How To Use A Jockey Box and Set It Up

Everything you need and need to know to get started pouring.

October 10, 2025 1 min read

While our jockey boxes are available in a variety of styles, the internal components we use to manufacture them are all the same, making them an efficient draft beer system. The model shown below may be different than the one you purchased, but the applications transfer. Beer jockey boxes are designed to maintain the ideal serving temperature for beer by passing it through stainless steel coils chilled by ice, ensuring a consistently cold pour without the need for electricity.

In order to move beer from its keg into your pint glass, there are two sides that have to work together—one is the gas (or, CO2) side; the other is the liquid (or, beer) side.

Parts Needed (sold separately)

Jockey box
Keg(s) of whatever you’re serving
CO2 tank
Dispensing kit, which includes two types of tubing (for your gas line and beer line), a coupler that attaches both of them to your keg, and a CO regulator—everything you need to start pouring right now.

Additionally, you’ll need three simple, non-powered tools: a faucet wrench (incl. with your jockey box purchase), a crescent wrench, and a flat-head screwdriver (or ¼” nut driver).

Note re. universal threads: All of our jockey boxes use the industry standard thread, 7/8”-14 (5/8” BSP). It’s the same thread that is used on standard keg couplers and tailpieces and hex nuts. If you have existing jockey box beverage jumper tubing, they will fit our jockey boxes.

How to use a jockey box video

Set up a Jockey Box in 10 easy steps

Setting up a jockey box can be intimidating, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll be pouring perfectly chilled beer in no time.

Jockey Box FAQs

Stop! Hold the Ice

Before starting, do not add ice to your jockey box until the setup is complete. You need to run beer or liquids through the coils first to prevent freezing.

*Store bought ice is held at negative temperatures and is extremely cold. If you add bagged ice to your cooler when the coils are empty, you risk ice jams.

Step 1: Attach the CO2 Regulator

Connect the regulator to the CO2 tank and tighten with a wrench.
Top gauge measures PSI for adjusting beer pressure.
Secondary gauge shows tank gas pressure.

Tip: Plan for 1 lb of CO2 per half-barrel keg.

Step 2: Connect the CO2 Line

Attach one end of the gas line to the regulator and the other to the manifold (Manifolds split gas for pouring from multiple kegs).
Attach all lines from the manifold to each beer coupler.
Use hose clamps to secure the lines.

Step 3: Connect the Beverage Lines

Attach the beverage jumper to the jockey box input and the beer coupler output (top).
Use beer washers and hose clamps for a secure seal.

Step 4: Install the Faucets

Hold the faucet straight up, rotate the collar counter-clockwise, and hand-tighten.
Use a faucet wrench to finish securing.

Step 5: Connect the Couplers

Make sure faucets are closed.
Set coupler in “unlocked” position (handle up), twist onto the keg, and engage the handle (push down).

Tip: Most U.S. kegs use Sankey “D” style couplers.

Step 6: Turn on Gas & Adjust Pressure

Open the CO2 tank and set regulator to 25-30 PSI.
Pull the regulator knob out to adjust, or use a screwdriver if needed.

Important: A regulator can’t remove excess pressure. If pressure is too high, turn it down and release gas through the coupler relief valve.

Step 7: Fill the Coils with Beer

Before adding ice, run beer through the coils to remove residual moisture and prevent freezing.

Step 8: Check All Connections

Inspect for leaks in gas and beverage lines.
Ensure connections are secure by listening for hissing and looking for leaks.

Pro Tip: Check connections inside the jockey box before adding ice.

Step 9: Add Ice

Fill the cooler with ice completely to maximize cooling.

Step 10: Allow to Acclimate

Wait 10-15 minutes for the stainless steel parts to cool.
Check that the faucet feels cold or shows condensation.

Congratulations, You're Ready to Pour!

You’ve successfully set up your jockey box! Pour yourself a cold one, snap a photo of your setup, and tag us @coldbreakusa.

Pro Tip: Practice makes perfect. The more you use your jockey box, the easier it becomes.

Caught a snag, have questions? Check out our FAQ.

Getting to Know Your Jockey Box

To understand how it works, it helps to know each part and what it does. From the faucets that pour your beer to the stainless steel coils that chill it, every component plays a specific role in delivering a perfect pint. Below, we’ll break down the main parts of a jockey box and define what each one does, so you can get to know your system inside and out.