Recommendations for small tap handle

[4ssss]

I use these. They are not cheap, but I use them with one hand after starting, and you can feel (I can anyway) when to back off and break the chip. This is one of those items I don't recommend skimping on. The wrenches are cheap compared to the cost of the tap and the time trying to remove a broken tap. I'm sure there are cheaper places to buy them than Zoro.

Starrett Tap Wrench 91A | Zoro

Order Starrett Tap Wrench, 91A at Zoro.com. Huge in stock selection of Tap Wrenches with next day shipping on most orders.

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Starrett Tap Wrench 91B | Zoro

Order Starrett Tap Wrench, 91B at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

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[Nogoingback]

One tool I would suggest NOT buying is a brand new Starrett t-handle. I bought one last year and it didn't hold the tap even remotely straight. Returned it to Starrett and it came back better but still not right.
I haven't gotten around to it, but I'll probably look for and older American made tool like a Greenfield (GTD).

 

[DavidR8]

I do like the compact nature of the T-handle wrenches. Certainly last night I could not have dealt with a Starrett handle as I did not have the space to swing a long handle.

 

[devils4ever]

I recently purchased Starrett's 93A and 93B tap handles. I love them. They are orders of magnitude better than the ones that came with my tap and die set from 30 years ago. I'm a newbie so maybe I'm not judging them the way a seasoned machinist would. I could find no deficiencies with them.

 

[mikey]

I do like the compact nature of the T-handle wrenches. Certainly last night I could not have dealt with a Starrett handle as I did not have the space to swing a long handle.

Space is always an issue so you're going to accumulate a variety of tap handles and drivers. Starrett makes good T-handled ones but don't underestimate the utility of a Starrett 91; the tactile feel of this series of tools is superior to most any T-handled tap driver and that matters, especially when tapping tough stuff or small stuff.

 

[aliva]

I used the following. second one is about 12" in length

 

[MrWhoopee]

I have a pair of the Walton Piloted Spindle Tappers. Really like them, except the handles slide out.

 

[DavidR8]

I have a pair of the Walton Piloted Spindle Tappers. Really like them, except the handles slide out.

View attachment 317540

The sliding handle is what bugs me about the one I have. Maybe I need to look at modding it

 

[MrWhoopee]

The sliding handle is what bugs me about the one I have. Maybe I need to look at modding it

Well it does have a set-screw. I keep thinking about undercutting the handle a little, or making some end caps.

Ooooh, ooooh! I just realized I have some white vinyl end caps for wire shelving.

BRB



Perfect for the small one. Don't have any large enough for the large one.

Thinking a little more, maybe a flat on the handle that doesn't extend all the way to the ends that the set-screw can ride on.

 

[francist]

Guess if a person had a lathe they could make a light press fit replacement handle....