Pliers for Getting Caps Off Kegland Disconnects

[Clint Yeastwood]

In case anyone else has invested in a bunch of Kegland disconnects and is tired of using steel pliers to get the caps off, here is a tool that makes it much easier:

https://www.amazon.com/IPS-Soft-touch-wide-270mm-WL-270S/dp/B000ALF5F4
Not only does it have non-marring jaws, but it closes to exactly the right width to turn the caps without marring them or squeezing them against the disconnect bodies. When you squeeze the caps against the bodies, it creates a lot more friction.

I wouldn't shell out $32 just to get disconnects open. I already had this thing. There are probably other pliers that will do the same job.

The main problem with the disconnects seems to be getting them open when they're new, but it may be that problems could arise later, so if you have a whole bunch of these disconnects, this could be a good investment.

 

[Zambezi Special]

I just use a shifting spanner or "fixed size" spanner.
If I remember correct a number 19 fits (might be a 17 though, can't remember) exactly.

 

[Clint Yeastwood]

Plastic can't stand up to steel forever.

 

[Broken Crow]

I can't see the amazon link... I'm in Canada and every time I click on one those links these days, they automatically redirect me to amazon . ca and do a search that just shows a page of hits that often have nothing to do with the actual linked item. Any chance you could post a pic?
I have traditionally just used channel-lock pliers with a rag wrapped around the jaws for plastic parts, but would love to see a ready-to-go tool for the purpose.

 

[BongoYodeler]

I can't see the amazon link... I'm in Canada and every time I click on one those links these days, they automatically redirect me to amazon . ca and do a search that just shows a page of hits that often have nothing to do with the actual linked item. Any chance you could post a pic?
I have traditionally just used channel-lock pliers with a rag wrapped around the jaws for plastic parts, but would love to see a ready-to-go tool for the purpose.

 

[Broken Crow]

Thanks! That does actually look useful for some of the difficult projects I undertake...... so much easier to just reach for one tools without having to consider how to modify it to avoid damage to what I'm working on.

 

[Clint Yeastwood]

If you Google "IPS WL-207S pliers," it should come up somewhere.

 

[amr]

The kegland spanner multi-tool (or this KOMOS tool) has a duotight remover. Works flawlessly thus far.

 

[amr]

Edit: My apologies. I thought the ask was for disconnecting the lines. I see that it is for the caps. Yes, the pliers would work fine though I have found that the simplest way of cleaning them would be to put carbonation caps on soda bottles filled with sanitizer, attach a line, add some pressure (15psi works great), attach a picnic tap and simply let the sanitizer do its thing. And once done, simply immerse it in sanitizer for 15 minutes. Have never had the need to remove the top.

 

[Clint Yeastwood]

Doesn't actually sound simple.

 

[amr]

Doesn't actually sound simple.

Ha ha! Perhaps seems obtuse on reading all that but in practice, is fairly simple. Or so I think at least. Do give it a try if you can. Promise it is not all that complicated.

 

[Zambezi Special]

Thats my plan. So I don't mind tightening with steel spanners as I won't do that often

 

[beren]

Why not just use a rag to grip the caps? Works perfect for me with brand new ones and no finger pain. You guys are over thinking this…

 

[Clint Yeastwood]

Its amazing that you think we didn't try that.

 

[beren]

No it’s amazing it didn’t work for you. I’ve got like 16 of them and it worked for everyone of them.

 

[Clint Yeastwood]

No, it's amazing it worked so well for you when other people have had this problem, Kegland acknowledges it, and Kegland is now considering changing the product. Only 20% of my caps came off without tools, and I have strong hands.

If your solution is incredibly obvious, other people have tried it, and if they are complaining about the caps, it's obvious it doesn't work reliably.

It's not helpful trying to convince people they haven't had a problem they have clearly had. It must be considerably worse for women and brewers with arthritis.