New to keg beer and having trouble

I have never had to deal with one of those on a kegerator, but based on plumbing experience I'd say it is a compression fitting and you are missing the ferrule. Might be able to find one at a hardware store. Bring the parts with you.

 

Yes, they come in brass and plastic

 

Personally I would buy a new one piece shank assy. That removable shank is the dumbest thing ever invented!!

 

http://www.micromatic.com/draft-keg-beer/taps-faucets-pid-4329A-3E.html

 

This. Don't rebuild what you have, it's not worth the headaches. Just buy a whole new assembly.

 

Keg is empty, turn it off. Rear closing faucets gum up with dry beer. Either clean or get front closers like Perlick 525's. No good device for telling how much is left, but lots of techniques. Put a penny cup on top and move a penny for every pint and depending on what size keg you will know when it is about out. Lift test every now and then works. Over time you will develop an appreciation of how much is left.

 

"BubbaGus73, post: 3127989, member: 910494"]Would there happen to be a "sticky" posted somewhere in these forums for people like me who are new to keg beer? Use the search feature.Otherwise go to Micromatic forums they have good stickies for Noobs
I have lots of questions.

1. I was curious if I should turn off the CO2 tank now that my keg is empty.You Dont have to turn off unless your going a few day empty.I just use the the shut off valve on the regulator.

2. My tap handle sticks after a few days of non use. Should I disassemble it and clean it every day?Take apart clean good.Then should be good for atleast two weeks with out a cleaning.

3. Is there a device made to show how much beer is left in the keg? ( I was having a problem with foam and after 20 minutes of adjusting, I realized the keg was out)....told ya I was a noob =p They make a stick on decal to tell how much beer is left in keg.I just lift and shake to get a good gauge.

 

You could. No real benefit one way or the other. The real question is why are you out of beer?

That's expected with standard faucets. You could either clean it (probably a good practice in any case) or replace it with a forward seal faucet.

I guess a bathroom scale would work until you develop a sense for it. I always have a few beers on deck, so I simply switch when a keg kicks.

 

Ok the smartstrip is no longer available.Don't think it worked that well either.Just pick your keg up.

 

If you are using commercial kegs having your own will not help you, you won't be able to get it filled. Best and cleanest route is to pay the deposit, or plan properly around running out - order the next before the current one is done. The store will hold them for you for a little bit while you finish up. Always have your next one in mind!

 

you really should not go buying an empty keg from someone off the street. though it is possible to buy an empty keg directly from a manufacturer like Sabco (they are expensive and require a pallet order for example) know that anyone with an empty keg laying around, knowingly or not, is holding on to someone elses property. and when you buy that keg it is called stealing.

i short, get to know your supplier, don't encourage keg theft.

lastly, a keg costs more than $50. the deposit does not cover the cost of the keg.
Cheers.

 

Pay the deposit and swap out at your whim. That $50 is yours any time you want it back, so it's not really a 'cost' - just return the last keg. If you want to pay less than $50, then develop a rapport with the dealer. If he knows you won't skip town with the keg, he doesn't need a deposit. The only time I pay a deposit is when the owner is not there to take care of me.