Small tap holders

[Just for fun]

So, my old tap holder for the small taps is junk. I don't need a $60 Starrett, my local hardware store has an Irwin for $4 bucks (That looks better than the one I have) I'm thinking something in between. Maybe this one from McMaster? https://www.mcmaster.com/tap-holders/t-handle-tap-wrenches-8/

Machine Shop discount tools has this one, but probably no better than the Irwin. https://www.msdiscounttool.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=3381&products_id=103666

Anything else I should be looking at?

 

[Just for fun]

The set from General doesn't look to bad either. https://www.amazon.com/General-Tool...58-a7f5-cd9fc871d31c&pd_rd_i=B001UA6CJW&psc=1

 

[matthewsx]

I bought one from McMaster and wasn’t disappointed.

John

 

[matthewsx]

Looked at the stash of taps I bought last year and have one that would work for a watch. Figure I’d use my fingers for that one

John

 

[Ischgl99]

I have the machine mount wrench towards the bottom of the McMaster page you reference and am very happy with it. It has a hole in the top that I can use for my spring loaded tap follower, or you can put the guide in your chuck to guide it. There isn’t a brand on it, so don’t know who makes it, but better quality than what I have bought from the hardware store.

 

[paradox_pete]

There is always the option of making your own. I have an old US made craftsman tap wrench for small taps that is OK, but the larger tap wrenches I have a crap. I'm planning to make one like Tony makes in this video. Joe Pi has a video on making a small tap wrench that I'll likely copy as well.

I really like the design of the one Tony copies. Seems like a very simple elegant design to me....

-Pete

 

[pontiac428]

Man, is this a sore subject with me... I have to go take some pics of the boneyard from my long-running search for a tap handle that just works without wobbling, coming loose, or breaking. I will be watching this space.

 

[tjb]

Make one. Here's a post I did recently on another thread. Based on a Joe Pi video - same one Paradox-Pete refers to in Post #6 above. VERY easy to make (less than a couple of hours) and works great with small taps.

Regards

What Did You Buy Today?

Not long ago I was tapping some 3/4" holes and my made in China tap handle broke, I picked up what was available that day to complete the project. Same crappy thing used it twice and the adjuster is muffed up and the jaw prefers to be cock-eyed. So I went ebay surfing and found the big one in...

www.hobby-machinist.com

 

[MrWhoopee]

Whatever brand you choose, be sure to get a piloted spindle tapper. Useful on both lathe and mill, with or without the pilot.



Mine are Walton brand, I bought them in the 80s and they're very well made.
I will admit that they get a lot less use since I made this. With thanks to @Charles scozzari

 

[derfatdutchman]

I made a copy of the Joe Pi's tap wrench for use with small taps, I find it gives good feel with small taps.