Help modifying a 12 point 13/16" socket for pin lock keg

[zman_]

I am in the process of making a pin lock socket from a deep shift 13/16" socket by cutting a few slots with a dremel, however I was only able to get a 12 point socket rather than a 6 point socket at my local Lowes (there was a normal length six point one but not a deep one)

What I was wondering was if anybody has any suggestions about how to align the 12 point socket so that I properly cut the slots for the pins. I tried to place the socket over the post on my keg but the pins prevent me from properly orienting the socket.

Hopefully this is clear! (although I have a feeling it is might be confusing) thanks for any help

 

[day_trippr]

I'd think you could work from a picture like this one.

The pattern looks pretty much like a "peace sign".
If you look closely, all four cuts correspond to high points (the corners of what would be the nut)...

Cheers!

[edit] This only works with a 12-point socket, so you chose wisely

 

[zman_]

Thanks for the response, that is exactly the information that I am looking for! Going to try and make the cuts tomorrow, hopefully everything works out well.

 

[BBBF]

When I made mine, I just put the socket over the post, marked where the pins hiit it and started cutting.

 

[microbusbrewery]

When I made mine, I just put the socket over the post, marked where the pins hiit it and started cutting.

+1, that's how I did mine too.

 

[day_trippr]

fwiw, I'd do the pair of straight cuts for the gas post first, test that, then do the other two cuts for the beer post.
I'd chuck the socket in a bench vise between a couple of scrap soft pine pieces and use an angle grinder with a cut-off wheel, but I suspect a bastard file would do the job - much slower...

Cheers!

 

[Dert]

buy a wrench instead?

 

[gromitdj]

buy a wrench instead?

Wrenches don't work all that well on the Liquid Out post of a Pin Lock keg.

 

[wzd]

It looks like you could cut 6 slots and not worry about alignment problems?

 

[Dert]

I have 20 pin locks and only ever used an open end wrench...

 

[gromitdj]

I would never be able to successfully use an open ended wrench on the one I've got. I tried it when I first got it and could not get enough leverage without worrying about shearing the pins off if it slipped.

Thread related... I ended up putting the socket on the best I could and marked the location of the pins with a sharpie. Then used a cutoff wheel in my Dremel to cut the slots. Checking fit as often as I could.

 

[ross_daly]

I ended up putting the socket on the best I could and marked the location of the pins with a sharpie. Then used a cutoff wheel in my Dremel to cut the slots. Checking fit as often as I could.

I did the same exact thing. It worked. Unless you have a lot more metalworking ability this seems to be the easiest way to make this tool.