Kegging?

[ArtCox]

Silly ?? What is the difference between a Pin Lock Keg and a Ball Lock Keg?
Also, which is better for a someone just starting out as far as kits?

Thanks,

[Don]

Cornelius kegs come in two different types. One is a pin lock style and the other is a ball lock style. The pin lock and ball lock both refer to the way the quick disconnects attach to the Cornelius keg.

Pin Lock Cornelius Kegs are also known as Coke kegs, because this style was used exclusively by Coca Cola Company and use a pin-lock style disconnect to connect and disconnect to the liquid and gas lines. Pin lock Cornelius kegs have small pins around the perimeter of the post. The disconnects are pressed on the post and the collar rotates to lock onto the pins.

Ball lock Cornelius kegs are used by Pepsi, this style was used by Pepsi but was also used by everyone else so this style became more popular than the pin lock. Ball lock Cornelius kegs use a ball lock disconnect to connect and disconnect to the liquid and gas lines. Ball lock disconnects lock on by lifting up the collar, pushing it on the post and then releasing the collar.

The Differences:

Other than the connections there are a couple of other differences that you find between the two styles. The first difference is the dimensions. A Pepsi style keg is about 3” taller and 1” smaller in diameter than a coke style keg.

The second thing you will find is that the Ball Lock Cornelius Kegs typically have a pull ring relief valve in the center of the lid while the coke style Cornelius Kegs have a “fuse” type relief valve. In the case of the Pin Lock Cornelius Keg most people just depress the gas side post to relieve pressure from the keg.

[Don]

[Don]

Also, which is better for a someone just starting out as far as kits?

Thanks,

I didn't answer this question because we all have our own reason for using the type we do.
Most of the time it's what you can get cheapest.
They do now make a conversion kit for @$10 that will let you convert a pin lock to a ball lock.
http://www.cornykeg.com/catalog.asp?prodid=682504

When you start buying, if you keep to one style, it will help your equipment cost.

I think most of the club has ball lock.
When we set the brew cart up at an outing we will usually have a couple of pin lock kegs, mostly ball lock.
(maybe that just means the the ball lock people share their beer and the pin lock people don't?)

[ArtCox]

Thanks Don,
I have it now. The video was a great help.

Which is better for someone just starting in Kegging? I found some complete setups for a reasonable price.

[Chris Norrick]

Ball lock are far and away more common among homebrewers for the reasons Don gave. The biggest one being more of them were manufactured. This means parts, all the cool kegging gadgets, and your friends will most likely have ball lock if you need a part or want to swap beer. Unless you are friends with Kenny Lucas...

[Chris Norrick]

Goog kegging post with an instructional PDF: http://www.ovha.net/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=330