- Joined
- Feb 13, 2017
- Messages
- 2,138
When tapping, it is general practice to cut half a turn to a full turn then back the tap out to break and (theoretically) clear the chips. This practice is as old as the taps themselves, it is not a new gimmick. Tap handles come in several forms, the type that brings up the question is a "T" handle that tightens down on the tap like a drill chuck. Some two jawed with notchs, some four jawed. I have several, different sizes from "tiny" to maybe a half inch. The good ones (Starrett and the like) have a step inside the tip to acommodate smaller taps. The "cheaper" ones don't have this step. My question is thus:
Prowling the tool listings on eBay, I see occasional listings for a "ratcheting" tap handle. I have used them in the past, locking the ratchet to use as a tap handle. The question has been in the back of my mind for years and just came to the front. Ratcheting a tap handle would drive the tap in the same direction all the time, just relaxing the wrist for odd positions. There would be no breaking of the chips in such use. I have restored "boogered" holes in machines and even then I would ease the tap in, just as though cutting new threads. I cannot conceive of a situation where I wouldn't use the "usual practice" of backing out every half or so turn.
Am I missing some unusual detail, or is there another use for these ratcheting tap handles. Some esoteric tool or is it just a marketing gimmick with poor practice, put on by some guy behind a desk who has never tapped a hole himself? I have built many electrical "back pans" over the years, both in thin steel and aluminum. And have tried, unsuccesfully, using a battery drill to run the tap in and back out quickly to speed up the process. Unsuccessfully would be an understatement, that is where most of my broken taps came from.
I was on oxygen for a full night last night and my mind is working overtime today. That's why this question came to the front. Any and all responses would be appreciated, even those spoofing the concept. Just something that has "bothered" me for years but I couldn't properly phrase the question.
Prowling the tool listings on eBay, I see occasional listings for a "ratcheting" tap handle. I have used them in the past, locking the ratchet to use as a tap handle. The question has been in the back of my mind for years and just came to the front. Ratcheting a tap handle would drive the tap in the same direction all the time, just relaxing the wrist for odd positions. There would be no breaking of the chips in such use. I have restored "boogered" holes in machines and even then I would ease the tap in, just as though cutting new threads. I cannot conceive of a situation where I wouldn't use the "usual practice" of backing out every half or so turn.
Am I missing some unusual detail, or is there another use for these ratcheting tap handles. Some esoteric tool or is it just a marketing gimmick with poor practice, put on by some guy behind a desk who has never tapped a hole himself? I have built many electrical "back pans" over the years, both in thin steel and aluminum. And have tried, unsuccesfully, using a battery drill to run the tap in and back out quickly to speed up the process. Unsuccessfully would be an understatement, that is where most of my broken taps came from.
I was on oxygen for a full night last night and my mind is working overtime today. That's why this question came to the front. Any and all responses would be appreciated, even those spoofing the concept. Just something that has "bothered" me for years but I couldn't properly phrase the question.
Bi11 Hudson
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