A beer tap handle does two jobs: it gives you leverage to pull the faucet, and it identifies what is pouring. If you are setting up a home kegerator or just want to swap out a generic black handle for something that actually looks intentional, here is what you need to know about sizing, mounting, and where to actually buy one.
The Industry Standard You Need to Know
Every draft beer faucet and handle manufactured for the US market uses the same 3/8 inch, 16 threads-per-inch (3/8-16 UN) connection standard, according to home draught dispense guides used by kegerator manufacturers. That single standard is why tap handles are so interchangeable: a handle made for one brewery’s branded display will physically thread onto almost any US home kegerator faucet, brand mismatch aside. Most handles use a separate insert (a threaded metal ferrule that screws into the base of a wooden or resin handle) rather than threading the handle material itself, which is also why cheap universal handle kits exist and work reliably.
Types of Tap Handles
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Wood knob or baton | Classic pub look, works with any insert, easiest to source cheap |
| Metal/chrome | Modern or industrial home bar aesthetic, more durable outdoors |
| Branded resin | Official brewery-shaped handles, usually collected rather than bought new |
| Chalkboard/blank | Lets you label whatever is currently on tap, useful if you rotate kegs often |
What to Look For When Buying
Confirm your faucet uses the standard 3/8-16 thread (nearly all US home kegerators do) before ordering, since some European and commercial systems use a different fitting. If you want a specific brewery’s official handle rather than a generic one, those are mostly sold secondhand through collector marketplaces rather than new retail, since breweries typically only distribute them to bars and restaurants carrying the beer on draft. If you are setting up a full home draft system rather than just swapping a handle, our Best Beer Fridges and Kegerators guide compares full setups by use case, and our ABV Equation guide is useful once you are kegging your own homebrew and want to label a handle accurately.
FAQs
Do all beer tap handles fit all faucets?
In the US, yes, almost universally. All draft beer faucets and handles manufactured for the US market use the same 3/8 inch, 16 threads-per-inch standard, so a handle bought separately from your kegerator will almost always thread on correctly.
Can I put any tap handle on my home kegerator?
Yes, as long as your faucet uses the standard US 3/8-16 thread, which nearly all home kegerator kits do. The handle material (wood, metal, resin) does not affect fit, only the threaded insert at the base matters.
Where do official brewery tap handles come from?
Breweries generally supply branded handles directly to bars and restaurants pouring their beer on draft rather than selling them at retail, which is why most branded handles available to buy are secondhand or collector items rather than new.
