Making a Square Tap

Originally Posted by Mattstang65

Interesting idea, and I'm sure it would be good in some applications, BUT, if you can drill the hole you need to tap in your drill press, then this tool is not needed. I'm not saying you (dazecars) don't know, but most don't know what the recess/divet is for in the handle end of the "tap wrench" (wrench pictured where your holding an oil can, retapping the nut you just welded on). First you clamp down the piece to be drilled, drill the hole with the "correct" size bit, then with the tap in the tap wrench (leaving the work piece clamped down and drill bit still chucked up, or you can put a straight center punch in place of the bit), start it into the hole and align it by pulling the drill bit/punch down into divet in the tap wrench handle. With slight downward pressure with the drill press handle (not running of course), you can turn the tap handle and "tap" the hole perfectly true and square, fast and easy. Trick is to NOT unclamp the workpiece after drilling the hole, that keeps the hole "true" for "tapping" with the drill press chuck. works when using a lathe as well.

Interesting info, I have no problem with hearing about an alternitive ways to do things. In fact I will admit it I had no clue that you could use a tapwrench in a drill press like that. I too am interested in seeing pictures of what you are talking about. With all that said I can see the advantage of both ways. I don't like using my tap wrench because the handles are so short that there is not a lot of leverage, in fact about half way through the tapping in the picture I went to the larger tap holder Also not everything will fit on a drill press. Even with all that said your info is a wonderful trick that I will add to my arsenal, along with my square taps

Originally Posted by Mattstang65

Although your idea will work, it would require a special "tool" for every size tap. That's alot of work.

They only take about 10 minutes per size to make and once it is made it can be used an unlimited number of times so the time factor is not that big of a deal

Daze,

Great idea and a great write up. I've been in that position where I've had to tap holes and nothing bugs me like a threads that aren't straight! Another, simple, yet very effective tool to use. Sorta falls into that area where we go "D'oh, why didn't i think of that!"

Thanks for taking the time to write this up!

-chunger
'68 Ranchero 500

[quote=dazecars;1503363]Interesting info, I have no problem with hearing about an alternitive ways to do things. In fact I will admit it I had no clue that you could use a tapwrench in a drill press like that. I too am interested in seeing pictures of what you are talking about. With all that said I can see the advantage of both ways. I don't like using my tap wrench because the handles are so short that there is not a lot of leverage, in fact about half way through the tapping in the picture I went to the larger tap holder Also not everything will fit on a drill press. Even with all that said your info is a wonderful trick that I will add to my arsenal, along with my square taps

http://www.fleettrikes.com/truvativ%...ft%20crank.jpg
http://www.projectsinmetal.com/wp-co...1/img_0935.jpg

this is basically what he ment about tapping in the drill press.

you can also buy special tap handles that already have a stem on top to fit into a chuck

http://www.fleettrikes.com/truvativ%...ft%20crank.jpg
http://www.projectsinmetal.com/wp-co...1/img_0935.jpg

this is basically what he ment about tapping in the drill press.

you can also buy special tap handles that already have a stem on top to fit into a chuck

Exactly! Thanks, now I don't have to take and upload pictures, LOL!

A new idea; I like your home made tool and it could be very handy on a piece that your not able to use a drill press. Sometimes I put the tap in the drill press chuck and hold pressure down while turning the chuck by hand to start and square up the tap.

Great ideas and great write up!
One more suggestion if everyones game.
This style of tap is the best one to own if you can get them. They are not very common if not non-existant in the "normal" retail world like sears, autozone and home depot etc.
McMaster-Carr is a great place to get taps. However expensive though. They carry industrial tools that are desinged to last in the production world. So they are more expensive, but always great quality.


The benifit of this style tap called a "Spiral Point" is that they tap Much easier and require no backing off of the tap as you work your way down. Just keep turning. The only problem is when you have a blind hole. The chips will pack at the bottom.
Just for referance here are the other style taps.
Straight flute. hand tap the ones that pretty much are universal.

Sprial flute. for stringy soft materials. Chips wind there way up the flutes.