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How long is your shank?
Posted: Thu Mar 23, 2017 6:40 pm
by TappedOut
Right now, I have a tower, and am looking to add a couple taps to a full-sized fridge. I am thinking ~4" seems like a reasonable size to keep cold and not stick out too far in the fridge, but that is just a guess? Thoughts?
Re: How long is your shank?
Posted: Thu Mar 23, 2017 7:38 pm
by andrewmaixner
You'll have to check the door thickness, length needed by a faucet and beer nut, etc.
for an actual material thickness of 2.25"(.75" one-by lumber + 1.5" two-by lumber = 2.25"), I started with 4.125"shanks, sold them and got 3.125" as well as 90degree tailpieces instead of straight ones. before the switch, they blocked some of my kegs from being lifted straight out.
The 90deg tailpieces are probably handy in almost any layout, shank length will depend a lot on what you are putting it through.
If you are getting integral tailpieces, your shanks can probably be a little shorter.
Regardless, get stainless steel, and if they are too long, you can general sell/trade them at almost no loss, and get shorter ones.
Re: How long is your shank?
Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 8:28 am
by TappedOut
So like an inch or so longer than wall thickness then? It shouldn't stick out too far in the fridge then.
Yeah, definitely stainless.
Thanks!
Re: How long is your shank?
Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2017 10:05 am
by Matt F
I added 3/4" board to the inside of my fridge to make the mount more strong. Not necessary but made the connection stronger. Was squishing the fridge door a bit before. Mine are 4" and had room.
Re: How long is your shank?
Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2017 8:20 am
by czubak
Get an inch or two extra sticking out into the fridge. I have some non stainless shanks if you want to use them for a test. They are around 4"
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Re: How long is your shank?
Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2017 4:41 pm
by UndeadFred
You guys really don't want to know how long my shank is, do you?
I insulate the Keezer collar on mine with Styrofoam, so I need to use 4" shanks on my BEER FAUCETS, though. I use MFL tailpieces too. Easier to get at with the Styrofoam in the way.
Thanks for asking.
Fred
Re: How long is your shank?
Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2017 6:05 pm
by Eric B
You want your shank to be double your wall thickness.
Re: How long is your shank?
Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2017 6:35 pm
by jjpeanasky
Eric B wrote:You want your shank to be double your wall thickness.
Is that to help keep the beer cold? Extra metal exposed to the cold? Trying to understand why it should be any longer than the wall thickness.
-Josh Peanasky
Re: How long is your shank?
Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2017 7:27 pm
by Eric B
jjpeanasky wrote:Eric B wrote:You want your shank to be double your wall thickness.
Is that to help keep the beer cold? Extra metal exposed to the cold? Trying to understand why it should be any longer than the wall thickness.
-Josh Peanasky
Yes that is exactly why. It is the standard rule in the draft beer world.
Re: How long is your shank?
Posted: Tue Mar 28, 2017 6:05 pm
by whitedj
UndeadFred wrote:You guys really don't want to know how long my shank is, do you?
I was wondering what kind of club I joined. Why did it take 3 days for this reference to be made?
Good job Fred!
Re: How long is your shank?
Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 7:34 am
by Matt F
First thing I thought of, but did not post.

Re: How long is your shank?
Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 8:27 am
by tony b
Not even with a 10 ft pole - LOL!!!
Re: How long is your shank?
Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 9:48 am
by TappedOut
I'm just amazed at how many people are admitting to 4" shanks.
Re: How long is your shank?
Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2017 9:54 am
by jjpeanasky
TappedOut wrote:I'm just amazed at how many people are admitting to 4" shanks.
Grower, not a show-er
-Josh Peanasky