My DIY Tap Handles

**BrewSpook** · 03-13-2010, 01:26 PM

SWMBO got me a Haier 2 tap kegerator for my 30th B-Day coming up next week. I went on the search for tap handles and realized they are freakin expensive!

So I took a trip to Lowes and this is what I came up with... Let me know what you think.

2 3/8 Threaded insert
2 5/16 Threaded insert
2 Pine Plinth block (from trim section) these are the faces
2 6" Early American wooden legs
2 Drawer pulls (on top)

Total cost less than $20 for 2

I had on hand black glossy spray paint, wood glue, and chalkboard paint.

Sorry I didn't take pics throughout the build - but I can give a quick rundown.

First I rubbed them down with wood filler to fill in the cracks cause by the grain, let that dry a few hours and sanded it smooth.

Then I drilled a 1/2" hole through the bottom of the legs to fit the 3/8 inserts for the faucets.

Drill the 3/8 hole for the insert for the plinth block - this will allow you to change out tops... if you want to make a label for each of your beers and interchange them instead of using chalkboard paint.

Paint paint paint, drill hole for drawer pull, glue drawer pull and attached to kegerator. TADA!

JetSmooth · 03-13-2010, 02:06 PM

Nice work! I'm digging those a lot.

bionicbrew · 03-13-2010, 05:19 PM

those are nearly identical to what I did. how did you do the bottom where it goes into the faucet? that is the biggest pain in the a** part. I couldn't get the drill to stay centered very well. even with pilot holes.

mosquitocontrol · 03-13-2010, 07:24 PM

Those blocks are exactly what I'm looking for. Plinth is the word I guess. I was wondering what I was going to use. Thanks for this. Are they only finished with the border on three sides? Thinking of making a similar one but shorter.

philrose · 03-13-2010, 07:29 PM

the drawer hardware is a nice touch,

Great job man

**OsbornBrewing** · 03-13-2010, 08:26 PM

Great work! Looks top notch, thanks for the write-up as well.

**MeatyPortion** · 03-13-2010, 08:40 PM

Very nice. Good inspiration for everyone else too.

**BrewSpook** · 03-13-2010, 09:00 PM

Thanks for the kind words guys... I am pretty stoked to use these things. Since I wasn't set up for kegging and SWMBO wants to have beer flowing my my party next weekend I will be filling with SA Noble Pils and Rogue Dead Guy for next weekend. Gunna have to get some colored chalk to do the artwork.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bionicbrew

those are nearly identical to what I did. how did you do the bottom where it goes into the faucet? that is the biggest pain in the a** part. I couldn't get the drill to stay centered very well. even with pilot holes.

The holes on the bottom were a big pain, what I did was clamp them into the vise on my workbench wrapped in a towel. I used a wood bit, it has a nice sharp point to dig in and guide and I went really slow. I still cracked the wood a bit putting the inserts in, but a little wood filler and sanding took care of the damage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mosquitocontrol

Those blocks are exactly what I'm looking for. Plinth is the word I guess. I was wondering what I was going to use. Thanks for this. Are they only finished with the border on three sides? Thinking of making a similar one but shorter.

Yeah they are only finished on three sides, they are made for trim around doorways, to be placed at the bottom. I like it because they give a bit more surface area for the chalkboard paint instead of losing that 1/4 inch for the border at the bottom. I guess you could also make your own and route a design on the edges.

**BrewSpook** · 03-14-2010, 11:50 PM

FYI for anyone who does this... Best way to clean the chalkboard paint is with a damp piece of cloth, gives it back its dark color without smudges of chalk on it before you write something new on it.