Old Boots pressure barrels

[Gyro]

Is anyone still using these? I'm returning to homebrewing after a long lay off, and wondering if my three Boots plastic pb's are likely to still be of use.

Would I have to replace the taps, or would just changing the washers suffice? If so, what washers/taps would be suitable?

Also they have the old sodastream C02 valves, would I need these to be replaced or are they still viable? I still have a couple of the old grey sodastream canisters but no idea whether anyone still refills them.

Apologies if this subject has been done to death, but having done a quick search, it seems that most of the related posts are around 10 years old.

Cheers for any advice

 

[An Ankoù]

These barrels are amazing. All mine are still good. Replace the washers and gaskets. I prefer this kind of tap to the old-style white ones that originally came with the barrel. As for gassing, you'll need to see what;s around.

 

[Gyro]

These barrels are amazing. All mine are still good. Replace the washers and gaskets. I prefer this kind of tap to the old-style white ones that originally came with the barrel. As for gassing, you'll need to see what;s around.

View attachment 98175

Thanks for the prompt and encouraging reply

 

[Tanglefoot]

I've got a couple date stamped 1992 which I was still using until I started kegging.
I think they must be better quality than the new ones as mine were in storage for around 25 years before I dusted them off when I started brewing again sometime after first lockdown and worked fine with no issues.
I replaced the original caps which just had a PRV with new ones with co2 adaptors and replaced seals, I like these square ones from Ballihoo.

https://www.balliihoo.co.uk/barrels-accessories/square-section-o-ring-seal-for-4-inch-barrel-caps

 

[Gyro]

I've got a couple date stamped 1992 which I was still using until I started kegging.
I think they must be better quality than the new ones as mine were in storage for around 25 years before I dusted them off when I started brewing again sometime after first lockdown and worked fine with no issues.
I replaced the original caps which just had a PRV with new ones with co2 adaptors and replaced seals, I like these square ones from Ballihoo.

https://www.balliihoo.co.uk/barrels-accessories/square-section-o-ring-seal-for-4-inch-barrel-caps

Nice one . Thanks for the link, I will treat my barrels to some of those in the very near future

 

[An Ankoù]

Nice one . Thanks for the link, I will treat my barrels to some of those in the very near future

Make sure the diameter is right. AND replacing the lids with lids of the right thread is a nightmare, as I recall. I've got at least 4, maybe even 6 lids of exactly the right size but different threads.

 

[Gyro]

Make sure the diameter is right. AND replacing the lids with lids of the right thread is a nightmare, as I recall. I've got at least 4, maybe even 6 lids of exactly the right size but different threads.

Thanks. The link was for the square o rings which I will try. I'm not sure I need to worry about replacing the caps just yet, but will heed your advice if I need to do so in the future.

 

[Tanglefoot]

The replacements caps I got were also from Ballihoo and fitted fine, I was also worried the thread wouldn't be an exact fit.

 

[Gyro]

Well, I dusted off my old barrels, gave 'em a good wash with cleaner/sanitiser and they're looking pretty good.

I noticed that one, dated 1994 had a bit of an air leak from the CO2 valve, however the 1996 stamped one was sound. I barrelled up my latest kit brew in the '94 barrel, but used the cap from the '96. The reason for this was the '94 had a nicer tap. I now have about a month's wait to see how my brew turned out

 

[Rwilts]

I use one as a bottling bucket (when needed)

 

[MashBag]

I have one, I am not using if anyone wishes to increase their collection.

 

[Gyro]

I have one, I am not using if anyone wishes to increase their collection.

I may be interested if I can hide it from swmbo . Would that be pick up or could you post?

 

[MashBag]

Either. Up to you. Dm me.