Grab a screwdriver, vent the keg and keep brewing. Just lean the keg to the side unless you want a beer shower.
Review this video to see how to remove a US D type sanke spear safely
http://youtu.be/npUA8DvngVw
To replace the spear and install the spiral ring follow these instructions:
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/install ... keg-64128/
I've had this conversation a few times with people so I thought I would document the process.
I'm not the first person to do this. Several people ferment and serve from corney and sanke style kegs.
The 1/6 and 1/4 slim barrel kegs are expensive and the only reason to do this is if you can get a good deal on them.
For most people the corney style of keg is a better choice. I have gone this route for reasons of my own and thought it might interest people and be of some use.
The biggest issue with using sanke style kegs is cleaning them. You must remove the diptube spear and clean it and the inner wall.
Once you have removed the ring you can clean the inside as follows:
I've used the following device in the past to clean corney kegs. I've modified it to use a camlock disconnect for dual use as a recirculation device for ice water during brew days.
1/6 barrel sanke keg. Sump / utility pump from harbor freight. It has a 1" thread and comes with some plastic hose connectors.
I used an old 6 gallon fermenting bucket, cut a hole in the lid to center the 1/6 barrel sanke keg.
Closeup of camlock connection
Drilled out swivel from a shower head! I had to solder shut some of the holes to fine tune it.
Works with 1/2 barrel sanke kegs as well
To physically scrub the inside of the keg you could use a keg cleaner
