Build a DuoTight CO2 Gas Manifold! – for Kegland EVABarrier Tubing

Updated: 5/17/2024

Kegland’s DuoTight Fittings are designed to work with their EVABarrier Tubing.  They offer quick, reliable connections, easy implementation, a variety of fitting options and work with double wall EVABarrier tubing.  These are push to connect and require no tubing clamps.  Combine these features with their generally low price and this system and tubing are a game changer for kegerator/keezer owners and builders.

DuoTights are… awesome.  Check out my extensive Hands on Review

As of this posting, the system has no native manifold option available.  No need to fear, this post details three DuoTight manifold options that you can put together yourself.

Want to Learn More about DuoTights and EVABarrier Tubing?  

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Build 1 – Convert a Flare Based Manifold to DuoTight

In my opinion, this is the easiest and cleanest option.  It involves sourcing a 1/4″ flare based manifold and installing the proper fittings.

I chose this model via the Weekend Brewer. It features 1/4″ flare fittings throughout.  That includes a flare fitting on the inlet port.  That’s a bit unique as some models use a barb here, even if the trunks feature flare fittings.  Note that this manifold is available in a number of size options.  Choose the number of trunks you want, make sure to choose an all MFL model if you want to easily convert it to DuoTight. See: Sourcing an Easy to Convert Manifold section of this post for more manifold options.A look at the input flare fittingA close up of one of the trunk flare ball valves.  These also feature and integrated check valve to keep gas flowing the right way.Pressure testing.  This held pressure for days before I stopped the test.  That’s a testament to both the manifold build quality and the DuoTight fittings.  I have completed multiple pressure tests using DuoTight fittings and have found them to be very reliable.  Another benefit of the DuoTight system is this economical pressure gauge (MoreBeer | William’s Brewing).  This offers an easy way to double check regulators, check for leaks and more.

Digital Gauge Now Available:

Digital Mini Pressure Gauge (0-90 psi) - 8 mm Duotight Compatible

Since this how-to was written Kegland has introduced a digital gauge option.  See my Hands on Review for more information.

via MoreBeer

via William’s Brewing

The newly converted DuoTight ready CO2 Manifold.  This is simply a matter of putting a DuoTight Female Flare Fitting Front view of DuoTight Manifold

Getting the DuoTight Fittings:

For this style manifold you’ll want a female flare x DuoTight. Since DuoTights and EVABarrier are available in multiple sizes – the most common being 8mm (5/16″) and 9.5mm (3/8″) – be sure to choose the right size for your setup.

Sourcing an Easy to Convert Manifold

An easy to convert CO2 manifold features 1/4″ MFL connections for all inlet and outlet ports.

Build 2 – Convert an existing 1/4″ NPT Manifold Body to DuoTight

I have several gas manifolds.  Every model that I have sports 1/4″ NPT threads.  Pretty standard for kegerator manifolds, from what I’ve gathered.  That means you can swap out the ball valves for 1/4″ NPT DuoTight Fittings.  I tried this on two manifolds.  The 1/4″ NPT threaded DuoTights feature o-rings.  In my testing, I found that I could install these without teflon tape and had no problems with leaks.  That may not be the case in all situations so you may have to use teflon tape to seal threads.  If you’re wanting to go this route, make sure your manifold body has compatible 1/4″ NPT threads.Here is MoreBeer’s expandable manifold system converted to DuoTight Fittings See: MoreBeer’s Complete Manifold Lineup of Manifolds – Hands on Review

To really get full functionality, you need to add some more DuoTight Fittings.  Each trunk needs a ball valve and check valve.  The ball valve on the input side isn’t really needed.  I have that there because I was pressure testing this setup.Here’s a comparison between the two builds.  Although both work, the top version is a whole lot cleaner and more compact.

Pneumatic Manifold Blocks

Manifold Blocks are the basis of many of the assemblies that we end up using as gas manifolds. These can a way to save money.

New models show up regularly… shop around: Search Amazon for “pneumatic manifold block” to see what models are available.

Getting the DuoTight Fittings:

For this style manifold you’ll want a male flare x DuoTight. Since DuoTights and EVABarrier are available in multiple sizes – the most common being 8mm (5/16″) and 9.5mm (3/8″) – be sure to choose the right size for your setup.

You’ll also potentially want to add DuoTight check fittings & ball valves.

Build 3 – Tee it up – using DuoTight Tees and Fittings to Build a Manifold

The left-most EVABarrier Tubing represents a feeder line that would start at your regulator and weave it’s way to each keg.  From that feeder line, you would tee off for each keg you want to serve.  From the tee you would have a DuoTight Ball Valve > DuoTight Check Valve > DuoTight 1/4″ Female Flare Fitting > Flare Based Quick Disconnect (ball lock or pin lock).  This photo show’s Kegland’s flow control ball lock QD.  This setup allows you to add as many kegs as you’d like, over time.  While not as elegant as build 1, this will definitely do the job.

Remember: DuoTight Fittings are available in two sizes 8mm (5/16″) and 9.5mm (3/8″)

Build 4 – Control Each Keg Separately!

This build is an expansion of Build 3 but you’d also incorporate Kegland’s inline secondary with gauge.  This would allow you to have control over pressure and carbonation settings for each and every keg!

Hands on Review: Kegland Inline Secondary Regulator and Upgrading Kegland Inline Secondary Regulator to Digital

Thank you to /u/skaht on reddit for this photo

These allow you to neatly install compatible inline regulators for easy access and a neat setup.

Sourcing an Easy to Convert Manifold for Build 1

An easy to convert CO2 manifold features 1/4″ MFL connections for all inlet and outlet ports.

Buy DuoTight

Related DuoTight Reviews on How-To’s!

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DuoTights are so amazing – at least in my book 🙂 – that I have several reviews and related top posts

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DuoTight Ball Lock QDs!

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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. 7.27.19 tag:lnksfxd toppost:duotightmanifold rs:7 tag:tpr

7 thoughts on “Build a DuoTight CO2 Gas Manifold! – for Kegland EVABarrier Tubing”

  2. David A Komendanchik

    Thanks for the write up on these. I want to get some here pretty soon to re-do my draft system. From my shopping it appears that there’s one you can screw into the bottom of your regulator or at least the bottom of the check valve right?

    Reply ↓
    1. admin Post author

      I used a wrench. Don’t over-tighten, but I thought a wrench would be required to make sure and get a good seal.

      Reply ↓
  4. Marc

    Sorry if this is a stupid question…

    Can you elaborate on how you use the Pressure Gauge to test for leaks in the system?

    Say you set your regulator pressure @ 30 PSI…do you just check that the pressure gauge also reads the same? How would you know if it’s leaking? If it’s leaking and there is still gas in the tank, wouldn’t the pressure gauge still read the same until the tank runs dry? Think I’m missing the concept. Need a smarter person to explain 🙂

    Reply ↓
    1. admin Post author

      Whatever the gauge is reading, it should remain constant after it settles in. Otherwise, there’s a leak. In this case, I didn’t have this hooked to a tank, but if you were going to pressure test your draft system, you’d want to turn off the gas at the tank and then monitor for changes.

      Reply ↓

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