Hey guys, quick question. What size tubing do you run? I bought two used kegs today from the local store ($55 for ball lock conversions). I also bought 2 sets of ball lock QDs and a manifold. Everything I bought came with 1/4" barb fittings (CO2 manifold = 1/4 barb in and 3x 1/4 barb out with isolation valves; both gas and liquid ball locks have 1/4" barbs). So, I bought 1/4" tubing. Now from Amazon, I am trying to buy the CO2 regulator and the faucets but both come with 3/8" barbs. I know pressure balancing is important so I don't want to reduce the beer lines in the middle of the run. CO2 line doesn't really matter because the pressure will be the same regardless. Thoughts? Do I replace the liquid line ball lock fittings to 3/8"? As of today I have the following 5 lb CO2 tank Arrives on Tuesday: Dual Pressure Regulator: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0060NOX40/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 3 way manifold (1/4" barbs) 2 coke kegs with pepsi (ball lock fittings) 2 sets of ball lock fittings (1/4" barbs) Arrives on Tuesday: 2 Beer Faucets: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LXD5DTQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 And I bought 40' of 1/4 tubing. I wanted extra to route the lines neatly and to make extra lines (carb'ing / cleaning) So, as you can see I have 2 cases where the fittings don't match each other nor the line size. Please help out a rookie. **Edit: I suppose the barbs could be 3/16". They sizes weren't noted so I took the fitting to the tube isle and the 1/4" fit like a glove... So now I am confused... HAHA!
3/16" ID for the liquid. 5 to 6 feet is pretty typical for a 'normal' setup (11 psi, 2.5 vols CO2, 38 degrees). 5/15" is pretty common for gas but, as you noted, that's not too important. FWIW, my barbed liquid ball lock connectors are 1/4" and I had no trouble finessing 3/16" lines on them. Soak the ends in hot water for a minute or so to soften them up a bit. 3/8" barbs on the faucets may be pushing it a little. If they're not permanently affixed to the shanks, you can buy smaller. Otherwise, you'll need new shanks with 1/4" or preferably 3/16" barbs.
Thanks for the info. The barb fittings on the faucets are threaded so I will replace them. I thought I did all the research before buying everything, but I didn't look into line sizes. Luckily the tubing wasn't expensive.
