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  #11  
Old 10-29-2015, 11:52 AM
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longranger longranger is offline
 
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Here's a 10-minute tutorial on taps.
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  #12  
Old 10-29-2015, 01:04 PM
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I had a tap break off not long ago. I was able to get it unscrewed by using a small pick to rotate the tap.

Look very closely were the tap is broken. Look for an edge where the groove (that runs the length of the tap) in the tape exists. If you can get a pointed pick or punch on a bit of the groove, gently tap it around with a small hammer.

It worked for me but I was sweating it for a while.
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  #13  
Old 10-29-2015, 02:41 PM
rv9builder rv9builder is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike S View Post
As a rule, longer lead taper helps, but that is not the biggest issue.
Quote:
Originally Posted by longranger View Post
Here's a 10-minute tutorial on taps.
Thanks, Mike and Miles! I have to tap my tail tie-down soon.
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  #14  
Old 10-29-2015, 04:27 PM
Stoo Stoo is offline
 
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Default Spiral Point Taps

It is best to use spiral point taps. These have angled cutting edges at the tip which direct the chips forward into the hole rather than into the flute which leads to clogging and binding. I get mine from MSC. Boelube is a good lubricant for tapping. Carbon steel taps from the hardware store are OK in the larger sizes but the small ones are too easy to bind up and break!

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  #15  
Old 10-29-2015, 05:51 PM
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rvbuilder2002 rvbuilder2002 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stoo View Post
It is best to use spiral point taps. These have angled cutting edges at the tip which direct the chips forward into the hole rather than into the flute which leads to clogging and binding. I get mine from MSC. Boelube is a good lubricant for tapping. Carbon steel taps from the hardware store are OK in the larger sizes but the small ones are too easy to bind up and break.
+1 for this.

It is true that technic plays a big part when tapping, but using this type of tap for the small sizes provides some extra safety margin.
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