Sizing up shanks

chode720 · 08-10-2009, 01:29 AM

I know this question has been asked a bunch and I searched around, but I didnt really find what I was looking for.

Anyways, I just got my keg set up and have it in my kegerator, but I would like to upgrade from the picnic taps to faucets thru the door. I measured the refrigerator door and it is around 1.5 inches thick. I have no problem cutting away some shelving if necessary, but I was wondering if a 3in shank would be long enough.

What I have read says to measure the door and add about 1 inch. I found a pretty good deal on 3in shanks and figure that they will work. I guess I am just paranoid and would like some confirmation on if these will work.

Thanks!

cvstrat · 08-10-2009, 01:52 AM

I'm sure I have no idea how to answer the thread, so I didn't even read it. I just wanted to say that the thread title is epic.

**shecky** · 08-10-2009, 01:58 AM

I can't tell you what size shanks you should have because I'm a kegging noob, but I can tell you my experience.

My refrigerator door is 1 1/4" thick. I have 5-inch shanks and everything works like a charm. If I were you, I'd go 5 inches just to give yourself enough clearance between having the nut on the flange and tap line connector.

Hotspur · 08-10-2009, 02:30 AM

I converted a chest freezer, so I have 1x6 oak, and some of that pink polystyrene, I think 1.5". However, I bought 4" shanks because that's the only size stainless steel comes in. I figured I was being particular enough with the beer line, Perlicks, and sanitation, going less than stainless seemed to be wasteful corner cutting. They overhang a little bit, but not enough to be a problem, and it gave me room to work with for tightening the nut.

**Yooper** · 08-10-2009, 12:28 PM

My shanks go through the door, and I have 4 inch shanks. They work well. I definitely think 5 inches is too long.

**shecky** · 08-10-2009, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YooperBrew

I definitely think 5 inches is too long.

New sig. Thanks, Yoop.

Baja_Brewer · 08-10-2009, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YooperBrew

I have 4 inch shanks. They work well.

I clicked on the topic because the title was funny... this just made me giggle....

Baja_Brewer · 08-10-2009, 12:35 PM

Oh, and in response to OP, I only have the large shanks, 4 or 5 inches. But I have only had large fridges and I don't think that will be changing as I can't afford a little fancy setup...

**jpc** · 08-11-2009, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YooperBrew

I definitely think 5 inches is too long.

Yeah, and I'm tired... I mean, I have a FRIEND who's tired of hearing that it's not long enough.

wut?

**Domminigan** · 08-11-2009, 02:42 AM

I just skipped right to the reply without reading any more than the title, because I KNOW exactly what you are asking about.
You can also call them shivs.

Just make sure that your shank is bigger and sharper than the other guys and you should be fine.