kegging

brianhall1024 · Post by **brianhall1024** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 5:15 pm

So i am already tired of bottling and am looking at getting a kegerator and kegging my brews. I am very new to this hobby and would love input on what to get and where to get it. Thanks in advance! Looking forward to getting to know everyone in the club!

Post by **JimPotts** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 7:37 pm

Most of us use used Cornelius kegs (the ball-lock variety). Joe at BIY happens to have them in stock.
The minimum setup would be a co2 bottle, a regulator, and a picnic/cobra tap. If you want to have multiple kegs hooked up, you'll need a manifold to split the co2 line.
If you want to have taps on the fridge, you'll need shanks and taps. Most people in the club prefer Perlick taps. They cost more, but they never stick, and they last forever. You'll also need a step-drill or a knockout punch (to put the holes in the door), but you can probably borrow one from one of us.
I thick Joe carries most of what you'll need. Anything he doesn't have, Rapids Wholesale probably does. I'd check with him first for everything.
-Jim

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Post by **JimPotts** » Mon Aug 26, 2013 7:39 pm

Oh, and you can "rent"/exchange co2 bottles at the welding supply shops.

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TappedOut · Post by **TappedOut** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 8:51 am

Hawkeye Fire is a good source for CO2 tank and refills. They may take a day depending on if the guy who does it is in or not. You also tend to get a lot less attitude than welding shops, in my experience.

Post by **JimPotts** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 9:37 am

I also use Hawkeye. The downside is they don't do tank-exchanges, so when the date on the tank is up, you have to have it hydrotested (not a big deal). And like Tom said, they're really nice to deal with. I once accidentally left a tank there for 6 months. No troubles at all.

-Jim

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Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 10:54 am

I am also a Hawkeye Fire fan. I usually drop off in the morning and pick it up after work. No hassels at all. My 20lbs tank usually last me 3-4 years running 4 taps and force carbonating most of my beers.

bf514921 · Post by **bf514921** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 6:24 pm

I will 12th hawkeye, always easy to wrk with

brianhall1024 · Post by **brianhall1024** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:15 pm

Thanks guys for your input! I have a refrigerator that i may be converting or may end up buying a kegerator. Can one buy the CO2 tank from Hawkeye as well?

brianhall1024 · Post by **brianhall1024** » Tue Aug 27, 2013 7:17 pm

I see the "rent" comment, could that be clarified for me please?

Bones · Post by **Bones** » Mon Nov 04, 2013 3:02 pm

I exchange my 5 and 15# tanks at Airgas near Cargill downtown CR. House stink at 8-5 M-F is my only issue. I was given a 15# CO2 tank years ago and my 5#'er was part of my keezer purchase this year so I am no help on the buying aspect. My keezer may be for sale/trade soon for a standard fridge.

I have never bottled and never plan to

Post by **JimPotts** » Tue Nov 05, 2013 10:09 am

I just spent way too long trying to figure out what "house stink" in CO2 was.

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