Homebrew Kegs primarily use Ball Lock Quick Disconnects (QDs) to connect gas and liquid lines to their kegs.
Ball lock QDs use internal spring loaded pins to physically depress a spring-loaded poppet inside the Keg Post, breaking the seal of both the QD and Post and allowing gas or liquid to flow. When the QD is removed, the poppet's spring snaps it back against its O-ring to instantly reseal the keg.
Rule: Grey for Gas-In, Black for Beverage-Out
Ball Lock Keg Posts are typically labeled for In and Out as keg posts are unique to Gas and Beverage QD's.The keg posts will also be designated for Gas and Liquid by their hex nut fitting, Gas posts will either include a single row of notches around the hex nut edges, or include star-shaped socket nuts (stars are gas afterall!)
Depending on whether you use traditional vinyl tubing or modern EVABarrier lines, you have several high quality options.
Option A: Traditional Barbed Connections
If you are using standard 3/16" or 1/4" vinyl tubing with hose clamps, use these classic barbed disconnects.
KEG700: CMBecker Liquid Ball Lock (1/4" Barb)
KEG712: CMBecker Gas Ball Lock (1/4" Barb)
H950: Stainless Steel Hose Clamps (1/4" to 5/8" OD)
Option B: 1/4" MFL (Male Flare) Threaded Connections
Threaded connections offer the most flexibility, allowing you to screw on different adapters or swap lines without cutting tubing.
KEG720: CMBecker Liquid Ball Lock (1/4" MFL)
KEG730: CMBecker Gas Ball Lock (1/4" MFL)
KEG722: KegLand Liquid Ball Lock (1/4" MFL)
KEG731: KegLand Gas Ball Lock (1/4" MFL)
KEG736: Torpedo Stainless Steel Liquid Ball Lock (1/4" MFL)
KEG738: Torpedo Stainless Steel Gas Ball Lock (1/4" MFL)
KEG729: CMBecker Gas Ball Lock w/ Built-In Check Valve (1/4" MFL)
D2502: Flare Fitting Set - 1/4" FFL Nut & 1/4" Barb (commonly used for both liquid and gas lines)
KEG1108: Flare Fitting - 1/4" Barb 4-Pack
KEG1107: Flare Fitting - 1/4" FFL Swivel Nut 4-pack
KEG640: Flare Fitting Set - 1/4" FFL Nut & 5/16" Barb (commonly used to match co2 regulator OD on gas lines)
KEG1111: 4-Pack Flare Fitting Set - 1/4" FFL Nut & 5/16" Barb
DUO106: Duotight Push-In Fitting - 1/4" FFL x 8mm Duotight (for use with 8mm OD rigid EVA Barrier tubing)
For those using 8mm OD EVABarrier tubing (included with many of our kegerator towers), the Duotight system is the fastest and most reliable tool-free connection.
DUO150: Integrated Duotight Liquid Ball Lock (8mm)
DUO151: Integrated Duotight Gas Ball Lock (8mm)
DUO106: If you already have Flare (MFL) disconnects, use this adapter to convert them to an 8mm push-in fitting for your EVABarrier lines.
Working with Pin Lock Kegs?
While Ball Lock is the modern industry standard, many brewers still use Pin Lock kegs (identifiable by the metal pins on the posts).
KEG740: CMBecker Liquid Pin Lock (1/4" Barb)
KEG750: CMBecker Gas Pin Lock (1/4" Barb)
KEG760: CMBecker Liquid Pin Lock (1/4" MFL)
KEG770: CMBecker Gas Pin Lock (1/4" MFL)
KEG465 - Converting to Ball Lock: Most modern innovations are designed for Ball Lock and many brewers choose to convert their kegs. Our KEG465 conversion kit allows you to replace your pin lock posts with standard ball lock posts, allowing you to use all the accessories mentioned above.
Troubleshooting Stuck QD's
If your Quick Disconnect (QD) won't budge or won't snap on, check these three common culprits:
Wrong Post: Gas and Liquid posts are different sizes. Gas posts have notched or star-shaped hex nuts at the base; Liquid posts are smooth. If you force a QD onto the wrong post, it will jam. Wiggle the QD while pulling the locking collar up to release.
"Beer Glue": Dried beer residue can fuse a QD to the post. Pour hot water over the connection for 30 seconds to dissolve the sugars; the QD should slide right off. If the collar doesn't loosen or lift you may try using an adjustable wrench as a lever, be very careful not to break the plastic of the quick disconnect.
Dry O-Rings: High friction or internal pressure can make QDs difficult to seat. Apply a tiny amount of food-grade keg lubricant to the post O-ring to ensure a smooth, airtight seal and easy removal.
Pro-Tip: Always pull up on the QD after attaching it. if it doesn't stay locked, your poppet isn't seated and will leak.
See our guide on Draft Balancing and Tubing Materials for more information on draft hose options.