Design Your Tap Blog

While AI has been around for a little bit now, the results of generative AI have finally started to produce tap handle concepts that are actually logical and relatively close to being manufacturable. OpenAI ChatGPT and Google Gemini are now producing concepts that can easily be turned into production tap handles in many cases. It’s now possible to make concepts using AI and translate to functional tap handles quicker than ever before.

A couple silly examples from older versions of generative AI

How the Generative AI Process Works

1. Concept Input:
   Start with a basic idea. This might include brand colors, themes, materials and shape. Using terms like stem, plaque and topper can help add additional elements since these terms are commonly used. AI tools thrive on specificity.
   
2. AI Generation:
   Using AI image generation tools, prompts can be written to produce mockups of tap handles. For example: “Image of a tall sky-blue tap handle with clouds, featuring a small propeller on top and bold vintage-style typography.”
   
3. Iteration & Refinement:
   AI can produce multiple variations quickly. Maybe the first one inspires a better idea. Maybe the second is nearly perfect. These fast iterations mean you can arrive at a refined design in a fraction of the time. AI can respond to simple inquiries like “add a plaque that says “Greaser Lager” in yellow”.
   
4. Refinement for Manufacturing:
   Although AI often produces a good concept, it doesn’t understand the intricacies in physically producing a tap handle. Small details can lead to large changes in pricing. Once a final design is chosen it can be submitted to get a quote for pricing and feasibility. Then our design team will take the AI’s concept and translate it into a final concept suitable for production in a cost optimized way.

Images from current version of generative AI. While not perfect they create a good starting point.

While AI won’t replace skilled designers or manufacturers it will empower everyone, especially homebrewers and small breweries, to move faster and explore further. It’s a tool for brainstorming, not a final answer. The marriage of AI creativity and human craftsmanship is already shaping the next generation of tap handles, where bold ideas flow as freely as the beer itself.

PS: It sure would’ve been nice if artificial intelligence and Adobe Illustrator had different acronyms. Although we and our clients often use Adobe Illustrator in tap handle design, more and more are beginning to use artificial intelligence (the other AI) to create tap handle concepts.

With increased tariffs it’s a good time to reevaluate if you’re getting the best value for your tap handles. Since our production is based in the United States with a supply chain primarily based in the USA, our pricing is less variable compared to many of our competitors that rely on overseas production or parts.

We’re often able to modify a more complex design to make it more efficient to produce domestically. Because our production capabilities are greater than many of our competitors, sometimes there are no or minimum modifications needed to be able to produce in the USA. Othertimes more modification needs to be done so we’re able to automate and keep competitive pricing. The most challenging redesigns are modifying to reduce the amount of hand painting on 3D surfaces. 

If you’re ready to reduce the pricing uncertainty and insource your tap handles, send us a quote request and we’ll let you know what it would take to reshore your tap handles to the USA.

If you’re looking for tap handles that aren’t produced overseas, look no further. Instead of relying on overseas factories, our tap handles are manufactured in the United States in Lake Mills, WI. This means that you wouldn’t have to pay for price increases based on tariffs. In addition our supply chain is largely based in the US further insulating from Whether you’re looking for one or a thousand we have tap handles for you.

We offer 2 lines of tap handles; stock shape with graphics and fully custom shape tap handles. Stock tap handles are best for if you only need a few or want to get the best price and production times. Stock tap handles with custom graphics can ship in as a little as 1-3 days. We also offer quantity discounts starting at 10. You can find our stock tap handles here.

If you’re looking for the most unique tap handles we offer fully custom shape tap handles. These are most common for businesses but it is possible to create custom shape tap handles even as one offs. The pricing is highly dependent on the complexity of the tap handle and the quantity of the order. We also offer complimentary tap handle design. Production times can be as a little as 1-2 weeks. If you’re ready to get started contact us or submit a quote to get pricing.

Standard production with standard shipping: December 9th
•Rush production with standard shipping: December 11th
•Rush production with USPS priority shipping: December 13th
•Rush production with USPS express or UPS 2nd day air shipping: December 16th
•Rush production with UPS next day air shipping: December 17th
•Gift Cards: No cutoff – email delivery

Please note that although these dates allow for extra time for unforeseen issues, they are not guarantees since we have no control over shipping delays. Ordering as early as possible is the best way to ensure the tap handles arrive on time.

Every bartender has had the issue. A tap handle ferrule unscrewing from the tap handle and remaining on the faucet. On some of our competitor’s low quality tap this happens all the time. Sometimes this can be because it was installed incorrectly by over-tightening against the faucet locknut.

Not all tap handles have ferrules. The ferrule is a conical metal piece extending from the bottom of the tap handle base. This procedure is for tap handles that have a male thread extending from the bottom of the tap handle when the ferrule is not installed.

Here’s how to reattach the ferrule in a firm way to avoid loosening again. For tools you’ll just need two 9/16” wrenches/adjustable wrenches (or one and a socket wrench). You’ll also need a  ⅜”-16 bolt at least 1” long and a ⅜”-16 hex nut which can be found in the hardware section at any hardware or home improvement store.

Take ⅜”-16 bolt and hex nut (not a lock nut) and partially install the nut on the bolt as shown.

Thread the bolt into the ferrule by hand. Then thread the ferrule onto the tap handle thread by hand.

Tighten clockwise with a wrench using head on the bolt. On our tap handles you can use a good amount of force. On poorer quality tap handles if you use too much force it may pull out the stud.

While holding the bolt head in the tightening direction, take another wrench and turn counterclockwise. It helps to have the tap handle on a surface for this step.

Unthread the bolt from the tap handle turning it counter clockwise.

Once the bolt is removed you’re ready to reinstall the tap handle on the faucet. A damaged ferrule can be removed from a tap handle by following these steps in the reverse order and reverse the direction to turn.

Many breweries and beverage companies have seen their tap handle prices increase significantly over the last couple years due to inflation. We’ve heard of instances where some companies are charging twice the price for the same tap handle. For most companies it isn’t realistic to afford for many companies. While our pricing has increased, we’ve been able to minimize increases as much as possible.

In-sourced manufacturing

While many tap handle manufacturers have their tap handles produced overseas, our tap handles are made right here in America. This means that we’ve been able to avoid cost increases due to overseas shipments and tariffs. Additionally we’ve invested in equipment to be able to produce most parts at our manufacturing facility. This eliminates extra margin and reduces production times.

Improved efficiencies 

Since we moved into our new expanded production facility in 2022 we’ve been able to increase material and labor efficiency. Though using additional material drop through sorting we’re able to increase material utilization which has helped us reduce pricing increases. Adding additional workstations has reduced the amount of changeover time. Utilizing an automatic paint line for large volume parts has allowed us to further reduce labor.

Optimized suppliers

Through the supply chain crisis we switched several of our supplies to keep up with demand and avoid excess material price increases. Making additional bulk orders has allowed us to maintain stock and receive additional discounts that we’re able to pass on to you.

If you’ve experienced excessive cost increases from your tap handle supplier or are looking to get started on custom beer tap handles or beverage tap handles you can submit a quote request here. We’ll get back to you within a few days.

Just as every beer has its own unique flavor profile, every brewer has their own distinct style and personality. Custom tap handles offer the opportunity to reflect that individuality and make a statement about your brewing prowess.

Whether you’re a minimalist who prefers clean lines and subtle details or a bold visionary who loves to experiment with color and shapes, creating a custom tap handle is a great way to show off the uniqueness of your beer. From classic to sleek and modern to rustic and handcrafted, the possibilities are endless.

Consider incorporating elements that reflect the essence of your beer—a stylized hop cone for a hop-forward IPA, a miniature barrel for an oak-aged stout, or a whimsical graphic that captures the spirit of your brewing philosophy. Whatever you choose, let your tap handle tell the story of your beer and the love that went into making it.

In a world where craft beer is king, standing out from the crowd is essential. Custom tap handles offer a unique opportunity to make a lasting impression on friends, guests, and fellow beer enthusiasts alike.

Looking to start designing your custom tap handles? We have off the shelf options available if you’re looking for something quick that can have unique graphics added to show off your beer. If you’re looking to get the most unique tap handles contact us or submit a quote request and we’ll get started on creating a tap handle for your beer.

Whether you’re ordering stock shape tap handles or custom shape tap handles we have some features that can be added on to add some flair to make the tap handles pop.

Interchangeable Beverage Area

Interchangeable beverage areas are a great way to display the beer name for seasonal and low volume types. On all tap handles we offer options to change the variation of beverage that you have on tap. From chalkboard and dry erase areas perfect for quick change low volume applications to high run custom shape magnets we have options for everyone. Other options also include removable decals and card slots.

Custom Flat Metal Topper

One of our most popular additions is to add a stock or custom shape topper to the top of a tap handle. With our ability to create custom metal cuts and decals in house we’re able to offer custom shapes very affordable even at low quantities.

Custom Thick Topper

Another option we have to add embellishment to the top of a tap handle is using a custom thick topper. Similar to the flat metal topper, we’re able to create a custom shape and direct print to the topper with a stud or extension rod to attach to the tap handle. 

Acrylic/Metal Plaques and Embellishment

Adding acrylic or metal is a simple way to give a tap handle added dimension. We offer a variety of options from simple plaques to multiple extrusions. Depending on the type of embellishment we use acrylic, raw metal or painted metal. We have the ability to produce detailed complex cuts at our production facility in the USA which offers the fastest lead times and lowest costs.

3D Toppers

Adding a 3D topper is a great way to add detail without the costs associated with a full 3D tap handle setup. Although it’s possible to add on at low volume, the pricing can be significantly more due to the complexity of the setup. We also tend to stay away from complex hand painting as our production is located in the USA and these are normally produced overseas to keep the cost down. Unlike some of our competitors we don’t use 3D printing for production as it is not durable for most applications. 

Stock Toppers

Adding a stock topper can be a great option where it’s an accessory or object that is common. This avoid the high setup costs of custom 3D but is more limited to off the shelf parts that are sized properly for tap handles.

Look through our gallery to see other examples of tap handle add ons.

Tap handles make a great gift for any homebrewer or beer enthusiast with a tap system. We have some of the fastest tap handle production available. With rush production and express shipping it is possible to get a tap handle in less than a week. In order to receive tap handles by Christmas the following are the order cutoff dates for custom stock tap handles with different options:

•Standard production with standard shipping: December 7th
•Rush production with standard shipping: December 12th
•Rush production with USPS priority shipping: December 14th
•Rush production with USPS express or UPS 2nd day air shipping: December 15th
•Rush production with UPS next day air shipping: December 18th
•Gift Cards: No cutoff – email delivery

Please note that although these dates allow for extra time for unforeseen issues, they are not guarantees since we have no control over shipping delays. Ordering as early as possible is the best way to ensure the tap handles arrive on time.

Unlike many other manufactures we don’t require a minimum order even on custom shape tap handles. For lower quantities we generally have 3 options:

1. We can use logos or other artwork and select from our stock shape tap handles. Unlike some of our competitors we use a direct print process with a commercial clear coat on most tap handles for extended durability. These tap handles do not have a setup fee and discounts are available at higher quantities. You can either use our online design tool, let us design it form or make a request here. We also have stock tap handles with premade designs here.
   
2. We can take your logo or images and create a custom flat metal topper on a stock tap handle. The tap handle stem and topper can both be customized. The topper is a custom shape while the top remains as one of our stock tap handle. This option also does not have a setup fee.
   
3. Even at low quantities we are able to make a full custom shape tap handle. Because the pricing of the tap handles is highly dependent on the complexity of the order the designs tend to not be too complex side at low quantities. We have the ability to add custom plaques and topper to add additional dimension. It’s sometimes possible to create some 3D shapes if you have a higher budget. We offer complimentary tap handle design. To get started you can submit a request on our quote form here. 
   

Whatever your quantity and budget is, we have tap handles for you.