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.

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

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. 

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.

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.

Comments

[cubicleman2k]

I’m gonna try this. Anyone have issues w leakage on the push connector. Just seems that o-ring might not hold the pressure

[cdburkhart]

It held for me for while I had it in use, the spec for the part I used says the part as whole can take 150psi...but that is unaltered.

I had more issues with leaks on the the regulator/air tank side

[cubicleman2k]

I’ll let u know how well it works for me. I’m only using 1 plastic push connector. I’m using brass to all other pieces. The gas side im using a brass 1/2” MIP to 3/8” barb and connecting to the hose that came with the regulator / CO2 tank kit.

[Arminius757]

Hey what did you use to step up the hose from 1/4" OD to 1/4" ID? And what is the purpose of the other 1/4" to 1/4" push to connect piece? I made it, but I am a little confused as to why this part was included and how you stepped up the hose. Otherwise, thanks for the upload! Been looking for this forever.

[DougC80]

I’d like to know as well

[cdburkhart]

It was so I had the option to quick connect between my BeerTender and the the picnic faucet.

I think I was also trying to build in way to break it down for cleaning...

[StewartC14]

Interesting. So, when you're tapping a keg, obviously that flexible tubing isn't going to have the stiffness to push the plastic bung out of the minikeg - the barbed fitting obviously does - so do you pull the dip tube (aka your beer line) up and flush with the bottom of the barb, then push the barb into the minikeg to tap it, and push the beer line back down? How does that work?

[Icemanyurt]

I just push it in with my finger...

[dbtfree]

How much pressure do you think this will withstand to pressurize if you wanted to FC soda or beer? The recipe I am looking at is saying go up to 80 PSI but wondering if it will hold that.

[gregory.butner]

80 psi doesn't sound right. I think you'd have a beer foam gun if you served at 80 psi. I haven't really seen any recommendations over about 30 psi myself and that is still quite high.

[nick.nittoli.7]

At what point does the gas enter the keg? I see it goes into the T, but don't understand how the gas pushes the beer up through the dip tube?

[cdburkhart]

Its kind of hard for me to explain without a picture.

The gas enters the keg throught the nylon T at the very top, creating pressure in the entire system which then pushes the beer throught the dip tube.

[cdburkhart]

The friction of the barb in the bung creates a very good seal. I took my regulator up to 50 psi overnight and it held.

[jstraightj]

Ok, I will try it myself. How tall does the whole thing extend above the keg? To keep hight to a minimum could 1/4 or 3/8 tee be used with appropriate fittings?

John

[cdburkhart]

This one is around 2 1/4" to 2 1/2" off the keg. You could try, however when I was working on it, I kept getting kinks in the tube with smaller tees.

[jstraightj]

Thanks for the response, just one last question. What keeps the tap in the keg, does not pressure force it out?