-socket.html
--
Dan

I used a common wrench. What I need is the adapter posts that will make
a pin keg use a ball connector. I think they're made, just have to find
them. I have some e mails out to suppliers, thought some here may be
knowledgeable.
BTW, only one keg had tight fittings, the others came off easily with the
wrench. On the hard one, I used the wrench and a rubber mallet, and it
loosened on the first strike. Just get it all lined up before hitting.
I have a lot of machine working stuff, and I can slot a regular deep
socket rather than pay the price they want for one socket. Sockets are
fifty cents apiec at my local hock shop.

You may only need ball-lock posts, as some pin-lock kegs can be converted to
ball-lock very easily. Are they tall and thin, or short and fat? Is there a
brand name on the side?
--
Dan

The posts are made into the top of the can. The screw on posts is what I'm
talking about. I want to use all ball type connectors to get away from the
pin types because it seems harder to operate the pin types. I did go out
last evening, and take everything completely apart, including the poppett,
because one would not work at all, and it seems they have some residual
syrup in them from their soda days. Maybe they would be okay if I just took
everything off, cleaned it thoroughly in hot water, put in new o rings and
gaskets. Just the way you kind of have to get in there with your fingertips
that makes it hard sometimes because of a thumb I broke a long time ago, and
wrist problems from too many years of hard use, and hands the same. The set
of ball fasteners I have on one of the Cornies works soooo much easier.

They are made by Hansen Mfg. Co, Cleveland Ohio. Part # 4723C on the two
post, and 4723C on the three post. One of the three tanks has P before the
part number, but just on one post, not both. The thread outside diameter is
close to 9/16", and the top of the post is pretty close to 9/16, too. They
are 1 1/8" all, so I'd call that fat in relationship to some I have seen
that are taller and tapered.

If I could get a post that looks like mine, but is a ball type, might I
ass-u-me that it would be a "C" post? Keg Connection advertises retrofitted
Cornies that use ball type valves, and that they have been converted from
pin types. Must be some obvious reason or preference for ball type
fasteners.

I made right at $250 today at my yard sale, so am ready to send off for some
"stuff", and get brewing and kegging.

From what I have provided, what do you think I need to order? Apparently
Keg Connection is switching the post connectors, and cleaning and rehabbing
Cornies, and selling them. The valves must be made somewhere.

I'll google Hansen and see what they say.

Thanks. I'm a newbie, and know I may ask some basic questions, but I would
rather do that than send stuff back and forth, and just get things screwed
up.

BTW, I did brew a batch of porter, which I bottled. It came out nice, I do
have to say. But after reading of single fermenting, then kegging, and the
simplicity of it all over bottling, and after snagging keg refrigerator with
dispensing head for $10, I just have to go with kegging.

I'm ready to start in earnest now the temps here have gone down to the point
where I can comfortably brew in my man cave seagoing containers.

This stuff isn't rocket science, but there IS a lot to it.

This keg post thing will be my last major hurdle.

Steve

Bob F

2011-10-24 03:55:20 UTC

Post by Steve B
I got three Cornies for free. They are Coca-Cola, hence pin types.
They are a little difficult to operate for me with old hands. Is
it worth it to
replace them with ball types?

If you mean replacing the pin lock fittings on the keg with ball lock
fittings, then no, you can't as the threads are different.

Post by Steve B
What kind do you have, and if you have pins,
are they very tough to work with?

Most people get whatever is most readily available in their area.
Note that the pin lock kegs and fitting are slightly taller than the
ball lock kegs - an issue if height is a problem. FWIW, I'm a big
fan of stainless steel disconnects - more expensive but are a
pleasure to use. Tony
http://home.comcast.net/~verhulst/RIMS

I have a few e mails in to the suppliers, northern brewers one of
them, that has an "adapter" post available. It would be a very
simple matter to have these made by a company that would sell a lot
of them. They're $10 each, and right now, I'd buy six if I could
find them. The pins are just too hard to use, but I may have to live
with them for now.

I don't understand this. My pin locks are way easier to use than my ball locks,
and you can't mix them up and jam the wrong one on.

Steve B

2011-10-24 16:35:23 UTC

Post by Steve B
I got three Cornies for free. They are Coca-Cola, hence pin types.
They are a little difficult to operate for me with old hands. Is
it worth it to
replace them with ball types?

If you mean replacing the pin lock fittings on the keg with ball lock
fittings, then no, you can't as the threads are different.

Post by Steve B
What kind do you have, and if you have pins,
are they very tough to work with?

Most people get whatever is most readily available in their area.
Note that the pin lock kegs and fitting are slightly taller than the
ball lock kegs - an issue if height is a problem. FWIW, I'm a big
fan of stainless steel disconnects - more expensive but are a
pleasure to use. Tony
http://home.comcast.net/~verhulst/RIMS

I have a few e mails in to the suppliers, northern brewers one of
them, that has an "adapter" post available. It would be a very
simple matter to have these made by a company that would sell a lot
of them. They're $10 each, and right now, I'd buy six if I could
find them. The pins are just too hard to use, but I may have to live
with them for now.

I don't understand this. My pin locks are way easier to use than my ball
locks, and you can't mix them up and jam the wrong one on.

I've come down to this after talking with a guy at Midwest who seems to know
a lot. I have some posts coming for my kegs. If they work, great. I have
all the same posts. If they don't, I'll return them and learn to cope with
the pin types. I must admit that after putting them all in hot water and
cleaning them, they work a lot easier. ................... duh
................

Steve

Bob F

2011-10-24 16:47:57 UTC

Post by Bob F
I don't understand this. My pin locks are way easier to use than my
ball locks, and you can't mix them up and jam the wrong one on.

I've come down to this after talking with a guy at Midwest who seems
to know a lot. I have some posts coming for my kegs. If they work,
great. I have all the same posts. If they don't, I'll return them
and learn to cope with the pin types. I must admit that after
putting them all in hot water and cleaning them, they work a lot
easier. ................... duh ................

Another thing about pin locks, at least the ones I have. The poppets on the pin
lock kegs use standard o-rings as seals, which are easily replaceable.

Tony V

2011-10-24 20:35:31 UTC

Post by Bob F
I don't understand this. My pin locks are way easier to use than my ball locks,
and you can't mix them up and jam the wrong one on.

Yes, if you work at it, you *can* put an "out" disconnect on an "in"
ball lock fitting (and vice versa) and it is a real pain to get it off
again. Don't ask me how I know. :-) However, this applies only to the
plastic disconnects. As a test, I tried it with my SS disconnects and
could not mix them up. Maybe with a sledge hammer. :-)

Tony

Dan Logcher

2011-10-21 17:22:43 UTC

Post by Steve B
I got three Cornies for free. They are Coca-Cola, hence pin types. They
are a little difficult to operate for me with old hands. Is it worth it to
replace them with ball types?

If you mean replacing the pin lock fittings on the keg with ball lock
fittings, then no, you can't as the threads are different.

That's not accurate. I have standard ball-lock sized kegs with pin-lock
fittings, so you can swap fittings for some kegs. There appears to be two
types of pin-lock fittings, Cornelius and Firestone-like. The Cornelius
pin-locks easily swap for ball-lock.. I haven't tried the other type yet.

--
Dan

b***@ureach.com

2011-10-25 03:48:49 UTC

I've never seen stainless steel keg disconnects. who sells them?

R

Scott

2011-10-25 10:21:58 UTC

Post by b***@ureach.com
I've never seen stainless steel keg disconnects. who sells them?
R

For ball lock kegs:
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/kegging/kegs-accessories/ball-lock-keg-accessories.html

I don't see them for the pin lock kegs.

b***@ureach.com

2011-10-27 00:29:13 UTC