Shank question

[thyirishmen]

What size hole do I drill for the shank to go through the board on the Keezer? Would a 3 inch length be ok going through a 2x4? Also what faucets ate popular. This my first time adding them to my Johnson's temp controller controled freezer

 

[krazydave]

Cant remember the exact size hole, but a 2x4 is 1.5" thick so 3" should be plenty. As for faucets, Perlick makes the rear sealing ones that don't stick. I love them and I'm sure everyone else here that's bought them to replace their sticky cheap faucets will agree. If you can afford the extra cost, definitely go with the Perlicks. 525SS is the older model (of the silver, they have gold also if you're into that kinda thing), 575SS are the newer ones. Basically the same faucets, just a slightly different look.

 

[thargrav]

You drill a 7/8" hole for a standard beer shank.

 

[thyirishmen]

Ok thanks so much. Anyone have the cheapest place to buy them at.

 

[Hang Glider]

While most of us are more than willing to share where we got a great deal, I've seen very little discussion of shanks and shank pricing here - Best bet is probably Google...(I bought mine 10 years ago, so I have no memory of my deal)

 

[RogerMcAllen]

Shank prices are seem to be fairly standard. I'd suggest buying shanks wherever you can find the best prices on perlick faucets.

I have had good luck with www.northernbrewer.com and www.austinhomebrew.com

 

[strumke]

Check out farmhouse for good prices on faucets. Shipping may change your opinion though. Can't hurt to check it out.

 

[masonsjax]

Perlicks are well worth the extra few bucks. I have the older 425 model faucets and love them. They're the ones with the removable spout. The newer 525 "perl" model has fewer internal parts. Both are forward sealing designs and will not stick like generic faucets do.

Standard shanks fit a 7/8" diameter hole. Your 3" bit should be plenty to get through a 2x4. Williamsbrewing.com has a good deal on Perlick faucets including 4" shank, flanges, and barbed tailpiece.
http://www.williamsbrewing.com/PERLICK-FORWARD-SEAL-FAUCET-WITH-SHANK-P1476C65.aspx

 

[Nanitebrewing]

I just ordered some perlick and 4 inch shank combos from beveragefactory for $46. Best price I could find for the combo. Chrome shanks are fine, but go with the stainless faucet - 525SS.

http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/faucets/faucets/EB525SSSHANK4___17455.shtml

 

[evandena]

I just ordered some perlick and 4 inch shank combos from beveragefactory for $46. Best price I could find for the combo. Chrome shanks are fine, but go with the stainless faucet - 525SS.

http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/faucets/faucets/EB525SSSHANK4___17455.shtml

That's the best I've found too. Not looking forward to dropping 2 benjamins on faucets.

 

[scottywags]

Does anyone know if Beverage factory offers discount to us on HBT?

And if I'm not mistaken....to the OP, the 575ss has a "push backwards" option for making a creamier/ more foam option that the 525 does not.

 

[ScottSchultz]

RiteBrew.com has 4" stainless steel shanks for $12.49. To use those, you would also need to buy tailpieces, nuts, and washers. They also have 3" and 4" chrome plated shanks with integrated barbs for slightly less.

They have the Perlick 525SS in stock for $31.99.

 

[masonsjax]

A standard perlick can simulate the creamer feature if you just open the faucet a slight bit, just FYI.

 

[bcgpete]

That's the best I've found too. Not looking forward to dropping 2 benjamins on faucets.

I just bought 4 of these for my keezer. For the shanks, don't forget about extra length to get through any insulation!