How do you Connect Gas lines INTO a Kegerator?

[goodfriends]

I have built a kegerator out of an old fridge I had with the standard Freezer on top, Fridge on bottom. I ran the 2 Shanks out the side of the fridge so I can run taller tap handles. My CO2 tank is currently inside. This setup will not work well with 2 kegs and two tanks of CO2 and Nitrous Blend tanks. I want to move my Gas tanks Outside the Fridge for space, ease of use, and better usage out of my tanks.

My question comes in how do others put the CO2 or Nitrous Blend Tanks OUTSIDE the fridge and run the gas lines inside?? I have seen some have just drilled a hole and fed the gas line through...but that cannot be very airtight..unless they Chaulk it....which I honestly view as a bit "rough" in appearance for my tastes.

Is there a shank that can be put in that is designed for gas?? Is there a shank that would simply be like a beer shank except threaded on both ends allowing you to connect hoses to each end?? I find it hard to believe that such a part does not exist with all the kegerators being built. If such a "gas shank" exists can someone steer me to where to get one ?

Cheers
GF

[edramshaw]

There is a shank you can buy that would serve this purpose. Perhaps Scott can chime in with more info as I can not find it on their site anywhere. The piece is a beer cooler wall coupler. I've seen it used when building cold plates, you put them though the back of the cooler and use it to hook the cold plate inside the cooler whith jumpers and couplers out the back. You could use one of these and then buy some hex nuts and tailpieces and cut your gas line and voila. I've had some good luck with just drilling the right size hole and then slipping the vinyl gas line through. I didn't even need to seal it. I'm not saying its 100% but it is pretty close. If you checked your local hardware store you might a rubber grommet that would fit inside the hole and provide a more sturdy seal.

[whutever]

The piece is a beer cooler wall coupler.

Click this link (scroll down a third of the way on the page) to see what I believe Ed is referring too. I also couldn't locate them on MM's site.

Then a couple of nuts outside/inside the fridge to hold it in place, and then a Tailpiece with barb on each end with Neoprene washers and you should be good to go.

[goodfriends]

Thanks Guys, I knew someone had done this before and run into this issue. I think this will solve the problem ...perfectly....I saw they had a 4 inch one, and I think that will be long enough.

Many thanks
GF

[whutever]

GF, this link will take you to a site where it's half the price of the previous link I posted. I'm considering doing the same so post a pic or two when you're done. I'd like to see how it looks before doing the same.

[edramshaw]

That is what I meant. Don't forget the black neoprene washers in there or it will leak out all your gas.

[goodfriends]

Thanks,

1) the parts are in the mail
2) I plan on building a "counter" with a open back towards the fridge, with doors on the front. A flush mount drip tray below the taps on top, maybe a few shelves for glasses inside.....but mainly to cover and protect the gas tanks, regulators and cover up the gas line holes.
3) I will try to post a few pictures when I get it done.

Thanks for everyone's help

GF

[BrewGuru]

"Ice Box Shank"

Micromatic Part numbers 605A-5 and 609CA.

I've only seen them used for the beer inlets of jockey boxes, most people doing external gas just use a hole the same OD as the 5/16" gas line, and some units come pre-setup with a plug that is the right size, though I guess that using a shank on both sides would work as well.

[sizzle]

GF, did the shank work?

I would like to put my tank + regulators on the outside so, I can have 2 kegs in the fridge.

Just Curious how the shank worked.

THX

[whutever]

Just finished it today. Getting the 15lb tank out means more beer inside!

[sizzle]

Very nice and very professional. Did you get the parts from MM?

[whutever]

Very nice and very professional. Did you get the parts from MM?

Thanks. No, I ordered them through my local homebrew store because prior to BG posting I wasn't able to locate them on MM's site. I also picked up the neoprene and steel washers from Ace Hardware.

[oasisred]

Is there a way to get a shank with ball locks on either end to use quick connects for both sides?