Ball Lock Keg O-Rings vs Pin Lock Keg O-Rings – are they the same?
Keg photos courtesy of MoreBeer – Kegs at MoreBeer
Ball Lock vs Pin Lock O-Rings
When it comes to ball lock and pin lock o-rings, some are the same. Standard pin locks and ball locks use identical dip tube o-rings and lid o-rings
Post o-rings are a different story… Standard pin lock keg post o-rings are slightly larger than ball lock keg post o-rings…
It may be difficult to see in these photos, but the left side shows a pin lock post with a ball lock o-ring installed. The right side shows a pin lock post with the pin lock o-ring installed . The pin lock o-ring extends out just a little bit further than the ball lock o-ring. The ball lock o-ring is nearly flush the the lip on the post. That small amount is the difference between the two o-rings.
Pin Lock Post O-Ring on Left, Ball Lock Post O-Ring on Right
Problems with Sourcing Pin Lock Post O-Rings
Most resellers stock one model of post o-ring… ball lock post o-rings. They sell the same size for both kegs. Even though they’re a different size, ball lock post o-rings will stretch enough to fit on a pin lock post. They do fit, but are finicky. Worst case, you’re going to lose a tank of CO2. That’s going to cause you to have to lug your tank to your CO2 provider, which is a waste of time and money, not to mention frustrating.
All that to say, it’s tough to even find pin lock post o-rings at all, let alone find them in bulk and in food safe materials.
Valuebrew stocks Pin Lock Post O-Rings in food grade silicone in bulk quantities.
- Keg Post O-Rings for PIN LOCK Kegs – Food Safe Silicone
- Complete Food Safe Replacement O-Rings Lineup – More About Food Safe O-Rings
Why You Should Stock Up
I recommend stocking up on spare o-rings. This is especially true for post o-rings. In my opinion you should be changing those liberally. My recommendation is every other batch. This is a part that costs a few cents. It’s also a spot that is tough to check for leaks and a faulty o-ring, which happens regularly in my experience, can cause problems like carbonation issues and loss of CO2. Before figuring out this problem I lost two tanks of CO2, back to back. That’s lost time, frustration and a waste of money. I suggest keeping a stock of spare keg, QD and Universal Poppet o-rings.
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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. tag:lnksfxd toppost:pinkegorings rs:7 tag:tpr