The containers we call Ball Lock and Pin Lock Kegs come from the soda industry.  Also called Cornelius Kegs, Corny Kegs and Corney Kegs, they were originally intended to store and distribute soda pre-mix.  The big soda companies decided on different style containers for their pre-mix.  Pepsi landed on the Ball Lock style while Coke uses the Pin Lock style.

Homebrewers have since re-purposed these as homebrew beer kegs.

There are a good number of differences between the two main styles of homebrew kegs, one of the big differences are the keg posts.

Sizes to Consider:

When it comes to sizes there are a couple things to think about.

1. Wrench size. What size wrench or socket do I need to take off and install keg posts?
2. Thread size and count. Depending on manufacturer and model the threads for these posts vary.

Post Wrench Sizes:

Ball Lock Wrench Size

There are two primary post sizes for standard ball lock kegs.  11/16″ and 7/8″.  These can come in both 6 point and 12 point, compatible variations.  For the larger 7/8″ posts I’ve seen both 6 point and 12 point styles.  A 12 point socket will work on a 6 point post, but not vice versa.  For the smaller 11/16″ posts I have only seen 6 point.  Not to say that 12 point don’t exist, I just don’t recall seeing any.  I have seen a couple other sizes – 5/8″ and 9/16″, but I would personally consider those more rare, and non-standard.

This is important from a tool perspective.  I recommend a 12 point socket or wrench for larger 7/8″ posts.  Smaller 11/16″ post should work with either 6 or 12 point tools.

Pin Lock Lock Wrench Size

I’m aware of one standard size 13/16″.  As previously mentioned this requires a special notched socket.

Finding Compatible Tools:

• Keg Sockets – Choose Your Sockets – via Keg Connection – choose from ball lock and pin lock compatible sockets
• Search Amazon for “Pin Lock Socket”
• 11/16″ 6 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 3/8-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 6-Point (CMMT43336) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
• 11/16″ 12 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47524) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
• 7/8″ 12 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47528) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
• Hands on Review: Craftsman Deep Well Sockets for Ball Lock Keg Posts
• Hands on Review: “Ball Lock Keg Wrench” – 11/16″+7/8″ Ratcheting Wrench – via Apollo Tools Wrench Set

Homebrew Keg Post Thread Sizes:

Before you purchase any replacement posts for your keg, you’ll need to determine the brand/maker of that keg. You can figure this out by finding the stamp or markings on the side of the keg.

• Cornelius, Ball Lock (all types) GAS 19/32″ – 18 LIQUID 19/32″ – 18 – View +
• Cornelius, Pin Lock (all types) GAS 19/32″ – 18 (2 Pin) LIQUID 19/32″ – 18 (3 Pin) – View +
• Cornelius Spartan 19/32″ – 18 19/32″ – 18 – Shop ++
• Cornelius R (Pin Lock) 19/32″ – 18 (2 Pin) 19/32″ – 18 (3 Pin) – Shop ++
• Firestone V, VI & Super Challanger, Ball Lock* GAS 9/16″ – 18 LIQUID 9/16″ – 18 – View +
• Firestone Challenger, ball lock (racetrack) GAS 11/16″-18 LIQUID 3/4″-18 – +
• Firestone, Pin Lock (all types) GAS 9/16″-18 (2 Pin) LIQUID 9/16″-18 (3 Pin) – View +
• Firestone A (Pin Lock) 9/16″ – 18 (2 Pin) 9/16″ – 18 (3 Pin) – Shop ++
• Firestone R (Pin Lock) 9/16″ – 18 (2 Pin) 9/16″ – 18 (3 Pin) – Shop ++
• Firestone Challenger 11/16″ – 18 3/4″ – 18 – Shop ++
• Firestone Super Challenger 9/16″ – 18 5/8″ – 18 – Shop ++
• Firestone V Challenger 9/16″ – 18 5/8″ – 18 – Shop ++
• Firestone VI Challenger 9/16″ – 18 5/8″ – 18 – Shop ++
• John Wood 85, Ball Lock (racetrack)* GAS 11/16″-18 LIQUID 3/4″-18 +
• John Wood RA or RC, Pin Lock GAS 19/16″-18 (2 Pin) LIQUID19/16″-18 (3 Pin) – +
• John Wood 85 11/16″ – 18 3/4″ – 18 – Shop ++
• John Wood RA (Pin Lock) 9/16″ – 18 (2 Pin) 9/16″ – 18 (3 Pin) – Shop ++
• John Wood RC (Pin Lock) 9/16″ – 18 (2 Pin) 9/16″ – 18 (3 Pin) – Shop ++
• AEB, Ball Lock GAS 19/32″-18 LIQUID 19/32″-18 – View +
• AEB Kegs 19/32″ – 18 19/32″ – 18 – Shop ++
• Super Champion 19/32″ – 18 19/32″ – 18 – Shop ++

* The vast majority (99%) of Firestone Ball Lock Kegs on the market use the same post except for the original Challenger, which had “racetrack” style lids. Racetrack style lids had straight sides like a race track and are rare. All other kegs had standard rounded sides.

+Thank you to Keg Connection for this information – Complete Lineup of Posts and Poppets at Keg Connection

++Thank you to Keg Outlet for this information – Complete Lineup of Posts and Poppets at Keg Connection

This write-up is part of my post comparing ball lock and pin lock kegs – Jump To This Section

Continue reading →

The containers we call Ball Lock and Pin Lock Kegs come from the soda industry.  Also called Cornelius Kegs, Corny Kegs and Corney Kegs, they were originally intended to store and distribute soda pre-mix.  The big soda companies decided on different style containers for their pre-mix.  Pepsi landed on the Ball Lock style while Coke uses the Pin Lock style.

Homebrewers have since re-purposed these as homebrew beer kegs.

There are a good number of differences between the two main styles of homebrew kegs, here’s a look at how the lids are different.

Ball Lock Style Lid.  Notice the pull ring.  That is the manual PRV.Pin Lock Style Lid.  No pull ring.

Generally speaking… Both Ball Lock and Pin Lock style lids are the same dimension and are interchangeable.  You can use a Ball Lock Lid on a Pin Lock Keg and vice versa.  A big difference are the PRV (pressure relief valve) functions between the two styles.  Both have automatic safety PRV valves.  That is, if the pressure gets too high, both will automatically vent for safety reasons.  The difference is in manual PRV functionality.  Ball Lock Keg lids have a pull ring that allows you to manually vent the keg as you’d like.  You may want to do that for the purpose of removing the keg lid or to vent excess pressure in an attempt to get down to a lower pressure.  Having a manual PRV valve is an advantage in my book and on this count Ball Lock Style kegs win.  Again, these are general statements, check with the keg’s manufacturer or distributor for specific keg lid dimensions and PRV functionality.  Note: There is another less common size of lid/keg called racetrack style.  Those are not interchangeable with standard lids.

An Easy Upgrade for Pin Lock kegs

Since standard Ball Lock and Pin Lock Lids are interchangeable.  A good upgrade for Pin Lock kegs is to replace Pin Lock style lids with Ball Lock Style Lids.  Ball Lock style lids are, in my opinion, superior because the manual PRV allows you to easily vent your keg as needed.

New Cornelius Keg Lid with New pressure relief valve – via Adventures in Homebrewing

This write-up is part of my post comparing ball lock and pin lock kegs – Jump To This Section

Continue reading →

Replacing Keg O-Rings

When you get a used keg, in my opinion, you’re going to want to replace all the o-rings in your keg.  Generally speaking they are going to be worn out and even if they aren’t they’ll smell of soda pre-mix.  Beyond that, who knows what they’re made from.  Start with a clean slate.  As you saw earlier, the o-rings in this keg were a grubby mismatch of soda drenched o-rings.

Most of these o-rings are pennies each when bought in reasonable bulk quantities. It’s worth the small cost to start fresh with o-rings made from appropriate materials.

This write-up is part of my post on rebuilding kegs – Jump To This Section – If you look through the post you’ll see just how good the keg looks at the end.

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