Ball Lock vs. Pin Lock?

[Kahluaman]

I know that ball locks are more popular but can anyone give me some first hand knowledge on likes and dislikes? I'm leaning towards pin locks just to be a rebel!

[Push Eject]

I started with pin locks (I think my LBHS guy was just pushing them on me to be rid of them), but ended up dumping them all within a year or two and going ball lock.

It's just easier as so many other people, clubs, places have ball lock fittings and sharing things becomes transparent.

Go ball lock, IMHO.

Push Eject

[DannyW]

Pin locks are a little shorter and a little wider, so if your fridge has tight veritcal clearance, that might make a difference.

IMHO pin locks are a better design because you can't put the connectors on the wrong posts. If you get the ball locks backward, one of them will go on and then not come off again without a dremel.

Most people I know use ball lock, so if you have pin locks you will have a harder time participating in festivals, group tastings, that sort of thing.

Ball lock kegs seem easier to find, but if you run across pin locks you might be able to get them real cheap because nobody wants them!

[Push Eject]

If you get the ball locks backward, one of them will go on and then not come off again without a dremel.

I have never had to cut a connector. It just takes some nuts pull that fucker off.

Push E.

[BrewBum]

Who would have thought, Push likes Balls!!

[speed]

well, you know if it doesn't fit, force it.

[lilybrew]

I like pin locks better but unless you can get them dirt cheap I'd avoid them. They are becoming rarer and rarer. Also I've heard they tend to be in worse shape.

If you do go withthem, use flare disconnects instead of of barb so its not as painful to switch back and forth.

[Chris_J]

Could you take a pinlock keg and swap the posts out for ball lock style ones? I seem to remember someone saying that the threads are different sizes. Another thing, couldn't you mix the types of kegs on your kegerator? As long as the quick disconnect is the right format there shouldn't be any problem, right?