How to Make a Beer Tap Handle

A home bar can look professional and unique with proper beer tap handles.

Nothing completes a home bar quite like a custom set of handles for your beer taps. Tap handles can be built from scratch using wood, metal or a wide variety of materials. They can also be forged from objects lying around the house, such as a billiard ball and cue, or an old microphone. All you need is a tap handle insert (finial) designed to fit any standard beer tap, and a place to mount it. Purchase finials online or from your local homebrew supply shop.

Things You'll Need

• Drill and proper bit
• Objects to be made into handles
• 1 finial per tap
• Handle mount block (optional)
• Epoxy (optional)

Instructions

1. Fasten a solid mount, such as a finished block of wood, to the bottom of any handle that is inappropriate for direct drilling. Hold the handle up to the beer tap to be sure it will fit and operate properly.

2. Find the proper drill bit per the tap handle insert instructions. Tighten the bit into the drill chuck. Drill a hole in the bottom of the handle or support to the correct insert depth.

3. Screw the self-tapping insert into the hole. Add epoxy if the insert becomes loose easily, taking care not to get any on the inner threads. Wipe the area clean with a damp rag.

4. Take the handle to the beer tap while the epoxy is still wet, if applicable. Screw the handle onto the threaded mount of the appropriate beer tap as far as it will go without force. Twist the handle down forcefully until it is facing the appropriate direction. Test the new handle by enjoying a freshly poured brew.

References

• Brew Your Own: Build A Tap Handle
• Mike Beer: How to Make/Build Custom Tap Handles