Ever break a tap?

[ruffdog]

For people that hand tap, a guide like this may help them get the tap straight.

https://www.amazon.com/GATOR-TOOLS-...ocphy=9018980&hvtargid=pla-492288831574&psc=1

 

[workinonit]

I welded everything to my 2 post lift. Well, I welded unistrut to the lift frame and attached everything to it. I mounted underneath facing lighting with the control box as well as the controls for the lift. Put my contactor for the lift motor on the frame as well.

 

[MTGreen]

If you're not already using it, a good cutting fluid can make a world of difference.
Note cutting fluid, not lubricating oil. Cutting fluid is designed to bring metals together, not keep them apart like lubricating oil

 

[gstrom99]

Thanks for all the input. I thought about welding nuts to the column, but it's soo damn pretty, I'd hate to disturb that...

I'm expecting the extractor tomorrow, via UPS.

 

[mikester]

Spiral flute taps are more of machine taps than hand taps. I use them all the time when semi production tapping. Broke a few of them as well. Sometimes I'd like to have a wire EDM machine to remove them without scrapping the piece.

Have you seen these?

The Metal Disintegration process for removing Broken Bolts

Not sure what metal disintegrator is for you? Here are 5 easy steps to choose the right metal disintegrator to remove broken bolts

electroarc.com

 

[LD1]

Broke plenty. Several methods to remove and its a case by case basis.

 

[ArlyA]

The use of taps to clean, create new or wherever for threads is needed in my book, constitutes the occasion breaking them. I've always used tap oil. It's just the nature of the beast.

 

[jjeff]

In my unfortunate experience with breaking taps sometimes easy outs I've used are somewhat brittle so I've used a needle punch to break them out, sometimes mangling hole but most of the time fortunate to be able to use a bigger size, or in other cases fill hole by welding and repeat with successful results. I do keep a printed chart taped to drawer with tap sizes with recommended hole size to drill. I also use oatey brand it's the thicker viscosity dark cutting and tapping fluid with good results and it's readily available almost everywhere I frequent.

 

[gstrom99]

a printed chart taped to drawer with tap sizes with recommended hole size to drill.

What a great idea! I can't read the drill sizes laser printed(?) on these "new" taps.

 

[jjeff]

I keep my cobalt bits in a index with sizes clearly marked on it, also have a cheap easy to read caliper lying around close by. Also fortunate to have a big enough tool chest where I can keep my tap and dies in there case which is also clearly marked. Nothing's more frustrating than not putting my tools back and keeping them organized. Until a few yrs ago screwed up a few tap projects cuz I didn't fully understand letter sizes.