The most common misconception in this business
“We need a different coupler system, so the kegs have to be converted.” That is almost never true, and it is one of the most expensive misconceptions we come across.
What fits a keg is decided by the neck.And on the vast majority of European kegs the neck carries the same standard thread: 2 inches with 14 threads per inch.
Flat (A-type), EU Sankey (S-type), combi (M-type), three-lug (G-type) and US Sankey spears (D-type) all fit that thread. A change is therefore a parts swap and not a conversion – and it costs a fraction of what many people fear.
The cheapest case: the head only
Between the triangular spear (G-type) and the flat spear (A-type) the difference is particularly small, because the two are identical inside. Depending on availability, swapping the spear head is enough – down tube, spring and valve stay in the keg because they are the same parts.
When it does become a conversion
Only when the neck carries no standard thread: with threadless necks, as found above all in the British and American markets, or with one of the rarer round threads. Then work on the keg really is needed, and that is a service of its own – the neck conversion.
What is always part of the job
- New seals, new retaining parts. On the threadless systems the retaining ring is a single-use part: once removed it is damaged and must not be used again, even if it looks undamaged. On the screwed-in spear the same applies to the lower housing seal.
- Pressure test after the change. Every keg on which the spear has been loosened then goes through the test.
- Release the pressure before loosening. Never assume that a keg is pressure-free. That is the rule most accidents in this business hang on.
No impact wrench
The neck thread is not a wear part. Handled properly, it lasts as long as the keg does. What destroys it is impact loads and the wrong torque, not the number of times a spear is installed. That is why we tighten to a set torque and re-tighten after the first fill.
To clarify in advance
- Current spear type
- Target type required
- Threaded or threadless?
- Quantity
If in doubt, a photo of the neck from above is enough. If a spear has been removed: a square seal means threaded, an O-ring means threadless.
A photo of the neck is enough to start with
Photograph it straight down from above, and we will tell you whether it is a parts swap or a conversion.