I currently have disconnects that look like this…
if I want to have some CO2 at my disposal (need some for my sour mash) how would I get a free-flow of CO2? I know as it stands today, the only way that CO2 comes out is when that disconnect is attached to a keg post.
Would I simply unscrew the stainless part from the plastic? I don’t want to just pull the line apart as I have Oetiker clamps on there that I’d have to cut and re-do.
Yes, if you’re just looking to push co2 into a general area. I do this when flushing a carboy before filling or when adding things to a carboy full of beer to help purge the headspace. Keep a small batch of cleaner/sanitizer on hand when doing this. You’ll likely bump the neck of a carboy that has bacteria or something else you didn’t really want to touch with it.
I have a kentlock on my spare co2 regulator that allows me to switch to various accessories depending on needs. I bought a cheap harbor freight air nozzle and use that to purge when needed.
Never heard the term kentlock before, but I’ve got quick disconnects on all my gas lines. I can change from ball lock to pin lock to air nozzle with ease.
I stick an old racking cane on the end of the air nozzle and use that to purge bottles when I’m bottling.
I prefer this to simply unscrewing the disconnect as you can control the gas flow better, in my opinion.
http://www.bargainfittings.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=51_66
These are what I use. I like them a lot. Only issue is the barbs are a bit big, so jamming thick wall gas line on takes a good hot water soak.
Kent’s fittings are amazing.