The life of a beer keg doesn't end when the last drop is drunk. Old beer kegs have a host of uses beyond just refilling them with your own brew. They can be used as floats for rafts, furniture and decoration -- and that's without even opening them up. Trouble is, where can you find used kegs for your brewing and household projects? Not even the most committed drinkers can possibly drink their way into a stable supply. Below are three likely sources for old beer kegs.

Ask Local Brewpubs and Breweries

Most bars and restaurants have a deal with their suppliers to recycle used beer kegs, so they won't be very keen on giving you their empties. A local brewery, on the other hand, is more likely to hand one over. This is an especially good source if you don't plan to use the kegs for brewing: brewers almost always have damaged or seconded kegs stowed away someplace awaiting disposal.

Try Online Trade and Auction Sites

Hop online and look for (or post) ads in local classifieds. Beer kegs are bulky, so it's best to stick with the local ads unless you want to pay exorbitant shipping. Similarly, you can check local home brewing forums, or even online auctions. Either can be a good source of people looking to offload a keg or two.

When All Else Fails, Ask for Help

A final, but virtually failproof, solution is to call a brewing supply store and ask. They have to get their kegs from someplace. While some might resent you dodging around their markup, many are friendly enough to help you out, especially if you're a regular customer.

Common Sense

As with any other project, use due caution and common sense when acquiring used beer kegs. If you plan to use them to hold your own home brew, be certain to wash and sterilize them. Beer is an excellent medium for growing bacteria, all that alcohol notwithstanding. If you plan to use them for projects that involve using power tools, be certain you understand how to use them safely.

Source:

Brew Pub Zone