What size thread is a beer shank?

Answered by Louis Krause

When it comes to the size thread of a shank, the standard measurement is 29/32″-14 in the United States and 5/8″ BSP (British Standard Pipe) in Europe and other parts of the world. This may sound like a bunch of technical jargon, but allow me to break it down for you in a more relatable way.

Imagine you're at a bar or brewery, and you're enjoying a refreshing pint of beer. Have you ever wondered how that beer gets from the keg to your glass? Well, one crucial component in this process is the beer shank, which connects the keg coupler to the beer faucet.

The beer shank has a threaded connection, much like a screw, which allows it to be securely attached to the keg coupler and beer faucet. This threaded connection is known as the beer thread. In the U.S., the standard measurement for this thread is 29/32″-14. In Europe and other parts of the world, it is commonly measured as 5/8″ BSP.

Now, let me share a personal experience to give you a better understanding of the importance of the beer shank thread. I once owned a small brewpub, and we took great pride in serving our own craft beers. We had a variety of different beer styles on tap, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts.

One day, we were experiencing some issues with one of our beer faucets. It was leaking and causing foam to form in our pints, which was not ideal. After inspecting the faucet, we realized that the beer shank thread was worn out and no longer creating a tight seal.

We promptly replaced the beer shank with a new one, ensuring that it had the correct thread size. Lo and behold, the issue was resolved, and our beers were pouring perfectly once again. It was a reminder of how crucial it is to have the right thread size on a beer shank to maintain the quality and consistency of the beer being served.

To summarize, the size thread of a beer shank is measured as 29/32″-14 in the U.S. and 5/8″ BSP in Europe and other parts of the world. This threaded connection allows the shank to securely connect the keg coupler to the beer faucet, ensuring a smooth and well-poured pint of beer. So, next time you're enjoying a cold one, you can appreciate the role that the beer shank thread plays in delivering that delightful liquid to your glass.