Keg Conversion Shopping List

• Tools
  1. Sawzall (or something similar) or a jig saw (Sawzalls can be rented.)
  2. 3 18tpi bi-metal blades per keg.
  3. Drill motor with 3/8" twist bit for making holes to start your saw in.
  4. Cold chisel and hammer for making small holes bigger (optional).
  5. Aluminum oxide grinding bit and 320 grit sandpaper for dressing edges.

• Plumbing
  1. 3 316L stainless steel pipe nipples (recommend 1/2"x2", but I used 3/8").
  2. An alternative to pipe nipples are couplings.
  3. 2 or 3 1/4" NPT 316L couplings for thermometers (optional, but really nice).
  4. 2 or 3 1/4" NPT dial thermometers (optional, but really nice).
  5. 3 brass or bronze ball valves (teflon seat, chrome or nickel ball).
  6. 3 male hose barbs of a size to fit your ball valves (see Notes)
  7. Hose to connect to the hose barb to go from keg to keg (see Notes)
  8. Teflon tape for threaded connections.

• Misc
  1. Eye protection for you and a helper.
  2. Hearing protection for you and a helper.
  3. Duct tape to hold vibrating top section when cutting (optional).
  4. Permanent marker for making a line to guide your cut and to mark placement of fittings to be welded.
  5. Scotch Brite pad.
  6. Kleen King or Bar Keeper's Friend abrasive cleaner.

You are unlikely to find SS parts at the big home centers (or even specialized plumbing stores). PlumbingSupply.Com (see Links) might have what you need. I was able to order from McMaster-Carr (thanks Mike!)

When purchasing SS parts, look for type 316L, 304L, 321, 347, 316, and 304 in that order (Source: John Palmer).