Understanding Beer Shanks: How Do They Work?

A beer shank is a key component of any draft beer dispensing system. It is a small but important piece of equipment that helps deliver beer to your glass. The shank is a hollow tube that connects the beer line to the faucet, allowing beer to flow through to your glass. Shanks come in various lengths to accommodate different wall and door thicknesses. They are usually made of chrome-plated brass, stainless steel, or brass. The type of shank you need depends on the thickness of the wall or door and the type of beer dispensing system you have.

The beer shank is a small but crucial component of a draft beer dispensing system

The beer shank is a hollow, threaded metal tube that anchors the beer faucet to the refrigerator wall or draft tower. It is inserted through a hole drilled into the wall. Shanks come in varying lengths to accommodate different wall thicknesses, and it is important to measure the thickness of your wall to ensure you have the right length of the shank. The inner bore diameter of the shank should match the hose barb diameter of the tailpiece.

The basic functions of a beer shank are as follows:

• Provides a place to attach the beer line.
• Provides a means to attach the assembly to either a draft tower or other vertical surfaces, such as a refrigerator door.
• Provides an attachment point for the faucet using a faucet coupling.
• Provides a "bore" or channel for the beer to flow through on its way to the glass.
• Provides a conductive mass to help maintain the cold temperature of the beer while it is in the shank.

There are typically three types of beer shanks: straight beer shanks, nipple beer shanks, and bent-tube beer shanks. Straight beer shanks are the most common type used in refrigerator conversions and assemblies through cooler walls. Nipple beer shanks are typically used in kegerators, with a hose barb (or nipple) incorporated into the assembly for attaching the beer line and clamp. Bent-tube shanks are a variation of the nipple shank, with a 90-degree bend in the nipple to accommodate the beer line and prevent crimping.

It is a hollow metal tube that connects the beer line to the faucet

A beer shank is a crucial component of any draft beer dispensing system. It is a hollow metal tube that connects the beer line to the faucet, allowing beer to flow from the keg to your glass. The shank provides a transition between the beer line and the faucet, ensuring a solid anchor for the faucet to function properly.

The beer shank assembly varies depending on the nature of the draft system, but its basic functions remain consistent. Firstly, it provides a place to attach the beer line securely. Secondly, it allows for the attachment of the assembly to a vertical surface, such as a draft tower or a refrigerator door. Thirdly, it provides an attachment point for the faucet using a faucet coupling. This coupling ensures a tight seal between the faucet and the shank, preventing leaks.

The shank also includes a bore or channel for the beer to flow through smoothly. This bore should match the hose barb diameter of the tailpiece to ensure optimal beer flow. Additionally, the shank helps maintain the cold temperature of the beer by providing a conductive mass. This is especially important for draft beer systems, as it helps keep the beer chilled during its journey from the keg to the glass.

Beer shanks come in different types and sizes to accommodate different setups. The most common types are straight beer shanks, nipple beer shanks, and bent-tube beer shanks. Straight shanks are often used in refrigerator conversions and assemblies, while nipple shanks are commonly found in kegerators. Bent-tube shanks are similar to nipple shanks but feature a 90-degree bend to accommodate the beer line and prevent crimping.

Shanks come in different materials, lengths and sizes to fit different setups

Shanks are available in a variety of materials, lengths, and sizes to accommodate different setups. Shanks are typically made of brass or stainless steel, with brass being the more affordable option, but stainless steel being more durable, corrosion-resistant, and easier to clean. The length of the shank is crucial as it determines the distance between the faucet and the keg, and it must accommodate the thickness of the wall or door. Shanks typically range from 2 to 14 inches in length, and it is important to accurately measure the thickness of your wall and beer setup to order the correct length.

The bore size of the shank, which is the channel through which the beer flows, should also match the size of your beer hose. The most common bore sizes are 3/16" and 1/4". Using a shank with a bore size larger than your beer hose can lead to pouring problems.

In addition to length and bore size, the thread size, hole size, and nut size of the shank are also important factors to consider when choosing the right shank for your setup. For example, North American faucets typically use a 7/8-inch x 14 straight pipe thread, while equipment from outside North America may require a specialty shank.

Different types of shanks, such as straight beer shanks, nipple beer shanks, and bent tube shanks, are also designed to accommodate different setups. Straight beer shanks are commonly used for refrigerator conversions and assemblies through cooler walls, while nipple beer shanks are typically found in kegerators. Bent tube shanks are variations of nipple shanks designed to prevent crimping of the beer line.

The basic functions of a beer shank are the same across different beer systems

A beer shank is a crucial component of any draft beer dispensing system. It is a small but important piece of equipment that helps deliver beer to your glass. The basic functions of a beer shank are the same across different beer systems.

Firstly, it provides a place to attach the beer line. Secondly, it allows for the attachment of the assembly to a vertical surface, such as a draft tower or a refrigerator door. Thirdly, it provides an attachment point for the faucet using a faucet coupling. This ensures a leakproof connection between the beer line and the faucet. Fourthly, it provides a channel, or "bore", for the beer to flow through on its way to the glass. Lastly, it helps maintain the cold temperature of the beer by providing a conductive mass.

While the basic functions of a beer shank remain consistent, the specific beer shank assembly will vary depending on the nature of the draft system involved. There are three main types of beer shanks: straight beer shanks, nipple beer shanks, and bent-tube beer shanks. The type of shank used will depend on factors such as the thickness of the wall or door and the specific requirements of the beer dispensing system.

In summary, while the basic functions of a beer shank are consistent across different beer systems, the specific assembly and type of shank used can vary. Choosing the right beer shank is important to ensure a smooth and enjoyable draft beer experience.

There are three main types of beer shanks: straight, nipple and bent-tube

A beer shank is a component of a draft beer system that connects the beer line inside a refrigerator to a beer faucet. It is inserted through a hole in the refrigerator wall or house wall. Beer shanks are typically made of chrome-plated brass and come in varying lengths to accommodate different wall thicknesses. They are also designed to maintain the cold temperature of the beer.

In addition to these three main types, there are also more complex systems available, such as shanks that screw directly into glycol "cooling blocks" and are integrated into multi-faucet beer towers. The choice of shank type depends on the specific requirements of the draft beer system and the type of draft beer tower being used.

Frequently asked questions