The beer shank, also known as a faucet shank, is an essential component of any draft beer dispensing system. It plays a vital role in connecting the beer line to the faucet, ensuring a smooth and efficient flow of delicious brews. Made of chrome-plated brass, beer shanks are not only sturdy and durable but also cost-effective.
One of the key features of a beer shank is its length, which can vary between 2 and 14 inches. This flexibility allows you to choose the right shank size based on the thickness of your refrigerator or wall. Whether you have a compact setup or a larger dispensing system, there is a beer shank to fit your specific needs.
There are three main types of beer shanks available in the market. The first type is the straight beer shank, which features a straight design without any bends or curves. This type of shank is commonly used when the faucet is directly mounted on the wall or refrigerator.
The second type is the nipple beer shank, which comes with a nipple for the beer line to connect to. The nipple acts as a connector, ensuring a secure and leak-free connection between the shank and the beer line. This type of shank is widely used in commercial establishments and home draft systems.
The third type is the bent-tube beer shank, which, as the name suggests, has a tube that is bent at an angle. This design is particularly useful when the faucet needs to be mounted at a specific angle or when there are space constraints. The bent-tube shank allows for easy installation and convenient dispensing of beer.
When it comes to the thread size, most beer shanks feature a 7/8″-14 (5/8″ BSP) thread. This thread size is a standard in the U.S. beer industry and ensures compatibility with various shank fittings. It allows for easy replacement and interchangeability of shanks without any hassle.
The beer shank is an essential component in any draft beer dispensing system. Its sturdy construction, flexibility in length, and compatibility with standard fittings make it a reliable choice for both commercial establishments and home draft systems. Whether you prefer straight, nipple, or bent-tube shanks, there is a beer shank that will suit your specific needs. So, raise a glass and cheers to the beer shank for its crucial role in delivering the perfect pint of beer.
What Is A Beer Shank?
A beer shank, also known as a faucet shank, is an essential component of a draft beer dispensing system. It serves as a connection point between the beer line and the faucet, allowing the beer to flow from the keg to the glass.
Here are some key points to understand about a beer shank:
1. Function: The primary function of a beer shank is to provide a pathway for the beer to travel from the keg to the faucet. It ensures a smooth and controlled flow of beer, allowing for easy dispensing.
2. Connection: The beer shank features a nipple or pass-through design, depending on the specific model. The nipple acts as a connector for the beer line, allowing it to be securely attached. The pass-through design does not have a nipple but provides a direct passage for the beer line to pass through.
3. Material: Beer shanks are typically made of durable and corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or brass. These materials are chosen for their ability to withstand the harsh conditions of a draft beer system, including exposure to beer and cleaning agents.
4. Length: Beer shanks come in various lengths to accommodate different setups. The length of the shank depends on factors such as the thickness of the wall or the thickness of additional insulation in the system. It is important to choose the appropriate length to ensure proper installation and optimal performance.
5. Installation: Installing a beer shank requires drilling a hole in the desired location, typically in a bar or refrigerator door. The shank is inserted into the hole, secured from the backside, and then connected to the beer line. Proper installation is crucial to prevent leaks and maintain the integrity of the system.
6. Maintenance: Like any other component of a draft beer system, beer shanks require regular cleaning and maintenance. This includes disassembling and cleaning the shank, as well as checking for any signs of wear or damage. Regular maintenance helps ensure the quality and taste of the dispensed beer.
A beer shank is a vital part of a draft beer dispensing system, connecting the beer line to the faucet. It allows for controlled beer flow and comes in different lengths and materials. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for optimal performance.
What Are The Different Types Of Beer Shanks?
There are three main types of beer shanks commonly used in the beer industry. These types include the straight beer shank, the nipple beer shank, and the bent-tube beer shank. Let's delve into each of these types to understand their characteristics and uses better:
1. Straight Beer Shank:
– A straight beer shank is a straight cylindrical metal tube with a threaded end.
– It is typically made of stainless steel or brass, which ensures durability and resistance to corrosion.
– The threaded end allows for easy installation into a draft beer system.
– Straight beer shanks are available in various lengths to accommodate different installation requirements.
– They are commonly used in standard draft beer towers or wall-mount systems.
– Straight beer shanks are compatible with different types of faucets, allowing for versatility in beer dispensing setups.
2. Nipple Beer Shank:
– A nipple beer shank resembles a straight beer shank but has a shorter length and lacks the threaded end.
– It is also made of stainless steel or brass for durability and resistance to corrosion.
– Nipple beer shanks are designed to be used with a coupling nut, which screws onto the shank and secures it in place.
– They are commonly used in jockey boxes or portable beer dispensing setups.
– Nipple beer shanks are ideal for situations where a shorter shank length is required or when a threaded connection is not necessary.
3. Bent-Tube Beer Shank:
– A bent-tube beer shank features a curved or bent shape in its design.
– It is typically made of stainless steel or brass to ensure durability and resistance to corrosion.
– The bent shape of the shank allows for easy beer line routing in tight spaces or angled installations.
– Bent-tube beer shanks are commonly used in custom draft beer towers or setups where space constraints necessitate a non-linear beer line connection.
– They are compatible with different types of faucets, providing flexibility in design and installation.
The three types of beer shanks – straight, nipple, and bent-tube – offer various options for beer dispensing setups. Whether you need a standard straight shank, a shorter nipple shank, or a bent-tube shank for tight spaces, these options cater to different installation requirements in the beer industry.
What Size Thread Is A Beer Shank?
The size of the thread on a beer shank is 7/8″-14, which is also known as 5/8″ BSP (British Standard Pipe) thread. This thread size is commonly used in the U.S. beer industry and fits standard beer shanks. It is important to note that this thread size is specific to the beer shank and may vary for other types of plumbing or fittings.
Here are some key points about the thread size of a beer shank:
– The thread size is measured as 7/8″ in diameter with a 14 threads per inch (TPI) pitch.
– This thread size is equivalent to 5/8″ BSP thread, which is a British standard measurement commonly used in plumbing applications.
– The 7/8″-14 thread is the standard size used in the U.S. beer industry for connecting beer shanks to faucets or other beer dispensing equipment.
– It is important to ensure that the thread size of the beer shank matches the thread size of the corresponding fittings or faucets to ensure a proper and secure connection.
– When purchasing beer shanks or any related equipment, it is advisable to check the product specifications or consult with a professional to ensure compatibility with your specific setup.
The thread size of a beer shank is 7/8″-14 (5/8″ BSP), which is a standard size used in the U.S. beer industry for connecting beer shanks to other equipment.
Conclusion
The beer shank, also known as a faucet shank, is an essential component of any draft beer dispensing system. It serves as the connection between the beer line and the faucet, allowing for a smooth and controlled flow of beer from the keg to the glass.
Beer shanks are typically made of chrome-plated brass, ensuring durability and longevity. They are designed to be sturdy, effective, and economical, making them a reliable choice for both commercial and home use.
One of the key features of beer shanks is their versatility in size. Depending on the thickness of your refrigerator or wall, you can choose a shank length ranging from 2 to 14 inches. This allows for flexibility in installation and ensures a proper fit for your specific setup.
There are three main types of beer shanks available in the market. Straight beer shanks provide a straight connection between the beer line and the faucet. Nipple beer shanks come with a nipple for easy attachment of the beer line. Lastly, bent-tube beer shanks feature a bent design, allowing for a more convenient dispensing angle.
It is important to note that the 7/8″-14 (5/8″ BSP) thread size of beer shanks is the standard fitting in the U.S. beer industry. This ensures compatibility with most shanks and faucets available in the market, making it easier to find replacement parts or upgrade your system.
The beer shank plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and efficient beer dispensing process. Its sturdy construction, versatile size options, and compatibility with industry standards make it an indispensable component for any beer enthusiast or professional bartender.
