Which tap??

[JoeHarris]

I will need to tap holes from m5 to m12 on my build in Ali and Steel... I was thinking of buying my first set of taps... What do people think of these ??

http://www.toolbox.co.uk/draper-4089...ign=GoogleBase

[JoeHarris]

Oh an I had my eye on this rachet wrench too


http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/vie...d=120538092442

[ptjw7uk]

That rachet is OK, I would also get a longer one of the same type, very useful, gets your paws out of the road!

Peter

Taps look to be OK, best to only get HSS

[wilfy]

how does a ratchet work when your tapping then? i was taught to do 180 turn, then twist back a little to free the swarf then do another 180... if your using a ratchet i presume u just keep winding in till your done

[asbo]

I will need to tap holes from m5 to m12 on my build in Ali and Steel... I was thinking of buying my first set of taps... What do people think of these ??

Draper 40891 28 Piece Metric Tap And Hss Drill Set Part No: TDS-28 - Draper available at Toolbox

I have that exact same set, I've found them to be very good.

[Chas]

A set like that would might be OK to start you off, but you're going to need to replace the ones you use/break most often.

I bought a comprehensive boxed set from M3 to M14 & replace when needed from MSC Industrial Supply Co..

[r0bsk1]

I've been using these taps.....
HSS Tap Set M8 x 1.25 8mm | eBay

....and these drills
1 x 8.0MM COBALT DRILL BITS 8MM DRILLS TOP QUALITY | eBay

...today. Got about 50 holes of M6 and M8 drilled and tapped in ali and steel and the tools are just beginning to dull.

[JoeHarris]

Thanks guys, now all I need to do is convince someone to fork out for christmas!!

[ptjw7uk]

Hi Wilfy
The ratchet is most useful when cleaning up lots of threads in awkward places. Ypur right on the 180 backwards when cutting new threads. I find the ratchet is also useful for those very awkward places where a normal tap holder cannot go, not easy flipping the ratcket but needs must as they say!!
peter

[Lee Roberts]

Morning Guys,

Typically I just buy what I need size wise as and when I need them, normally I would back the tap off a quarter of a turn then do my 180, I think some people use a little lube when tapping, personally I don’t bother.

As been said really I think the ratchet is most useful when doing your second and 3rd tap, not done any work with a bottoming tap to date so not sure a ratchet would make that job any easier.

Can’t say I’ve ever broke any either, would suggest using the right size bore for the tap you want to use.

.Me