DIY Kegerator: Build, Tap, Pour, Drink

We linked up with the experts on all thing Man Cave. For more info on DIY Man Cave projects like this “how to” on building a kegerator (or Keg-O-Rator), Man Cave merchandise or awesome shots of Man Caves across the globe, visit ManCaveSite.org.

Photos and Instructions provided by the Peterson Cave and The Official Man Cave Site.

NOTE:  Always follow the instructions provided by the supplier of the conversion kit.  These steps only show the ease of converting a refrigerator into a Keg-O-Rator.

The Keg-O-Rator Conversion Kit was purchase from the Beverage Factory.

Instructions:

Do a thorough inspection of the refrigerator.

If you choose to remove the inner liner of the refrigerator door there are screws under the door seal.

NOTE:  We decided to leave the inner door on.  This made for an easier install.  The following steps are included in case you which to remove the inner panel.

Locate and remove the screws under the door seal.

Once the screws are removed, just pull off the panel.

(Closer view of the inner door panel screws location.)

(As mentioned before, we decided to keep the panel in place.)

Construct a sturdy support base to hold your keg and bottle.  After some trial and error we used the existing bottom shelving and a 1/2 inch board for support.  If space allows, build a small base from 2×4′s and remove bottom shelves.

Mark a spot on the inside of the door where you want the faucet to be installed.  Using a 1/4″ drill bit, drill a hole all the way through the door.

Drill a 1 – 3/4″ hole just through the outside door skin.

(Outside hole drilled.)

Drill a 7/8″ hole over the pilot just through the inside the door skin.

NOTE:  Although this step is “Optional” in the instructions, we found it absolutely necessary if using the existing inside door skin.  It allows you to tighten the faucet shank securely without breaking the inside door liner.

From the outside of the refrigerator, insert the PVC pipe into the door for measurement.

Make a cut mark flush with the outside of the door.

Using a hacksaw cut the PVC spacer 1/8″ shorter than the cut mark you made.  Then insert the PVC pipe spacer into the door.

Get all you faucet and shank parts together.  Attached the knob onto the faucet and tighten.

Attach the faucet to the shank as shown.  Do not over-tighten.

Insert shank and faucet into the PVC pipe in the door.  Tighten the shank nut on the inside of the door.

Check the tightness of the faucet.

(Shank and faucet installed.)

Add hose clamp (white) over the thin end of the beer hose.  Attach the hose to the inside shank fitting.

NOTE:  Add moisture to the fitting so the hose will go all the way on.

Once on, move the white hose clamp over the fitting and tighten with pliers until snug.

Insert black washer into nut end of beer line.

Screw nut end down onto the coupler and tighten with a wrench.

Slide the hose clamp (white) over the end of the air hose.

Push the air line over the barbed end of the coupler.

NOTE:  Moisten first.  Slide clamp over hose and coupler.

Tighten the air hose clamp. Squeeze firmly to tighten.

Put the hose clamp over the other end of the air hose.

(Air hose and hose clamp.)

Moisten barbed end of CO2 regulator.

Attach the air hose to the regulator.

Tighten the hose clamp.

Using soapy water check for leaks on the CO2 regulator and tank.

Check for leaks.

Move bottle and keg into Refrigerator.  Attach Coupler into Keg.

(Final view of inside refrigerator.)

(Final view of Keg-O-Rator.)

Adjust gauges per the instructions and enjoy.

Ahh, Beer!

Order The Man Cave Book from Amazon.

Have a unique Keg-O-Rator or other Man-O-Vation?

Send photos of your unique Keg-O-Rator or other inventions to mancave@mancavesite.org and they will post it!

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