Switched over to flexible beer line

[Spiesy]

It is my understanding that whilst Andale are a supplier for Valpar Flexmaster, it is not an Andale brand. I thought it was British? Maybe I'm wrong. But it's freely available from the likes of Full Pint, Craftbrewer and more.

It's not the most flexible of lines, but it is top-notch quality.

 

[Danscraftbeer]

Danscraftbeer - is that the vinyl 8mmx5mm? That's what I was thinking of getting. The guy said it was good, but stains with darker beers. Curious if that is an issue other than cosmetic. @$25 for 30m, it seems like good value.

Actually I've only replaced the gas lines now that I check. I haven't used that soft hose for the beer line yet other than the bottling gun. Ahhh, The soft stuff is good! No frigin round with heating the skinny hard plastic ****** friggen hose stuff yuno? Time and effort saved, and it makes a better seal because its softer. I still use hose clamps as well as a final pressure seal. Oh the toils. :chug:

 

[lael]

Has anyone used the vinyl line from KegKing for the beer / soda etc side of things? or just the gas?

 

[zeggie]

I (unfortunately) bought the hard rigid **** from Kegking. Never again.

 

[Rocker1986]

I've got Valpar "Superflexmaster" line. It also has Andale Python printed on it. Is it the same stuff as the Flexmaster II? It looks like this... I'll be setting up my kegerator this week.

 

[lael]

Good to know to avoid it. What makes it bad?

I (unfortunately) bought the hard rigid **** from Kegking. Never again.

 

[DJ_L3ThAL]

I couldn't recommend more highly going a larger wall thickness. The Valpar flex master II still, but in 6mmx10mm. It's heaps more rigid for push fittings so unlikely to leak. Definitely at least on the gas side, liquid is less likely to leak with the smaller wall thickness. Martin at National Homebrew stocks it!

 

[lael]

DJ, I'm new to kegging, how does the larger inner diameter impact on pressure / balancing?

 

[DJ_L3ThAL]

It will definitely have an effect. But either way I'd use a balancing calculator for your system as the height between keg and tap also has an effect. Temperature is a huge one. I forgot the effect it has recently and raised my fridge temp to stop beer freezing and it threw out my carb levels :S
I cant remember the calculator i used but it was in imperial units so i just converted it after. Will try and find it!

 

[lobedogg]

http://aussiehomebrewer.com/topic/14988-ahb-wiki-balancing-a-draught-system/page-2


Post 25 for crozdog's calculator. Worked wonders for me.

 

[zeggie]

Good to know to avoid it. What makes it bad?

Absolute paint to coil and wrap around kegs. Spend the extra dollar a metre and get some good branded line

 

[Danscraftbeer]

I've got Valpar "Superflexmaster" line. It also has Andale Python printed on it. Is it the same stuff as the Flexmaster II? It looks like this... I'll be setting up my kegerator this week.

That's the hard stuff. Used by many but, its the hard stuff. You have to heat the end in hot water then push it onto fittings. Not always getting a good seal by itself without hose clamps.
Tip: I've eventually put the screw tight type hose clamps on every connection now regardless of the type of hose.
One little gas leak and you can lose all your co2 in one night. Even if you test your work and it checks out leaks can develop after time.

 

[Rocker1986]

Yeah, I was advised to use the hot water trick to get it onto the barbs on the shanks, and I have clamps to use as well. I have the push in fittings for the disconnects. No biggie really. As long as it all works, I'll be happy.

 

[Spiesy]

I've got Valpar "Superflexmaster" line. It also has Andale Python printed on it. Is it the same stuff as the Flexmaster II? It looks like this... I'll be setting up my kegerator this week.

Same stuff.