help with removing poppet valves

[JasonG]

I am somewhat new to kegging. I have heard many people (including JZ) say that they dissassemble their kegs completely to clean them, including removing the poppet valves from the posts. I have the regular ball lock posts on a standard soda keg, 3 gal size. I have tried to remove the poppet valves the last two times without much success. I have read that people just use a flat head screwdriver and put pressure on the top of the poppet head. I have tried this, and with pretty much all of my weight on the screwdriver, the poppet just doesn't pop out - the "feet" (or whatever you call them) remain anchored to the ridge inside the post. Last night, I tried lightly tapping with a hammer on the screwdriver, and eventually did get the poppets out, but the "feet" were all bent on each one. I think that I can bend them back into shape, but I'm not sure if they will seal well now. Very frusturating!

So, it seems like there must be a better way to do this. Those of you that do this all the time - any tips? I can't afford to replace the poppets with each cleaning. Last night I did find some hop debris inside the poppets, so I certaintly understand the value of removing them, I just can't figure out how to do it safely and easily. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

JG

[stadelman]

Most of mine come out easily. All but my 10 gallon keg. That keg behaves the same way you're describing.

I put the post on a solid surface and use a punch to press it out.

Here's the punch set I bought-
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002 ... B00002X1YK

[JasonG]

Most of mine come out easily. All but my 10 gallon keg. That keg behaves the same way you're describing.

I put the post on a solid surface and use a punch to press it out.

Here's the punch set I bought-
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002 ... B00002X1YK

so are you just putting pressure on the poppet head with the punch, or are you actually using a hammer (or something similar) to hit the punch? Do the poppets come out without getting the "feet" bent?

[brewinhard]

If that doesn't work maybe try soaking the post and poppet in a warm PBW solution. Might help to free it up. Who knows?

[atomicpunk]

That's insane you have to hammer them. All of mine practically fall out! Maybe you can use a screwdriver to "turn" the feet to set them free?

I wonder if you have the wrong size poppets for you posts. This just does not make sense.

If it is the case I would worry about taking them out. Just give them a good overnight soak in PBW and they should come clean. Depress the poppet enough so the solution gets around the gasket.

[Quin]

I have to forcefully push mine out most of the time with a small flat blade screwdriver.

[JasonG]

That's insane you have to hammer them. All of mine practically fall out! Maybe you can use a screwdriver to "turn" the feet to set them free?

I wonder if you have the wrong size poppets for you posts. This just does not make sense.

I don't think that they are the wrong size. These are the poppets that came with the keg, and the keg was purchased new, not used/reconditioned. I guess I feel better that my experience is unusual. I couldn't figure out why there wasn't more information out there about removing these since it seemed to difficult. I guess it is because it is not so difficult for everyone else.

I completely distroyed one of the poppets while trying to get it out yesterday, so I need to go purchase new ones anyway. Hopefully they'll be easier to deal with. I'll try the tip about turning with a screwdriver next time.

JG

[Mylo]

Uh, BTW, all the "feet" of the poppet are normally bent - that's how they come.


Mylo