Locking your taps closed

[xozzx]

I have been trying to think of the best way to lock my beer taps closed. I have 2 cats that love to jump up on the keezer and always worried one time they will knock a tap open and empty a keg all over the kitchen.

I considered putting a JG valve in the line just before the taps but this will be a hassle having to open the lid every time I want a beer. Another thought was to attach stretchy straps behind each tap which I could pull over them to hold them closed, I bought some from ebay (was meant for bra making) but they arent stretchy enough. Before I order some different straps does anyone use anything different or have any great ideas?

cheers

 

[kelper]

Just shorten the handle.....

 

[Leon103]

Unscrew the handle

 

[peebee]

I have a "big red button". Okay, so it's a dial, but the button image is better.

It energises a 12/24V line so I can "switch on" specific taps (little green buttons). Solenoid valves on the beer and gas lines do the rest. When the timer started by the "big red button" elapses, everything closes down (taps, gas lines, primary regulator).

Paranoia in action (and I don't have kids, cats or dogs, and I'm pretty sure I've exterminated any rats).

Liquid and gas solenoid valves:

And when you've got them installed, then look what paranoia can do to a demented mind:

Even the hand-pumps get sealed (added benefit; the beer in the cylinder doesn't go off). This shot from construction phase:

 

[Benfleet Brewery]

I have a "big red button". Okay, so it's a dial, but the button image is better.

It energises a 12/24V line so I can "switch on" specific taps (little green buttons). Solenoid valves on the beer and gas lines do the rest. When the timer started by the "big red button" elapses, everything closes down (taps, gas lines, primary regulator).

Paranoia in action (and I don't have kids, cats or dogs, and I'm pretty sure I've exterminated any rats).

Liquid and gas solenoid valves:

View attachment 32567

And when you've got them installed, then look what paranoia can do to a demented mind:

View attachment 32568

Even the hand-pumps get sealed (added benefit; the beer in the cylinder doesn't go off). This shot from construction phase:

View attachment 32569

What an excellent idea. Thanks for that. I’ve just ordered two valves for my twin taps in the garden. I’ll be able to connect them up to my home automation system and have Alexa turn them on and off me.

 

[kelper]

Bloody heck! Do you have a spout above your bed too?

 

[peebee]

I've considered getting Alexa involved, but fortunately I think paranoia works in my favour this time … no way! To use @kelper's words:

"Bloody heck! Do you have a spout above your bed too?".


And have you considered where this might go:

 

[Clint]

Keezer Guard...
works for cheese or boiled ham.
Provides property security and general companionship and well being for free.
Might bite.

 

[peebee]

What an excellent idea. Thanks for that. I’ve just ordered two valves for my twin taps in the garden. I’ll be able to connect them up to my home automation system and have Alexa turn them on and off me.

CAVEAT: (You didn't want to hear that now you've bought the valves!). The style of solenoid water valve I've pictured do put quite a severe restriction on the beer line even when open. The restriction might cause CO2 to break out of solution creating foam. Causes me no trouble at all, but I do prefer low carbonation even on my "keg" beers (perhaps 7-8PSI at 7-8°C).

On my hand-pumps (virtually no pressure) I do not use "sparklers" (evil things!) but have fine heads on my beer. I now suspect the water valve is causing an effect like a "sparkler"?

 

[Benfleet Brewery]

CAVEAT: (You didn't want to hear that now you've bought the valves!). The style of solenoid water valve I've pictured do put quite a severe restriction on the beer line even when open. The restriction might cause CO2 to break out of solution creating foam. Causes me no trouble at all, but I do prefer low carbonation even on my "keg" beers (perhaps 7-8PSI at 7-8°C).

On my hand-pumps (virtually no pressure) I do not use "sparklers" (evil things!) but have fine heads on my beer. I now suspect the water valve is causing an effect like a "sparkler"?

Ah. I’ll see how it goes. I have long 3/16 beer lines so there probably some adjustments possible.

 

[KEG_KINGDOM]

Put a spring in your faucet?

 

[umfana]

I have been trying to think of the best way to lock my beer taps closed. I have 2 cats that love to jump up on the keezer and always worried one time they will knock a tap open and empty a keg all over the kitchen.

I considered putting a JG valve in the line just before the taps but this will be a hassle having to open the lid every time I want a beer. Another thought was to attach stretchy straps behind each tap which I could pull over them to hold them closed, I bought some from ebay (was meant for bra making) but they arent stretchy enough. Before I order some different straps does anyone use anything different or have any great ideas?

cheers

What taps do you have?
I use these in my intertaps. Work rather well.
￡0.41 | INTERTAP AUTO CLOSE SPRING.
https://a.aliexpress.com/_B1J8LW

 

[xozzx]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. The springs sound like the perfect solution, I have nukatap which is same as intertap so will order the ones from aliexpress.

 

[peebee]

Those springs look like a much cheaper and simpler solution than I built and ... and ... ... oh, I seem to have springs as well.

"Belts and braces", it's just the British way!