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used Keg equipments?
Is it safe to buy some used keg equipments ?
What will be possible precaution and some checklist if some one have experiance with used ones?
Definitely make sure the keg itself holds pressure before you buy. If it doesn't hold pressure, look elsewhere. Once you get beyond that, the first thing I do is remove and clean every piece of the keg , and replace all the seals.
Once I have done that, I put it back together & pressurize it with some sanitizer, which I pump into the lines & leave for about 30 minutes. It seems to have worked so far, as I have not had any problems with buying used kegs yet.
Where would one go to get used Keg equipment? Would they sell that at a local home brew shop?
Most shops that I have been to offer used keg equipment (Northern Brewer does for sure for those of us in St. Paul), which are verified to hold pressure. They also have replacement seals on hand (Add about $5 to the cost of the keg) and replacement valves/poppets if needed later.
My first keg was purchased brand new, but I have since added two more (And plan to get a third), which have given me absolutely no trouble.
The main problem I have with buying used keg equipment at the homebrew shop is the dealer usually wants top dollar for it.
Search craigslist, gargage sales, or the newspaper. Right now brewers discount (the name of the web site) has 5 gallon cornies on sale for $16.50 plus shipping. For one, it's no deal. If you buy 3+ (which is a good idea), that's a good deal!
No local homebrew shop is going to sell them that cheap.
I often read ags on craigslist where someone got a wild hair and quit homebrewing, so he sold his entire stash for pennies. Cash in!
Sometimes its just a matter of being in the right place as the right time.
Remember, co2 bottles are NOT shipped full. They are considered hazardous material. For those you might as well buy locally.
Thanks for the suggestion about craigslist.
By the way, I think I've heard of some people using soda pop kegs. Have you ever used those?
Ricardo wrote:
Thanks for the suggestion about craigslist.
By the way, I think I've heard of some people using soda pop kegs. Have you ever used those?
That's exactly what a Cornelius keg is... a former pop keg. When I opened mine after I bought them, I could still smell Dr. Pepper, or whatever.
Cornelius and Firestone kegs are almost identical. One has a bent dip stick, the other doesn't. Both work equally fine for this. Be sure to get ball lock. Pepsi is ball, Coke is pin. Ball lock are generally more common and easier to find replacement parts for.
I currently have 10 and am thinking about getting several more.
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