Pressure Barrels - More than you wanted to know!

[Buffers brewery]

Really enjoyed reading your thread, just a few pointers, I have been helped here in the passed, by yourself and a few of the other guys and all been most helpful, the point is ,you like using the PTFE tape, whilst others don’t and I have been told that the Cap on the KK does not need to be really tightened, because it might distort the large o ring in the cap, I am still having issues with my barrels but just finding out the best way forward, what I think I will definitely do is purchase a bottom tap KK, also I have a sparkler tap, I might also try that

If you’re having issues with sealing your barrels you might look at buying a KK that has a Schrader valve as well as the S30 valve. That way you can pressurise your barrel with air from a tyre pump and do a serious water test (dunk it in the bath or the like) to trace any leaks. I think Balliihoo do one. There are probably others. Good choice, KK and Sparkler tap. I prefer top tap as the bottom tap tap tip is very close to the floor. Ok if it’s always overhanging a shelf though.

 

[Steeley]

Just got to find where I put the sparkler tap now, but the Schrader seems a good solution, thanks for your help

 

[Hazelwood Brewery]

Really enjoyed reading your thread, just a few pointers, I have been helped here in the passed, by yourself and a few of the other guys and all been most helpful, the point is ,you like using the PTFE tape, whilst others don’t and I have been told that the Cap on the KK does not need to be really tightened, because it might distort the large o ring in the cap, I am still having issues with my barrels but just finding out the best way forward, what I think I will definitely do is purchase a bottom tap KK, also I have a sparkler tap, I might also try that

My view - There is little chance of distorting the cap seal unless you are a gorilla using a cap spanner and a scaffold pole!

On PTFE tape, this is to get a better mesh of the threads so the tap fixing nut doesn’t jump the threads. As far as I’m concerned it’s tried and tested and has served my well.

I should say, everything I’ve written is based on my own experience so feel free to do what you feel is right and come back to my post for ideas IF you then have a problem.

 

[Steeley]

My view - There is little chance of distorting the cap seal unless you are a gorilla using a cap spanner and a scaffold pole!

On PTFE tape, this is to get a better mesh of the threads so the tap fixing nut doesn’t jump the threads. As far as I’m concerned it’s tried and tested and has served my well.

I should say, everything I’ve written is based on my own experience so feel free to do what you feel is right and come back to my post for ideas IF you then have a problem.

Thanks H I will, when we spoke last time, I was having problems with air bubbles in my beer blowing back when I poured a pint and then slowing down to a stop, I even bought a new cap and tried that but to no avail, admittedly this was a cheaper barrel from Young’s with bottom tap.
The KK I am preserving with, I might be going over the top, I intend to go back to basics and start from scratch, but one thing hit me with your thread all your KK are bottom tap, interesting.

 

[Clint]

I've looked for the little expander tool H used to make fitting the pressure relief rubber easy...they're either out of stock or expensive!
On my regular trawl through fishing tackle web sites I came across a pellet bander used to fit a small rubber band around a bait pellet...this will do the job..for around £5!

 

[Hazelwood Brewery]

I've looked for the little expander tool H used to make fitting the pressure relief rubber easy...they're either out of stock or expensive!
On my regular trawl through fishing tackle web sites I came across a pellet bander used to fit a small rubber band around a bait pellet...this will do the job..for around £5!

That’s bloody good value - have you a picture or link to it?

I think my rubber sleeve expander was closer to £30.

 

[kelper]

That’s bloody good value - have you a picture or link to it?

I think my rubber sleeve expander was closer to £30.

99p on eBay New Pellet Bander Tool Micro Bait Bands Match Coarse Fishing Terminal Tackle set 6165446024363 | eBay

 

[Clint]

Thanks Kelper...even cheaper..
On the subject...Ballihoo Homebrew have bottom tap (black as recommended by H),king kegs with their new cap with pressure valve and square seal, pressure gauge,s30 pin valve, £58.99.
They also have multi packs of the valve rubbers,o rings etc in stock. Free shipping over £65...I might invest...

 

[Hazelwood Brewery]

99p on eBay New Pellet Bander Tool Micro Bait Bands Match Coarse Fishing Terminal Tackle set 6165446024363 | eBay

If that’s man enough to do the job - amazing!

@Clint if you buy one you have to let us know if it does the job.

 

[Clint]

Shall do..

 

[Old Geezer]

Thanks Kelper...even cheaper..
On the subject...Ballihoo Homebrew have bottom tap (black as recommended by H),king kegs with their new cap with pressure valve and square seal, pressure gauge,s30 pin valve, £58.99.
They also have multi packs of the valve rubbers,o rings etc in stock. Free shipping over £65...I might invest...

If its any help all my King Kegs are from Ballihoo and I've not had any problems with them. I have changed all the taps to a "Brewgas deluxe Sparkler Tap" though, it makes it so much easier to pour a good pint.

 

[CD]

99p on eBay New Pellet Bander Tool Micro Bait Bands Match Coarse Fishing Terminal Tackle set 6165446024363 | eBay

Has anybody actually tried using one of these to expand the pressure relief rubber bands? It looks far too flimsy to me.

 

[Hazelwood Brewery]

Has anybody actually tried using one of these to expand the pressure relief rubber bands? It looks far too flimsy to me.

I think @Clint is planning to give it a try but like you, I suspect it won’t be up to the job.

The sleeve expander is the right tool but it is pricey for occasional use. On the other hand it’s a one-off purchase of a tool that will last many years and makes the job easier.

 

[Hazelwood Brewery]

For those people with just one or two kegs not wanting to invest in a sleeve expander...

As I have a sleeve expander tool, and as long as I’m not inundated, I’m happy to replace the pressure release rubber for anyone that would like me to. I’ll happily do this free of charge as long as you supply everything and accept the risk of it going missing in the post.

If you’d like me to do this for you, just send the main body of the valve, the new rubber sleeve, and a stamped self-addressed envelope for me to use to post it back.

Royal Mail charge 88p second class or £1.15 for first class to send a large letter weighing up to 100g. The key factor is the thickness of the package which cannot be more than 25mm so any protective wrapping has to be thin.

I’ve had a look at a couple of options and the best is to put the valve and new rubber sleeve inside something like half a small cake box or a toilet roll centre wrapped with sellotape. This is mostly to stop the valve breaking through the envelope in transit. Either way, with the valve, rubber, and two envelopes (A5 or A4, one for me to return the valve) the package should be just under 100g and almost exactly 25mm thick.





Just PM me if you’d like me to do this for you.

 

[CD]

Shall do..

I'd save your money Clint. All 99p of it, plus postage probably.

 

[CD]

For just £3.85 inc. postage, you can get a 'Professional Elastrator rubber ring castrator' on e-bay. Far tougher, and with four fingers for expanding strong rubber rings for putting on lambs knackers and/or tails. (They don't seem to mind, and not docking sheep's tails is far more cruel, as their mucky backsides attract blowflies, who lay their eggs which hatch into maggots which bury into the flesh and start eating the sheep alive. Just thought you'd like to know!)

 

[kelper]

Don't give my wife ideas!

 

[Hazelwood Brewery]

For just £3.85 inc. postage, you can get a 'Professional Elastrator rubber ring castrator' on e-bay. Far tougher, and with four fingers for expanding strong rubber rings for putting on lambs knackers and/or tails. (They don't seem to mind, and not docking sheep's tails is far more cruel, as their mucky backsides attract blowflies, who lay their eggs which hatch into maggots which bury into the flesh and start eating the sheep alive. Just thought you'd like to know!)

Four-fingers? Ouch!

 

[kelper]

I have these, but not used yet. They look like the mutt's nuts but the vet saved me from that job. Ring Applicator Pliers - For Fitting Valve Seals - Balliihoo

 

[CD]

I have these, but not used yet. They look like the mutt's nuts but the vet saved me from that job. Ring Applicator Pliers - For Fitting Valve Seals - Balliihoo

I reckon they look the bee's knees, and probably better than Hellerman pliers as they have 4, not 3 fingers.