What's in a Name? All the Different Ways to Say "Beer Tap Handle"
What's in a Name? All the Different Ways to Say "Beer Tap Handle"
If you've ever shopped for a beer tap handle online or talked shop with other beer lovers, you’ve probably noticed there’s no single way to refer to it. Depending on who you ask, that lever on top of your faucet might be called a tap handle, beer pull, or even a keg handle. The truth is, there are a bunch of terms out there—and knowing them can be helpful whether you're outfitting your home bar, ordering custom tap handles, or stocking up for a brewery.
Let’s break down the different names for this essential piece of beer gear and what they actually mean.
1. Beer Tap Handle
This is the most common and widely used term. It’s clear, descriptive, and used everywhere from bar setups to home kegerators. If you’re selling or shopping online, “beer tap handle” is the go-to keyword.
2. Tap Handle
The shorthand version you’ll hear just about anywhere. Whether you're swapping out styles at your bar or listing products online, “tap handle” is a safe bet that everyone understands.
3. Draft Handle / Draught Handle
These terms are often used interchangeably, with “draft” being the American spelling and “draught” used more in the UK. They refer to the same thing—a handle for dispensing draft beer from a keg. You'll often see "draft handle" in brewery equipment catalogs or industry settings.
4. Keg Handle
This one can be a little confusing. Some people use "keg handle" to refer to the physical handle on top of a keg, but others use it as a casual way to talk about tap handles—especially in homebrew setups. It’s not technically correct, but you might run into it in online discussions or product listings.
5. Beer Pull
An old-school term that’s still hanging around, “beer pull” gets its name from the action of pulling the handle to pour beer. It has a nostalgic, pub-style vibe and is sometimes used in vintage bar setups or casual conversation.
6. Tap Pull
Another term based on motion. While not as commonly used, it occasionally pops up in online forums or niche marketplaces. Think of it as a mashup of “tap handle” and “beer pull.”
7. Custom Tap Handle / Branded Tap Handle
If you want to personalize your setup, these are the terms you’ll see. Whether it’s laser-engraved wood or a full-color printed logo, custom tap handles are big with breweries, coffee shops, mobile bars, and office kegerators looking to show off their brand.
8. Beer Tap Lever
More functional-sounding, “beer tap lever” is typically used in technical descriptions or product manuals. It emphasizes the mechanics, but it’s not something you'll hear much in casual conversation.
9. Faucet Handle
This one can cause confusion. In the beer world, the faucet is the spout where the beer comes out—but most people don’t refer to the tap handle this way. “Faucet handle” is more likely to pull up sink parts than beer gear in a search.
10. Tap Topper / Beer Knob
These terms are more decorative than functional. “Tap topper” might describe the logo or 3D design piece placed at the top of the handle, while “beer knob” is an outdated term you’ll mostly find in vintage collections.
Wrapping It Up
No matter what you call it—draft handle, keg handle, beer pull, or just plain old tap handle—this simple piece of equipment plays a big role in your pour. And if you’re customizing, marketing, or shopping for one, knowing these different names can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Looking to create your own custom beer tap handle? Whether it’s for your bar, brewery, or office kegerator, we’ve got you covered.
Cheers to great beer and even better branding!