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How to use a tap and die set

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motorv8N

02-06-2008 13:28:20

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Been wanted to add one of these to my collection ever since a friend fixed a stripped valve cover bolt hole lickety split right before my eyes.
Finally got one today on sale -- 76 piece both metric and SAE. Now, can someone point me to a good resource on learning to use it properly? Looking for anything from your anecdotes to online references, books, whatever. Much obliged.

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matthies

02-06-2008 19:31:36

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Re: How to use a tap and die set in reply to motorv8N, 02-06-2008 13:28:20

If your set is an VermontAmerican, do yourself a favor and return it and buy a Hanson set. The VA set is soft and doesn't cut threads very good. chris

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dave guest

02-06-2008 18:50:28

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Re: How to use a tap and die set in reply to motorv8N, 02-06-2008 13:28:20

Get you a chart of tap and drill sizes.

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msb

02-06-2008 18:37:23

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Re: How to use a tap and die set in reply to motorv8N, 02-06-2008 13:28:20

Buy a can of TAP MAGIC. Its the best--bar none.

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shannon from ohio

02-06-2008 18:51:33

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Re: How to use a tap and die set in reply to msb, 02-06-2008 18:37:23

"LPS" Tapmatic cutting fluid is your next purchase so you don't ruin your taps/dies in harder metals. I use the stuff also when drilling holes to keep my bits from burning up

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Jerry L /AZ

02-06-2008 17:12:03

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Re: How to use a tap and die set in reply to motorv8N, 02-06-2008 13:28:20

there are a bunch of differant typs of taps depending on what you are doing but for basic use lets talk about the basic three taps 1) starting tap, that is the one that has a long taper at the beginning, some times called a taper tape. this tap is used to start the thread. 2) plug tap this tape is used to thread 80-90 % 3) bottoming tap is used to thread to the bottom of the hole. you will need a tap drill chart, it tells what size drill to drill the metal before tapping if you are just cleaning an already tapped hole that is called chasing a thread. once you have the tap started you use a cutting or tapping fluid or light oil turn the tap 1/2 turn then back to break and clear the chip about every 3rd turn remove tap and clear the hole if you are tapping a blind hole. hope this helps you Jer

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JMS/.MN

02-06-2008 17:05:54

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Re: How to use a tap and die set in reply to motorv8N, 02-06-2008 13:28:20

Excellent advice from the three previous posters. Especially the idea of chucking the tap in a drill press. Alignment is the most critical issue after having the hole of the proper size. Chuck in the tap, turn the driven pulley by hand while maintaining some down pressure on the spindle. Doing it by hand- it is a learning curve- you will break taps, especially smaller ones like 5/16 and under. Basically a judgment call regarding pressure. Lube helps, but proper pilot hole diameter and alignment are critical after that.

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eric g in mn

02-06-2008 16:54:14

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Re: How to use a tap and die set in reply to motorv8N, 02-06-2008 13:28:20

it is very critical to use the right size drill bit, as you may know,however for the lubricant, I like to use grease because it holds the chips into the flutes of the tap, and you can easily keep the hole that you are working on clean and free of debries.

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old timer in ohio

02-06-2008 16:22:40

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Re: How to use a tap and die set in reply to motorv8N, 02-06-2008 13:28:20

Hey there;
First thing I think I would do,is get some heavy threading oil.If you try tapping anything "dry"
you are more apt to "snap" your tap.Practice on larger holes first,(1/2" or 3/8")you have to develop a "feel",it usually takes some time.
"Practice makes perfect".
Bob
God Bless

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Bud in WV

02-06-2008 17:03:29

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Re: How to use a tap and die set in reply to old timer in ohio, 02-06-2008 16:22:40

Like Dr Sportster said - be gentle with the taps! They break easily! Until you really get the "feel" of that set I wouldn't go more than 1/4 to 1/2 turn before backing out to break the chips. If it's a "blind hole" you need to dump the chips out - they'll bind the tap up. If the hole goes all the way through the piece, just blow the chips on through....
For sure use plenty of cutting oil! Not OIL - CUTTING OIL! There IS a difference! Lowes and any real supply house or hardware store sells dark cutting oil. If you happen to run across "Tap Free", it's great & I don't know about the current formula but 15 years ago the lable said if you use it on aluminum it causes toxic fumes. Here's a link for the tap extractor - this is just the first one I saw - shop around but this'll show you what you're hunting.

http://www.etoolcart.com/browseproducts/Tap-Extractor-Set-WLT18001.HTML

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dr sportster

02-06-2008 13:53:00

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Re: How to use a tap and die set in reply to motorv8N, 02-06-2008 13:28:20

Ill let the machinists give you the scoop.But one easy way to line up the tap after drilling is to put it in the drill press and turn it started a bit by hand only.On smaller taps if you feel any twist back off or the tap will snap.Ive found certain brittle brands of small like 10-32 to break right off in old steel.then got a blue point or greenlee and it went smooth.There is a guide on the die holder that helps align the stud/rod whatever that most mechanics ignore but it helps.If you dont have the correct hole youll break em[taps].Youll need aletter/number fraction set of drills.If you clean chrome plated parts with your taps to clear the plating themn youl need two sets.The procedure is turn and back off half turns to break the chip away.Ok youl get lots of good info from others right here.Good luck and try to not ever snap one in an expensive part or youll be looking for an EDM machinist or cursing with a Walton tap extractor.

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Ryan - WI

02-06-2008 13:47:34

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Re: How to use a tap and die set in reply to motorv8N, 02-06-2008 13:28:20

Start with this link:

Link

And then watch this video

Link

he cuts threads in brass but the concept is the same for all materials.

I will see if I can find a video on using a die. It is pretty much exactly the same though, just with a different tool.

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