Been away a while. Need a tip on keg/ tier brewing.

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by Buebie, May 30, 2013.

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  1. Buebie

    Buebie Initiate (0) Jan 11, 2007 Minnesota

    I've been away from the site for a while, I have not brewed in almost 2 years. I miss it and now have a dedicated space for the process once again.

    I was using the 10 gallon orange coolers for mash and sparge and boiling on the stove.
    Now, I have a couple empty 10 gallon kegs and a tier system a buddy welded up with a burner.

    From this point on I'm in new territory and am very intimidated by the kegs. I know I need to release the pressure before cutting the tops but I am very nervous about when its safe to begin cutting etc.
    What is a good how-to that someone like me should reference for this process?
    I want to nail down the proper tools to use and method. As well as the hardware I will need to get the keg's brew ready. I don't have pumps, nor o I posses the technical know how to contemplate that aspect at this time. Although that is something down the road that I would consider. For now it will be a gravity thing.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.
     
    #1 Buebie, May 30, 2013
  2. dfess1

    dfess1 Initiate (0) May 20, 2003 Pennsylvania

    All you should need to do is remove the spear in the keg. A set of snap ring pliers (I believe anyway, haven't looked at a half barrel in a while) to remove the retaining ring, then take out the spear. Then no more pressure and cut away.
     
    #2 dfess1, May 30, 2013
    kristougher likes this.
  3. inchrisin

    inchrisin Pooh-Bah (2,013) Sep 25, 2008 Indiana
    Pooh-Bah


    I think that the instant you drill your pilot hole in your keg it will release any pressure. Eye ware would be advised, as with using any power tools, but the pressure shouldn't be blowing anything back at you in an empty keg. Am I wrong?

    There is a youtube video where the guy builds a guide that allows him to work around the rim of the keg so the cut is cylindrical. He uses some scrap 2x4s.
     
    #3 inchrisin, May 30, 2013
  4. scurvy311

    scurvy311 Savant (1,135) Dec 3, 2005 Louisiana

    When it is time to cut the tops off, use a plasma torch. Even if you have to bring them to a welder. It will take seconds to cut the tops off. A grinder will work, but will take some time. Be sure to use a cutoff wheel made specifically for stainless if you go the grinder route. Do not use an oxy/fuel torch, if you have your own. They do not produce enough heat for a clean cut on stainless.

    PS I hope you sourced your 10gal kegs legitimately.

    As far as hardware, most homebrew shops and online brew stores sell selfless ball valves and related equipment. Once you decide on your specific process, you should be able to sketch out hardware needs.
     
    #4 scurvy311, May 30, 2013
  5. warchez

    warchez Zealot (545) Oct 19, 2004 Massachusetts

    To release the pressure without spraying yourself with left over beer residue I do the following. I drive a screw or nail into a scrap piece of lumber about two feet long. I leave about a inch or so of the screw/nail above the wood so its sticking up. Invert the keg over that nail/screw head and push down on the ball. The keg will hiss as it releases the CO2 pressure. Then you are good to remove the spear if desired and start the cutting process.
     
    #5 warchez, May 30, 2013
  6. scurvy311

    scurvy311 Savant (1,135) Dec 3, 2005 Louisiana

    Edit: weldless ball valves
     
    #6 scurvy311, May 30, 2013
  7. premierpro

    premierpro Savant (1,060) Mar 21, 2009 Michigan

    Gravity is your friend!
     
    #7 premierpro, May 30, 2013
  8. Buebie

    Buebie Initiate (0) Jan 11, 2007 Minnesota

    I robbed them from a guy with a giant cowboy hat one night that was playing with some sort of paddle ball while holding a box filled with Coors. He accidentally placed his wallet in a newspaper stand and asked me to watch the kegs while he went to break a 20 for some quarters to spring the wallet out.
     
    #8 Buebie, Jul 16, 2013
    psnydez86, kristougher and scurvy311 like this.
  9. Beerontwowheels

    Beerontwowheels Initiate (0) Nov 22, 2009 Maryland

    Sounds legit.
     
    #9 Beerontwowheels, Jul 16, 2013
  10. scurvy311

    scurvy311 Savant (1,135) Dec 3, 2005 Louisiana

    I saw that. We're you the old lady on the scooter? You know what they say about senior citizens, although slow and dangerous behind the wheel, can still serve a purpose? I guess the purpose is theft. :slight_smile:
     
    #10 scurvy311, Jul 16, 2013
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