Super Size Tap Guide

Nice builds. I agree the little spring ones are just that too little. The Irwin handle is really a nice one to have on my Xmas list .
 
I'm not getting it. How is the tap guide gonna engage the Irwin tap wrench? I have a set of them, purchased from Amazon a few years ago. Mine don't have the hex and can only be driven by the square hole for the ratchet. I have often wished for a ratchet with a countersunk hole in the back, to put a guide into, as driving with a ratchet is very nice, if you can keep it centered.

Chris
 
I'm not getting it. How is the tap guide gonna engage the Irwin tap wrench? I have a set of them, purchased from Amazon a few years ago. Mine don't have the hex and can only be driven by the square hole for the ratchet. I have often wished for a ratchet with a countersunk hole in the back, to put a guide into, as driving with a ratchet is very nice, if you can keep it centered.

Chris

square drive T handles usually have a center hole in the back. You could start with that and switch to a ratchet. or put one of these on a T handle
upload_2016-11-3_21-23-17.png
upload_2016-11-3_21-24-22.png
 
OK, thanks. While I have seen that type of drive handle before, I have never seen the use of that kind of handle and never thought I'd need one in my arsenal, figuring a breaker bar or ratchet would be enough. I'm going to look into getting one now, as I long for a shorter tap guide and handle setup like others.

Chris
 
Very nice work. I like it.

I have some Snappy tap sockets I bought years ago. I've found taps really want to go straight as long as your not pulling them to the side. So I Mount the tap socket in the drill chuck & start the tap a few turns. Once it's started it's hard to pull sideways so I'll finish the job with a ratchet usually. I don't like power tapping.
 
I'm not getting it. How is the tap guide gonna engage the Irwin tap wrench? I have a set of them, purchased from Amazon a few years ago. Mine don't have the hex and can only be driven by the square hole for the ratchet. I have often wished for a ratchet with a countersunk hole in the back, to put a guide into, as driving with a ratchet is very nice, if you can keep it centered.

Chris
When using the Irwin tap wrench, I use the 3/8" cylindrical end which nicely fits the 3/8" socket. The cylindrical profile provides a more positive drive and less chance of pulling the tap wrench from the guide when tapping large holes. The conical tip can be used with a traditional T handle tap wrench.

I prefer to not use a ratchet for tapping because of the sideways torque introduced.
 
The reason I use the drill chuck is so it will slip if it binds. Otherwise I'd out it in the collet which I have done when I used to power tap. I agree the ratchet does introduced side torque. That's why I start them under power of the mill machine then switch to the ratchet with a careful hand.
 
Old thread, I know. Did you harden the point against wear?
 
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