Stuck keg posts

[mr hoppy]

I'm having a spot of trouble getting the posts off a couple of kegs from the recent group buy. I've tried hot water, oxy and sitting on the keg. I'm thinking of just bringing them to a mechanic but I was wondering, before I did, if any had any suggestions.

[Greg2013]

I'm having a stop of trouble getting the posts off a couple of kegs from the recent group buy. I've tried hot water, oxy and sitting on the keg. I'm thinking of just bringing them to a mechanic but I was wondering, before I did, if any had any suggestions.

Have you tried WD-40 ?

[mr hoppy]

Thanks Greg: I'll give that a go. I'm guessing that I'll be able to clean that off with oxy?

[johnrm]

Sitting on the keg will do little for both you or the keg...
I don't think WD is going to get into an airtight joint.

A ringspanner of the correct size should do you.
Are these imperial or metric? make sure you have the right size and you should be good.

[mr hoppy]

The reason I mentioning sitting on the keg is that a lot of people on homebrewtalk.com did it to get better leverage. I'm pretty sure I've the right size spanner (22 mm) because I was able to get 3 of the 8 posts off. Also, as they're Italian kegs coming from Germany I'd imagine they are metric - mind the folks over on HBT seem to reckon a 7/8" spanner is "good enough" for a 22 mm post.

[johnrm]

I have you now.

[imark]

Having similar problem with mine.
Was getting concerned I'd damage keg getting post off so stopped. Watching this for info on how best to proceed  now.
Is wd40 a real option? Prefer to use something food grade.

[Greg2013]

Ok not sure what your boil capacity is but my next suggestion is this, now be careful please, fill the entire keg with boiling hot water, not less than 90c at least, cap it and leave it for at least half hour. Carefully bleed off the steam hot air using the pressure release valve and try opening the post with your spanner then.

Please be aware the potential for getting burned is present without due care and attention

[Greg2013]

Having similar problem with mine.
Was getting concerned I'd damage keg getting post off so stopped. Watching this for info on how best to proceed  now.
Is wd40 a real option? Prefer to use something food grade.

You will be washing it afterwards so this does not apply IMHO,besides the main ingredient in wd40 is fish oil.

[imark]

Fish oil.... Seriously!  Well I never.
I'll get a suitable spanner (monkey wrench needs a rest) I'd it's just a heat thing maybe a blast of the torch would do? Less chance of getting scalded and I reckon the silicon rings are shot anyway.

[Greg2013]

Less chance of getting scalded more chance of ruining your keg imho. I am not advising you what to do, just saying what i might do in a similar situation

[newToBrew]

Why are you trying to remove them ? Is there a problem ?

[Shanna]

Having similar problem with mine.
Was getting concerned I'd damage keg getting post off so stopped. Watching this for info on how best to proceed  now.
Is wd40 a real option? Prefer to use something food grade.

You will be washing it afterwards so this does not apply IMHO,besides the main ingredient in wd40 is fish oil.

Sorry that line is a bit fishy.  Fish oil in WD40 see http://wd40.com/about-us/myths-legends-fun-facts/ section What a Fish story!

Would not advise using any kind of non food safe lube. I had some stuck posts just turned out to be me a bit weedy. Use a ring spanner 22mm and give it some welly or if you have any stronger friends/neighbours give them a go.

Shanna

[mr hoppy]

Has anyone got a mechanic to take stiff posts of an impact wrench?

Seriously considering this at this stage because it's a major PITA and I reckon I should be able to get it done for a tenner.

[imark]

I'm surprised they're stuck on so tightly. I assume the rings will be shredded and will need swapping out for the spares we got.

My socket set isn't deep enough to do the posts but I presume you could get deeper ones in halfords. I'll pop in this evening and see what I find.