Making a Utility CO2 Line Using Luer Lock Disconnects
Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts! This is a Top Post! See: All Top Posts
What are Luer Lock Disconnects?
Luer Locks are a generally inexpensive and effective disconnect system. I think these are typically used in the healthcare industry, Luer Locks provide a solid, pressure capable connection with a quick twist.
Valved/Quick Disconnects vs Disconnects
Luer Lock connectors are not what I would call “quick disconnects” meaning that they are not valved to allow easy disengagement while pressure is turned on. You need to turn off CO2 pressure to disengage these.
Tip: If you’re using these for kegs, disconnect the ball lock gas QD before you disconnect your Luer Lock. This will prevent the keg from emptying itself of CO2.
A Hybrid Approach
Of course you could use all valved QDS or all Luer Locks in your kegerator setup. I use a hybrid approach.
Valved QDs for most of my keg lines and Luer Locks to operate a “utility” CO2 line. One of my CO2 lines has a female Luer Lock on it. I have a selection of attachments that consist of: The attachment, 5 inches or so of CO2 line and a male Luer Lock.
With this setup I can easily swap out more specialized attachments that I don’t typically need to be hooked up all the time. Since Luer Locks are generally cheap, this setup saves a good bit of money vs and entirely valved QD approach.
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My attachments include (from top to bottom in the picture above):
- A picnic tap. I put a length of tubing on the end of this and use it to flush receiving vessels with CO2.
- A Cornelius gas quick disconnect: Use this line to pressurize and serve a keg as you would any other line.
- A Cornelius liquid quick disconnect: Use this line to flush a keg with CO2 from the bottom up through the liquid out dip tube.
- A standard 1/4″ female flare fitting. I use this to hook up my Blichmann Beer Gun among other things.
- A Ball Lock Cornelius post. When I transfer from my fermenter or from keg to keg, this attachment allows me to purge the entire length of tubing, disconnects and the receiving keg (from the bottom up) via the liquid out dip tube. I used several fittings to accomplish this, but an easier and cheaper option is now available. See below.
- A Kent Soda Cap disconnect. Kent Systems QDs at MoreBeer
Other options include:
- An air compressor blow gun to flush our carboys and more with CO2 (I’m using the aforementioned picnic tap for this)
- A length of CO2 line to easily extend your CO2 runs.
This is a picture of the CO2 line I use with these utility attachments.
Luer Lock Connectors:
- MEETOOT 10pcs Female Luer Lock 1/4″ Polycarbonate Hose Barb Adapter for Laboratory Biochemical/Analytical Instruments, Food Machinery and Aquarium Equipment – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
- MEETOOT 10pcs Male Luer Lock 1/4″ PP Hose Barb Adapter for Laboratory Biochemical/Analytical Instruments, Food Machinery and Aquarium Equipment – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
- Shop around – search Amazon for luer lock 1/4
Note: These are not the Luer Locks I use. They’re very similar but from a different manufacturer. The ones I used seem to have been discontinued.
Tip: In my experience it can be difficult to get tubing onto Luer Locks. If you have this problem, try soaking your tubing in warm/hot water.
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
Other parts that may be helpful:
- Kent Shut-Off QD Set – Soda Bottle Cap H482 – Use this to carbonate in a 1 or 2 liter soda bottle. Also use to pressurize a 1 or 2 liter soda bottle for easy transport.
- Stainless Carbonation Cap
- 1/4″ Female Flare x 1/4″ Barb Swivel Adapter
- Picnic/Cobra Faucet
- I use Oetiker Clamps for my liquid, CO2 and utility lines.
Valved QDs:
- Beer & Gas Tubing Quick Disconnect – 1/4″ Barb x Male Shut-off H550A via MoreBeer
- Beer & Gas Tubing Quick Disconnect – 1/4″ Barb x Female Shut-off H550B via MoreBeer
- Colder PLCD17004 Acetal Tube Fitting, Coupler, Shutoff, In-Line, 1/4″ Flow Coupler x 1/4″ Barb via Amazon
- Colder PLCD22004 Acetal Tube Fitting, Insert, Shutoff, In-Line, 1/4″ Insert x 1/4″Barb via Amazon
DuoTight Fittings!
Kegland’s DuoTight Fittings are designed to work with EVABarrier Double Wall Tubing. They offer quick, reliable connections, easy implementation, a variety of fitting options and feature amazing versatility. They’re also, generally speaking, very well priced. DuoTights are push to connect fittings and require no tubing clamps.
DuoTights are… awesome. Check out my extensive Hands on Review
What should you do? If you have a conventional setup that you’re going to keep… I’d suggest making a utility line. If you’re just setting up a kegerator or keezer or are looking for an upgrade. DuoTights are worth a hard look.
- DuoTight Push In Fittings & EVABarrier Double Wall Draft Tubing at MoreBeer
- Kegland DuoTight Fittings and Accessories at William’s Brewing
Buy DuoTight
- DuoTight Push In Fittings & EVABarrier Double Wall Draft Tubing at MoreBeer
- Search MoreBeer for “DuoTight” – to find components and accessories that may not show up on category pages.
- Kegland DuoTight Fittings and Accessories at William’s Brewing
- Search William’s Brewing for “DuoTight” – to find components and accessories that may not show up on category pages.
- DuoTight and EVABarrier at Keg Connection – coupon code HBF5OFF saves you 5%
- Search Amazon for “DuoTight” – offerings vary
- Search Amazon for “EVABarrier Tubing” – offerings vary
- DuoTight Compatible Locking Clips via Valuebrew
Related DuoTight Reviews on How-To’s!
DuoTight Reviews, Resource Posts & How-To’s!
DuoTights are so amazing – at least in my book 🙂 – that I have several reviews and related top posts
- Hands on Review: Kegland DuoTight Ball Lock QDs!
- Hands on Review: Nukatap Counter Pressure Bottle Filler!
- Troubleshooting and Fixing DuoTight Leaks
- Five Benefits of Using Corny Kegs As Fermenters
- Using a Keg as a CO2 Source for Portable Serving!
- Hands on Review: Kegland BlowTie Spunding Valve!
- Hands on Review: Kegland DuoTight Fittings & EVABarrier Tubing!
- Hands on Review: Kegland Ball Lock Cleaning Kit and Party Pump
- Hands on Review: Kegland Inline Secondary Regulator!
- Hands on Review: Kegland DuoTight Rigid Joiners
- Building a Simple Ball Lock Draft Line Flushing Setup
- Hands on Review: Kegland Digital Gauges!
- Build a DuoTight CO2 Gas Manifold! – for Kegland EVABarrier Tubing
I Recommend These for DuoTight Fittings!
DuoTight Ball Lock QDs!
My DuoTight Review!
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Quick question – do you think that 1/4” Luer fittings would work for 5/16” gas line? Thanks.
Hey Scott… My guess is yes, with a clamp, but please don’t hold me to it if it doesn’t work.
Anyone else try this? I think the vast majority of gas lines out there are 5/16″ ID.
Great Tip! I bought me some and set it up air tight and do not even need to use clamps. Works great for me.