6 replies to this topic

[SCOTTinLHC]

Hello from Arizona. <_<ON the old board ( https://www.brewboar...howtopic=113561 ) there was a discussion about cleaning & reusing a commercial keg. Since that board has become unusable, I thought I'd post my questions / concerns here.'Mike E.' had talked about how "The spear is easy to remove with a 1-1/8th socket and a screw driver.. I can do it in my sleep in about 12 seconds." Unfortunately, I don't know that he was talking about the same type of keg as I own. Pics of my keg (fairly hi-res so too large to attach) may be seen here: https://viewmorepics...albumId=2790078I need to know the following:1. Is this the same type of keg referenced on the old board?2. As there is nothing obviously geared for a Socket, HOW can I remove / access the top of this keg so as to clean it???3. After cleaning, would it be possible to just pour in the beer?4. Finally, though it makes a valiant attempt, the Micromatic tap I have just doesn't do very well when it comes to dispensing, and especially not well for keeping the beer un-oxidized. For THIS KEG, what would y'all suggest I purchase in order to carbonate the brew as well as dispense it? Sources?Thanks all. If you wish to reply to me directly, I'm sellen at aol dot com.Scott Ellenwood,Lake Havasu City, AZ

[CaptRon]

Not sure how to answer your questions, but just wanted to say welcome!

[JReigle]

Hi and welcome. In your 2nd picture (I'll use that as the basis for description), you can see the clip that is basically holding the tension on the spear to keep it from rotating. It sits above the spear and below the inner lip of the neck.If you look at that picture, near the 1 o'clock position you can see where the clip curves, with a small void underneath. I've successfully used pliers to grab onto the clip at this void and bend it inward against it's tension. At this point, the clip should begin to rotate somewhat easily. Rotate what you can grab around to the notch at the 8 o'clock position and you should be able to coax a side of the clip out of this notch. After this, the rest should come easily. Now the spear rotates pretty easily and pulls straight out. If it's not cooperating, a small tap with a hammer and screw driver on the little ears should break it free. Getting the clip back in is a bit trickier...Hopefully this makes some sense to you. Definitely let the pressure out of the keg first, otherwise the spear will become a dangerous projectile.

[SCOTTinLHC]

Thanks for the info. I tried to grab this section, but there's nothing TO grab. I took pics & put them up.https://viewmorepics...albumId=2790078Also -- It appears this might be a Type D since it's Miller Beer 15.5 gallons, but again I'm not sure.I did, however, find something to help me clean it (I think):https://www.kegworks...&cat=395&page=1Would you think this was about the right thing? If I can clean it, then I'll STILL need to be able to FILL it. I haven't found anything yet, so everyone's feedback would be appreciated.Thanks!

[djinkc]

Lay it on its' side and vent the pressure before you try anything. Somebody is going to get killed one of these days..I don't know what the problem is but I can't insert links or pics on a couple PCs I use.Anyway, all you wanted to know, or at least enough to get you started. I've never refilled one of these - they get repurposed at my place.https://www.physics.arizona.edu/~workman/homebrew/Sanke.html

[JReigle]

I should've mentioned that you're going to need a pretty narrow pair of pliers, and there will be swearing involved. All the one's I've disassembled this way look identical to yours. Alternatively, you can use a small flat screwdriver and try to pry out the top part of the clip from behind in order to get a bite on it with normal needle nose sized pliers from the front. You'll need a pretty narrow screwdriver to get under the lip and above and behind the ring and this will increase the risk of damage to the ring.

[SCOTTinLHC]

As you'll see from the pics, I've been hitting the same area w/my screwdriver, but the only thing that's happening is that I'm gouging the metal. And yes, I have tried it on its side, etc. And yes, I took all the pressure out of the unit.And Yes, swearing was involved. Grumble grumble grumble.How about that Type D cleaning device? Anyone?