I haven't bought corny kegs in about 10 years, but through the process of attrition I'm beginning to believe it's time. Any recommendations for a good, and cheap, source of ball lock corny kegs online these days?
Have you tried replacing parts?...eg. poppets, lids, o-rings, etc.? At least you know what you got now...unlike other used kegs. The keg itself is kinda go/no go...unless it's got a hole in it : )
I have, but through a long to explain story the issue isn't the connections, but a few broke kegs from last winter have left me with too few.
I don't think such a thing exists! But might want to check http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/Cornelius_Kegs_for_Homebrew_Beer_s/125.htm remembering that is CDN dollars, might make them the cheapest place. Just a thought.
http://www.kegconnection.com I like using them. Their kegs are flawless quality. They aren't the cheapest, however. I won't ever buy a different keg. I prefer quality. Spend the money now, last forever.
No such thing as cheap ball lock anymore. Here is my local store that usually has fair prices. http://www.homebrewing.org/Home-Brew-Kegs_c_223.html
Are you referring to their used cornies or to their new Italian kegs? I have a couple of the Italians, and they are ok. OP: I you opt for an Italian keg, be sure to spring the extra 10 bucks or whatever for the rubber handle version. The metal handle version is difficult and even painful to carry when full. There's also the AIH Chinese kegs. Build quality seems fine. My only real issue with them is that the standard corny diptube O-rings (the size lots of people buy in bulk from McMaster Carr) may or may not give you a good seal. The O-rings that come with the keg are larger, and AIH hasn't divulged the specs.* They will be happy to sell you replacement O-Rings though. *Someone did, in another thread, measure them with a micrometer, but I wasn't able to find a McMaster Carr O-Ring that matched or came very close to the measurements.
The Chinese kegs from AIH are fine. The welds were a bit dirty and needed some good scrubbing before use. 'Twas I who measured the o rings and they are indeed thicker. They are a decent deal for 75 bucks. Mcever distributers has super clean used ball locks for 45 bucks not including shipping. Don't trust the shipping Calc though. Typically it's about 10 bucks to ship an empty keg across country. I'm posting from my phone now, so I can't post pics of the kegs I bought from Mcever right now. Will do later today. Suckers showed up looking brand new though.
Just bought a used one from AIH (homebrewing.org) and it was in great condition, I didn't even need to replace the gaskets even though they sent a whole new set. I think they sell them in packs of four as well….but gone are the days of the $20 cronies (I remember my first was a buy four get one free for like $100 back like 8 years ago)
I am referring to the new Italian kegs. I think they are great. I don't really see the need for anything of greater quality.
There is a Chinese company making 6 gallon kegs for sale on Alibaba. I want one. Too bad they cost $100 with $100 shipping. Pass. It would be nice if a USA vendor bought a bunch and sold them for a reasonable price. The AMCYL kegs made in India are $75. Used kegs cost almost as much these days. I initially bought used kegs. Next time, I'm buying new kegs.
Do some checking on your local Craigslist first. I've found some good deals over the years on corny kegs and brewing equipment in general. Also, the 1/6th barrels are getting pretty cheap to buy new- I see them for $79.00-$99.00. Just have to get a sanke tap (I found a low profile one a few years ago for $50 on Amazon that works great). Corny kegs are getting harder and harder to find for good prices. I remember the good ole days 4 barely used ball locks reconditioned for $100.00 bucks! Wish I stocked up more back then. You can really never have too many kegs.
I've used these guys three times. If you ship in even multiples of "four kegs" the shipping isn't too bad. Also, when you order, fill up with accessories. Their price for things like QDs, swivel nuts, lids, diptubes, posts, are below other retail outlets, plus they throw it all in with no additional shipping. If you think their website is squirelly, just call 'em up. I found them easy to work with.
