Posted by Dillon on 2nd Oct 2023
Beer tap handle anatomy is not something they teach at schools, even though it would be a fascinating subject if they did. As simple as it may seem, even a beer tap handle is worth examining and learning its parts, which is exactly what we will do in this article.
How Does a Beer Tap Handle Work?
Beer taps are an essential component of any pub or home bar, allowing people to enjoy their favorite beers in a convenient and controlled manner.
A beer tap handle is one of the most visible parts of a draft beer dispensing system, and it serves two primary purposes:
- Ensure a steady flow of beer
- Provide a user-friendly interface for bartenders and customers alike.
In addition to that, beer tap handles also serve a marketing purpose, allowing you to customize and brand them to your liking, drawing attention from everyone around.
How does a tap handle work? When a bartender pulls on the tap handle, it pivots around the coupling nut, which opens the faucet. This action allows pressurized beer to flow from the keg or kegerator, up through the beer lines, and ultimately out of the spout and into the glass.
Variations in the position of the tap handle can regulate the speed and force of the beer flow, enabling bartenders to achieve the perfect pour. Here is an article that sheds more light on tap handles and how they work – “ What you need to know about tap handles”.
Beer Tap Handle Anatomy
Let’s take a closer look at the anatomy of a tap handle and see what beer tap handle parts there are.
- Handle itself
The handle is the part of a beer tap that customers interact with. It usually comes in a cylindrical or tapered shape, providing a comfortable grip for the bartender. The handle can be made from various materials such as wood, ceramic, marble, or even resin.
- Lever/faucet
Attached to the handle is the lever (or faucet), responsible for controlling the flow of beer. When the bartender pulls on the tap handle, the lever or faucet opens, allowing beer to flow through the tap system.
- Coupling nut
The coupling nut is the threaded component that connects the tap handle to the faucet and holds them securely in place. It ensures a leak-free connection and can be adjusted to fit different types of tap systems.
- Gasket and seal
Gaskets and seals are utilized to prevent beer leakage. These rubber or silicone components provide a secure barrier between the tap spout and the faucet, ensuring a clean pour with minimal waste and mess.
Beer Tap Handle Diagram
Beer tap handles may appear simple, but they play a significant role in delivering our favorite brews with precision and control.
Tap handles come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and designs, providing establishments with the opportunity to showcase their brand, display creativity, and differentiate themselves in a crowded market. If you’re not sure how to pick the right beer tap handle, please refer to our helpful guide – “ How to choose beer tap handle sizes?”.
Below, you can see a beer tap handle diagram showing the main parts and components we mentioned earlier.
As with any other part of the draft beer dispensing system part, beer tap handles require proper maintenance to ensure their longevity and functionality (refer to the replacement tap handle diagram).
Regular cleaning of the tap handles is vital to maintain hygiene standards and prevent bacterial growth. Lubricating the moving parts and inspecting for any damage or wear can also provide for a smooth operation.
If you’re looking to buy wooden, ceramic, or chalkboard tap handles, choose Xpress Taphandles! With over a decade of experience and expertise in draft beer equipment customization, we know how to make great custom tap handles.
To place an order, all you have to do is:
- Choose the type and material for your tap handle
- Submit your artwork for branding
- Approve the final artwork we send you
- Allow 1–4 days for us to produce and ship the tap handles to youю
Orders within the US and Canada are shipped via UPS, FedEx, and Canada Post. There’s no minimum order amount – however, we do give good discounts on bulk tap handle orders.