As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with some detailed information about the size of the thread on beer tap handles. In the beer tap handle industry, there are generally two different sizes of hanger bolts used: 3/8″-16 and 5/16″-18.
The larger size, 3/8″-16, is commonly used for displaying tap handles. This thread size is the same as the thread on a standard American beer faucet. It is a coarse thread with a diameter of 3/8″ and 16 threads per inch. This size is widely used in the industry and is compatible with most American beer faucets.
On the other hand, the smaller size, 5/16″-18, is less common but still used in some cases. This thread size has a diameter of 5/16″ and 18 threads per inch. It is slightly smaller than the 3/8″-16 size and may be used for tap handles that require a smaller hanger bolt.
When it comes to choosing the right thread size for a beer tap handle, it is important to consider the faucet you will be using. Most beer faucets in the United States have a 3/8″-16 thread, so tap handles with this size will be compatible with the majority of faucets. However, if you have a faucet with a different thread size, such as 5/16″-18, you will need to ensure that your tap handle has a matching hanger bolt.
It is worth noting that there may be variations in thread sizes between different manufacturers or regions. Therefore, it is always a good idea to double-check the thread size of your faucet and tap handle before making a purchase or attempting to install them together.
In my personal experience, I have encountered both thread sizes in the beer tap handle industry. Most of the tap handles I have worked with had a 3/8″-16 thread, which is the more common size. However, there have been instances where I needed a tap handle with a 5/16″-18 thread to fit a specific faucet.
To summarize, the size of the thread on a beer tap handle can vary, but the two most common sizes are 3/8″-16 and 5/16″-18. The larger size is used for displaying tap handles and is compatible with most American beer faucets, while the smaller size may be used for tap handles that require a smaller hanger bolt. It is important to ensure that the thread size of your tap handle matches the thread size of your faucet for proper installation.