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Pin lock vs Ball Lock Kegs


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#1 jayb151

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Posted 09 May 2018 - 07:18 AM

Hey all,

I was thinking about buying some more kegs. I've got 4 right now, but I use 2 to ferment and 2 to serve. I thought it might be time to get some more kegs, but I was wondering if you guys had an opinion on the different styles.

 

I'd been using pin lock for years, in fact I bought them from my LHBS before I even knew there was a difference. I'd never used ball locks before though.

 

I've looked at the differences and whatnot, but here's the question: Which one do you prefer to work with? If I'm going to buy more, I'm fine changing the type of fittings if I know it's going to work better. My pin locks a a little leaky and finicky to work with. Not that it's a huge deal, but if people think ball lock is easier to work with , I'd consider changing all my pinlocks to fermenters and using ball locks to serve.

 

Any thoughts?



#2 HVB

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Posted 09 May 2018 - 07:26 AM

I like ball because that is what I started with.  I bought some pin and I converted the post over.  The one thing I like about ball lock is the lids have PRVs, the ball lock kegs I bought did not have PRVs on the lids.  The only reason I bought the pin lock is because I had a plan to separate clean beers from sours.  The sours were going to use the pinlock kegs but that turned into a PITA.



#3 jayb151

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Posted 09 May 2018 - 07:46 AM

I like ball because that is what I started with.  I bought some pin and I converted the post over.  The one thing I like about ball lock is the lids have PRVs, the ball lock kegs I bought did not have PRVs on the lids.  The only reason I bought the pin lock is because I had a plan to separate clean beers from sours.  The sours were going to use the pinlock kegs but that turned into a PITA.

 

For sure. It seems to me that a lot of people prefer ball locks, but I think a lot of people start with them too. thanks!



#4 Big Nake

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Posted 09 May 2018 - 07:56 AM

I have ten kegs, all ball lock. I believe that one of my kegs is actually a pin lock that was converted over to ball. JB, I may have a line on some local kegs that my sister's cousin is selling. Not sure of the price but they have been very good and he tears them down and cleans them well. I'll check on it if you want and I can send you a PM.

#5 TAPPER

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Posted 09 May 2018 - 08:27 AM

Ball lock kegs tend to be taller/thinner than pin which may have an impact on where you want to put them (space in kegerator, keezer, cooler, etc).  Most pin lock kegs I've seen do not come with PRV, but it isn't difficult to just push in the gas line poppet to let CO2 escape.  Never been a deal breaker for me.

 

Rather than switch out posts to convert pin to ball just set up all your lines with flare fittings and swap out the proper coupler as needed on the line.

 

I have not experienced more issues with pin than ball.  In fact, I find the fact you have to get those pin lock couplers to lock in to be better than ball lock (I have had times where the coupler wasn't all the way down and leaked a bit of beer).

 

Both are stainless and hold beer.  Dimensions and if they will fit in your application are the only thing I would consider.  Pin do seem to be cheaper because fewer people want them, but both are stainless and hold beer so....




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