The containers we call Ball Lock and Pin Lock Kegs come from the soda industry. Also known as Cornelius Kegs, Corny Kegs and Corney Kegs, they were originally intended to store and disperse soda pre-mix. The big soda companies selected different style containers for their pre-mix. Pepsi landed on the Ball Lock style while Coke uses the Pin Lock style.
Homebrewers have because re-purposed these as homebrew beer kegs.
First, It is vital that you comprehend each do exactly the same thing with somewhat different and dimensions and features. Note: All measurements in this article should be considered estimated. You will find different types and manufacturers of kegs. Their dimensions are generally approximately the same, however, many kegs and manufacturers vary slightly. There are numerous sizes of kegs readily available such as 2.5, 3, 5, 10 and 15 gallons. This article concentrates on the frequently used 5 gallon dimension.
The first thing you will notice is measurements – Pin Lock Kegs wider than Ball Lock kegs. Pin Locks are also shorter than Ball Lock Kegs. Ball Lock on Left, Pin Lock on Right. Both of these kegs use a ~5 gallon capability.
Generally speaking… Each Ball Lock and Pin Lock design covers are identical dimension and they are exchangeable. You can use a Ball Lock Lid over a Pin Lock Keg and the other way around. A big difference are the PRV (pressure comfort device) features in between the two designs. Have automated safety PRV valves. That is, when the stress gets excessive, both will automatically vent for safety factors. The difference is at manual PRV performance.
Ball Lock Keg covers have a draw diamond ring that permits you to manually vent the keg as you’d like. You may wish to accomplish that with regards to removing the keg cover or vent excess stress in an effort to get down to your lower pressure. Having a manual PRV device is definitely an advantage inside my book and also on this count Ball Lock Style kegs win. Again, they are general statements, check with the keg’s manufacturer or supplier for specific keg lid measurements and PRV functionality. Note: There exists an additional more uncommon scale of cover/keg psssmu racetrack design. These are certainly not interchangeable with standard covers.
Because standard Ball Lock and Pin Lock Lids are interchangeable. An excellent upgrade for Pin Lock kegs is to replace Pin Lock design lids with Ball Lock Style Lids. Ball Lock design covers are, in my view, exceptional because the handbook PRV allows you to easily vent your keg as needed.
Ball Lock: The two main main post dimensions for standard ball lock kegs. 11/16″ and 7/8″”. These can come in each 6 point and 12 point, suitable variations. For your larger 7/8″” posts I have observed both 6 point and 12 point styles. A 12 point plug will work on the 6 point article, however, not the other way round. For the smaller 11/16″” articles I actually have only observed 6 point. Not saying that 12 point do not really exist, I just do not recall viewing any. We have seen a couple of other dimensions – 5/8″” and 9/16″”, however i would individually think about these more rare, and low-regular.
This will be significant from a device point of view. I suggest a 12 point plug or wrench for larger 7/8″” posts. Smaller sized 11/16″” post ought to work with either 6 or 12 point resources. Pin Lock: I’m conscious of one regular size 13/16″. As previously mentioned this involves a special notched plug.