Best Tap?
I need to get a high quality tap.
What should I be looking for. The taps from HD or Lowes are crap and break suddenly when they should not.
I am working on a Wokgard 15 and tapping a 10-24 hole for the bolt that holds the grip. I bought a Kobalt (brand name) tap and the damn thing snapped off threading aluminum.
So I need the best tap out there what do you recommend. I can order from Grainger.com and pick it up locally but I need to know what metal it should be made of.
All Replies
I picked up the tap today and it worked great. I got some LPS tap fluid as well. The greenfield spiral tap work fantastic.
Thanks everyone!
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1TRJ6?Pid=search
😯 Looks like some kind masochistic hemorrhoid remover! 😈 😆
Excellent choice.
I like Tap-Magic. Doesn’t have to be for aluminum. The “Pro-Tap” is excellent for everything.
Jim
I am picking this up tomorrow at Graingers with some tap fluid.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1TRJ6?Pid=search
THIS is the kind of thread that just keeps me coming back..EXCELLENT information about something that we can all use, some more tha others. I use the “KOBALT” brand…they are from Lowe’s..I like ’em cause it’s the correct drill size with the tap..Like lots have said the thinner hte better with the lube..I’ll try the alcohol…first time I’ve heard of using it..I have been using WD40….ANyhow, keepit coming guys, these are the kinds of things all us “tinkerers” need to do a first class job, no matter how small !!!
The best taps are the ones that have the name of your favorite beer on them. 😆
Okay…I use the “Ultra Pro” taps from NAPA…I’m sorta cheap.
In aluminum, I use WD-40, mineral spirits (much less messy) or varsol. I just dob it on with an old toothbrush.
Ummm…don’t smoke. 😉
I’ve heard that alcohol works well too. 🙂
yep grainger is kinda spendie
mc is better, I have an mc account as well
Sometimes at least for me, the speed of delivery is worth the extra cost.
I really not tapping too often, however I have a jug of tap fluid just for aluminum, got it from the mom and pop hardware store in town.
very thin consistency
SAW
if it were me i would spend the money and get some 2 flute greenfield 10-24 gun taps shiny uncoated or the tialn coating (if its a trough hole) and use “smart cut” for tapping fluid…that stuff is thick kinda like honey but it works great on all materials…but a two flute is all i would use for #10 or smaller taps given that there just isn’t enough room for chips or strength in the tap with more flutes…the other option is to go with a roll-form/thread-form tap but they are prone to breaking if you dont use a good quality lube and a ridgid setup for both the tap and part…
Get yourself a Grainger account.
Yes they are expensive but have quality stuff.
Place an order and you probablly get it the next day 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
And also get some tapping juice made for aluminum,
that would be non-ferrous type if I am correct.
Ha
SAW
I have a Grainger account already and they are just down the street from me. I tend to get more stuff a McMaster because they do not try to rape you on the price like grainger does for the same item 😀
WOK, here are two tricks for tapping ALU. with small dia. taps.
First, use Alcohol. It will help clear the chips, rather than hold them, and it helps prevent the ALU. from galling and sticking to the tap. ( I use it exclusively for milling alu.)
Secondly, if you are going to tap nothing but ALU. with the tap, (small dia. tap), put it into the kitchen oven at 475f-525f for two hours. This will lower the RC hardness and there fore be much less brittle. It will drop the RC from the high 59-61RC to 56-51 depending on the temp. Higher the temp, lower the RC.
It will however be softer than normal and not hold up to tapping steel. Best to save them when treated this way for working ALU. only, and expect them to dull quicker. They will take a lot more abuse though! 😉
WOK
Get yourself a Grainger account.
Yes they are expensive but have quality stuff.
Place an order and you probablly get it the next day 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
And also get some tapping juice made for aluminum,
that would be non-ferrous type if I am correct.
Ha
SAW
Thanks Guys. I have done dozens 10-24 with the tapping machine without a problem but I know there is a better tap and fluid out there then what I have been using.
Great Info. More info is welcome.
a spiral type tap is what I use. I have the same tap vise holder as you. I have bought my spiral taps from mcmaster-carr. http://www.mcmaster.com/#spiral-flute-taps/=70slm3
I also use tap magic fluid
Get an OSG TIN (titanium nitride) coat tap in 2 flute or 3 flute but I would avoid a spiral flute. MSC Industrial supply carries a lot of taps. mscdirect.com
It will probably be 1 day ground shipping from their Nevada facility to California.
Also use oil like Eddie said. Your drill could be cutting a couple thou undersize making the minor diameter tight too. Sometimes I’ll go with the next drill size up if it’s within .0025 of the nominal minor diameter.
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to thread aluminium the ideal is the Roll form tap . the tap forging mill matter rather than to cut it. The thread becomes almost as resistant as with a helicoil and very precis .
http://www.directindustry.com/prod/komet-group/roll-form-tap-7054-443844.html
ps: sorry for my english 🙄