Beer Fitting Identifier & Reference Guide

Beer Fitting Identifier & Reference Guide | WholesaleBeerParts

Draft beer systems use a confusing mix of fittings — MFL, barb, flare, NPT, and Sankey — and using the wrong one can cause leaks and contamination. This reference guide helps you identify every type of fitting used in draft beer systems so you can order exactly what you need.

What Are You Trying to Connect?

Complete Thread & Fitting Reference

Fitting Name Thread / Spec Used For Material Notes
CGA-320 0.965"-14 Left-Hand CO2 tank valve to regulator Brass Left-hand thread — turn counter-clockwise to tighten
5/8"-18 UNF 5/8"-18 UNF Faucet to shank (industry standard) Stainless/Brass Universal for all standard draft faucets
3/4"-14 NPT 3/4"-14 NPT Shank through door or wall Stainless/Brass Use thread sealant on NPT threads
1/4" MFL (Female Flare) 7/16"-20 UNF Gas line connections, manifold Brass Most common gas fitting in draft systems
1/4" Barb Barb (no thread) Gas line to coupler, regulator Brass/Nylon Secure with worm clamp or crimp
3/16" Barb Barb (no thread) Beer line (standard) Stainless Most common beer line connection; use swivel barb for easy removal
1/4" Barb Barb (no thread) Beer line (high-flow/direct draw) Stainless Lower restriction than 3/16"
Ball Lock — Gas (Gray) Ball lock quick-connect Cornelius keg gas inlet Stainless/Plastic Gray color = gas (in)
Ball Lock — Beer (Black) Ball lock quick-connect Cornelius keg beer outlet Stainless/Plastic Black color = beer (out). NOT interchangeable with gray.
Pin Lock — Gas (2-pin) Pin lock quick-connect Older Cornelius keg — gas in Stainless 2 pins = gas; 3 pins = beer on pin lock kegs
Duotight Push-In Push-in (no thread) Flexible line connections, long draw Stainless/Plastic Tool-free — just push tubing in, pull collar to release
John Guest Push-In Push-in (no thread) Gas and beer line fittings Plastic/Brass Popular in glycol systems and long draw installations

Beer Line Material Guide

Material Common Sizes Best For Replace Every
Vinyl (PVC) 3/16", 1/4", 5/16" Standard homebrewing and direct draw Annually
Barrier Tubing (Bev-Seal Ultra) 3/16", 1/4" Long draw systems, flavor preservation Every 2–3 years
Stainless Steel 3/16", 1/4" Fount shanks, keg couplers Never (clean only)
Silicone Various Specialty applications, high temp As needed