Introduction: 5L Mini Keg Tap
I have sitting on my counter the Krups Beertender I converted (https://www.instructables.com/id/Krups-Beerteender-Conversion/), but for the Superbowl I realized how non-portable this solution was. So I set out to find a easy and cheap portable tap that I could use from a cooler, counter top, or fridge.
After looking online, I found this: http://forum.northernbrewer.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=61167&sid=f054f78a221afd9740f0c31521c11bc4 , which really helped me with the basics and why not to use brass/copper. His design is pretty great, but I think I have been able to simplify and make it cheaper.
After looking online, I found this: http://forum.northernbrewer.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=61167&sid=f054f78a221afd9740f0c31521c11bc4 , which really helped me with the basics and why not to use brass/copper. His design is pretty great, but I think I have been able to simplify and make it cheaper.
Step 1: Gather Needed Materials
I ran down to the local big box building store to pick this up:
Materials:
2 1/2" threaded to 1/4" push to connect
1 1/4" to 1/4" push to connect
1 1/2" threaded to 1/2" barbed fitting
1 1/2" Brass Tee
Some 1/4" Ice maker tubing
1' Length of vinyl tubing (not pictured)
Teflon Tape
I think I spent just around $25 on parts (if that much).
You are a going to need a drill, 1/4" bit and an adjustable wrench
Materials:
2 1/2" threaded to 1/4" push to connect
1 1/4" to 1/4" push to connect
1 1/2" threaded to 1/2" barbed fitting
1 1/2" Brass Tee
Some 1/4" Ice maker tubing
1' Length of vinyl tubing (not pictured)
Teflon Tape
I think I spent just around $25 on parts (if that much).
You are a going to need a drill, 1/4" bit and an adjustable wrench
Step 2: Drill Out One of the 1/2" Threaded to 1/4" Push to Connect
Since I was not able to figure out how to take these totally apart, some very careful drilling is in order.
Flip it, so the threads are facing up and look for the hole on the inside, you need to open that hole to 1/4 inch. Its at maybe an 1/8" or 3/16".
Keep in mind there is an o-ring in there that has to stay intact.
If you do this right, you can now pass the 1/4" tubing through there and maintain an airtight seal.
Flip it, so the threads are facing up and look for the hole on the inside, you need to open that hole to 1/4 inch. Its at maybe an 1/8" or 3/16".
Keep in mind there is an o-ring in there that has to stay intact.
If you do this right, you can now pass the 1/4" tubing through there and maintain an airtight seal.
Step 3: Assemble the Tap
You might want to draw an arrow on top of the tee just as a reminder for what direction everything is moving.
The 1/2" threaded to 1/4" you did not drill is your input for your gas side.
Run a good length of tubing through the modified fitting, so you have maybe 18" of tubing coming out of the bottom of the tee and leave about 2" on the outside.
Run the 18" of tubing through the barb fitting
Teflon tape the threads, and be very careful when you thread them on; they will strip easy. Don't over tighten.
The 1/2" threaded to 1/4" you did not drill is your input for your gas side.
Run a good length of tubing through the modified fitting, so you have maybe 18" of tubing coming out of the bottom of the tee and leave about 2" on the outside.
Run the 18" of tubing through the barb fitting
Teflon tape the threads, and be very careful when you thread them on; they will strip easy. Don't over tighten.
Step 4: And Done
Trim the dip line to size, hook it up and test it.
Check all your connections with soapy water.
I am using my regulator from edge star (see my other instructable, link on the cover page), so I that is why I went with 1/4" tubing for my gas line, when I get a second regulator I may have to change this out. For my faucet, I just used a cobra tap stepped down to 1/4" and I was set.
Toss your mini keg in the cooler and you are ready to rock!
With the cooler I had, I did have to drill a hole and have my co2 tank on the outside, since it wouldn't fit standing up.
Check all your connections with soapy water.
I am using my regulator from edge star (see my other instructable, link on the cover page), so I that is why I went with 1/4" tubing for my gas line, when I get a second regulator I may have to change this out. For my faucet, I just used a cobra tap stepped down to 1/4" and I was set.
Toss your mini keg in the cooler and you are ready to rock!
With the cooler I had, I did have to drill a hole and have my co2 tank on the outside, since it wouldn't fit standing up.