What Size Are Ball Lock Keg Posts?

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.  I’ve seen two other post sizes. 5/8″ and 9/16″.  I consider those more non-standard.  This post focuses on 11/16″ and 7/8″.

I usually use a wrench when dealing with ball lock keg posts.  I have one wrench that works with both sizes – See: Hands on Review: “Ball Lock Keg Wrench” – 11/16″+7/8″ Ratcheting Wrench – via Apollo Tools Wrench Set – but having a socket is sometimes super handy and sometimes potentially required.

What about 12 Point vs 6 Point Posts?

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.

This post looks at both sizes to prove what I’m saying here, however, when looking for a 7/8″ socket, I recommend a 12 point design.  That gives you the flexibility to work with both 6 and 12 point style posts.  For the smaller 11/16″ socket, a 6 point design should work.

These Only Work With Ball Lock Kegs, Why?

These sockets will only work with standard Ball Lock Keg Posts.  Pin Lock Kegs require a special socket that has a notch in it to allow the post pin to slip through.

Lots more info… What’s the Difference Between Ball Lock Kegs and Pin Lock Kegs?

If you need a Pin Lock Socket, See: Keg Sockets – Choose Your Sockets – via Keg Connection, choose the Pin Lock Option

Hands on Review Craftsman Sockets for Ball Lock Keg Posts

This post looks at four Craftsman Deep Sockets.  I purchased these at Amazon.  Note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear when you click on the product link

• 11/16″ 6 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 3/8-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 6-Point (CMMT43336)
• 11/16″ 12 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47524)
• Not Recommended, See Conclusions at the end of this review – 7/8″ 6 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 3/8-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 6-Point (CMMT43339)
• 7/8″ 12 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47528)

CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47528)

$12.99 -$0.16 $12.83

CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47524)

Canada:

• CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47528)
• CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 3/8-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 6-Point (CMMT43336)

Since the driver that I keep in my brewery area is 3/8″ drive, I also used this adapter

Craftsman Socket Adapter 1/2″ Drive to 3/4″ (04271)

All four Craftsman Deep Well SocketsProduct Tag for 7/’8 6 PointProduct Tag for 7/’8 12 PointProduct Tag for 11/16″ 6 PointProduct Tag for 11/16″ 12 PointA look in the well side of the the 6 point socketsA look into the driver side of the 6 point socketsThe sockets with my 3/8″ drive Craftsman Ratchet.  Mine is model 44808, but most 3/8″ drive ratchets should work.

Testing the Smaller 11/16″ Sockets

The 11/16″ 6 pt Deep Well Socket works with a 11/16″ 6 pt Ball Lock PostAnother photo: The 11/16″ 6 pt Deep Well Socket works with a 11/16″ 6 pt Ball Lock PostWorky! The 11/16″ 6 pt Deep Well Socket works with a 11/16″ 6 pt Ball Lock PostThe 11/16″ 6 pt Deep Well Socket works with a 11/16″ 6 pt Ball Lock Post on a 10 Gallon Torpedo Keg – Hands on Review.  In my experience a compatible socket is a near requirement if you own this keg.  It’s possible to get to with a wrench, but tough.

Testing the Larger 7/8″ Sockets

This is a 7/8″ 6 point ball lock keg post
The 7/8″ 6 pt Deep Well Socket works with a 7/8″ 6 pt Ball Lock PostAnother photo: The 7/8″ 6 pt Deep Well Socket works with a 7/8″ 6 pt Ball Lock PostThis is a 7/8″ 12 point ball lock keg postNo worky – 7/8″ 6 pt Deep Well Socket does not work with a 12 pt Ball Lock PostThe 7/8″ 12 pt Deep Well Socket DOES work a 7/8″ 12 pt Ball Lock Post

3/8″ Driver to 1/2″ Socket

Since the driver that I keep in my brewery area is 3/8″ drive, I also used this adapter – Craftsman Socket Adapter 1/2″ Drive to 3/4″ (04271) – with the 1/2″ drive 12 pt socketsMy driver + adapter + 11/16″ 12 pt deep well My driver + adapter + 7/8″ 12 pt deep well

Conclusions

I have a lot of experience with Craftsman tools.  I think they produce quality tools at generally reasonable prices.  These sockets are well made, generally well priced and work well to remove ball lock posts.

For the smaller 11/16″ ball lock posts it probably makes sense to buy a 6 point socket.  For larger 7/8″ posts it makes sense to me to buy a 12 point socket.  The 6 pt version works with 6 pt ball lock posts, but it’s likely you’ll run into both 6 pt and 12 pt designs.  Getting the 12 pt 7/8″ means you can work with both.

Check Prices and Availability

Note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear when you click on the product link

• 11/16″ 6 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 3/8-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 6-Point (CMMT43336)
• 11/16″ 12 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47524)
• Not Recommended, See Conclusions Section – 7/8″ 6 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 3/8-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 6-Point (CMMT43339)
• 7/8″ 12 point: CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47528)

CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47528)

$12.99 -$0.16 $12.83

CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47524)

Canada:

• CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 1/2-Inch Drive, 7/8-Inch, 12-Point (CMMT47528)
• CRAFTSMAN Deep Socket, SAE, 3/8-Inch Drive, 11/16-Inch, 6-Point (CMMT43336)

Since the driver that I keep in my brewery area is 3/8″ drive, I also used this adapter

Craftsman Socket Adapter 1/2″ Drive to 3/4″ (04271)

Other Options:

If you want to look around for other potential options…

Search Amazon for “7/8″ deep socket 12 point” and 11/16″ deep socket

I suggest looking for compatible sizes, both for your driver and a proper size for the ball lock posts. you have.  As mentioned previously I recommend 12 pt for 7/8″ sockets.  Also look for quality materials and good reviews.

Also: Keg Sockets – Choose Your Sockets – via Keg Connection

Another potential solution for 12 point 7/8″ Ball Lock Post – See: Hands on Review: “Ball Lock Keg Wrench” – 11/16″+7/8″ Ratcheting Wrench – via Apollo Tools Wrench Set

Related:

• What’s the Difference Between Ball Lock Kegs and Pin Lock Kegs?
• Hands on Review: “Ball Lock Keg Wrench” – 11/16″+7/8″ Ratcheting Wrench – via Apollo Tools Wrench Set

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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 review:craftsmansockets tag:tpr