Taps

[bird]

Ok, folks, I've collected these taps over time. The problem is I don't know anything about them... can't even tap dance (wow, that was a sorry attempt at a joke) So, my plan is to show them to my dad... who will be able to tell me if they are new, decent, or in worthless shape. At that point, I will figure out what to do with them. I don't know anything about mechanic work..... or much of anything but building furniture ... go figure.
   In the meantime, if anyone has any input, here's the list:
Morse NC:
I have two 3/8    16
1/2    13
5/8    11
1/2  14  tapered pipe #163
1/8  #27 NPT

Greenfield

5/8  11   NC


P&W Co

3/8  AP    HS-34     T12
Anyhow, I can't even pretend to know anything about this stuff. I do have a set of taps that are in the original wooden box, but, of course I'm attached to them for some absurd reason.

So, I know dad looked at a few of them before, his eyes bugged out, and then said, "If only they were metric." I guess his cars are all British or German. I'm hoping I have a few he hasn't looked at yet, and that he'll be able to use them.  Anything that dad wants goes "for free." ... he's given me enough through the years!!!!
     That's a lesson to anyone that has a dad or mom alive...... they've given you enough..... ok maybe an ass whoopin' or two... but, probably deserved it..... take care of your parents if you're lucky enough to have one of them still alive.

There.
I've accomplished ramblin'.
A lesson for a few folks.
And a question---- help with taps.

I know dad can look at them and tell me if they are in good shape, i.e. he would use them, or not.
Once I figure that out, if anyone on this site deals with that sort of thing, I'll let you know.
Yeah, probably should find out "what there worth" and go to the GJ site. But, I'd rather stay here.
cheers, bird

[johnsironsanctuary]

bird,
I found this online the other day . Thought you might enjoy.

John

[keykeeper]

Can't say I know much about taps, but I have been needing a 1/8 - 27 NPT for a project I'm working on.........I'm just too cheap to buy one at hardware store prices.

Good luck, I'm sure there are many here that know more about these taps than I!!!!

[scottg]

 Not sure what you were looking to find out?
  The brands you listed are all good old brands. The taps will be good ones.........if in good condition.
 
 Taps get misused a lot. Dumped in a rusty bucket of nails and bolts, and then people can't figure out whey won't cut anymore.
Taps are pretty fragile really.  The edges have to be sharp to cut a smooth tread. They have to decent to cut any kind of thread at all.  Take a brand new tap and throw it down in a gravel/dirt pile and stomp on it a couple times, its gone.
 It still looks like a tap but it won't work for crap.

 Loose taps don't sell for a lot of money. They generally come around in lots. Often by-the-bucket.
  There goes that rusty bucket again. 
 Dies are worth a little more, but people are funny.
  If there is a complete set they will pay more for abused taps n dies, than loose tools in better condition.
  I think a lot of people just want them to look at.

 Yo Aaron, 1/8" pipe tap?? I don't think I see more of anything that 1/8" pipe taps.  They are always unused leftovers from a set (but probably neglected) since unless you are doing electric lamp work, hardly anybody ever has use for an 1/8th.
   Keep looking, they're out there. You sure don't need to pay retail!
  yours Scott

[bonneyman]

Whenever I come across USA taps and dies I grab them. I never seem to avoid snapping taps off during use, no matter how cautious I am or how much oil I use. So, I just throw them into a wooden box. That way, when I need one, I don't have to make a special run to Ace Hardware and get zonked for $5-8 a tap.
About 5 months ago, I went through that box and sorted all the taps and dies according to size and threads per inch. Put them in separate little boxes and labelled the outside of each. Now it's alot easier to find the one you need rather than dig thru a whole pile.
I have far fewer metric taps and dies. They are really precious. Even if they are Asian, I grab 'em.

The 1/8 X 27NPT is still used in the HVAC industry. I may have a spare I can send you if you don't mind foreign made. Let me know.

[rusty]

Chances are you are breaking them because they are dull. For taps less than 1/2 inch, if you need more than your thumb and 2 fingers to turn the tap wrench, in mild steel, either the hole is too small, the tap is the wrong kind, or the tap is dull dull dull.

As to oil....when a tap cuts into metal , it exposes metal that had no oil on it, unless you reverse the tap once in a while, surprising how many folks don't do that , they just keep forcing in the tap till it binds up solid: (

(Wax seems to work better for small taps BTW)

Oh, and if you are tapping something other than mild steel, with commonly found taps, you are using the wrong taps - P

I mention this only because of bitter experience, because taps are 5 times harder than drill bits, when you snap one off in a hole you just made your day a log longer and a lot less fun ...

[keykeeper]

Well, the project I have at hand, in case anyone is wondering, is to tap a hole into a brass filler cap for a Coleman lantern/stove. Then I will install a 1/8" NPT Schrader valve in it. When I need to test a fount from a lantern or stove, all I have to do is put the cap on, pressurize it with my compressor to about 25-30 pounds, then do a dunk test to check for leaks in the valve body or fount itself.

bonneyman is correct, the 1/8" is commonly used in HVAC applications. I found the valve at Lowe's near the HVAC stuff.

I can buy the cap already fitted with the valve, but what fun is that (plus, they run about $15 plus shipping pre-made)? I also have a few caps laying around ready to be drilled and tapped.

I know, sounds weird, but I'm a tinkerer. It's what I do.....lol.

[geneg]

Prior to getting a Stant radiator pressure tester years ago, I did the same thing with a radiator cap to test for leakes on a cold,- non-running engine.  Worked well.  I ended up getting the Stant pump up kit at an auction for $15.  The modified cap is in a toolbox drawer somewhere.

[geneg]

Meant to add, but hit post too soon.  I too seem to gather taps & dies.  I have a couple of full sets (std & metric) but grab loose ones for projects.  I spent a few hours last spring sorting mine by size in a small upper machinest chest.  What a time saver now.  I don't break many, but do get rid of those that won't cut.
Beeswax or lard based cutting oil work best for lube.  BUT the real key is the forward and reverse routine to clear chips.  Another thing that helps the life of taps & dies is to use thread chasers to clean/straighten existing bolts/nuts/holes.  The tolerances are more open.  Use the taps & dies for new threading only.

[bonneyman]

Thanks, Rusty. Guess I learned something new today.

keykeeper - glad I could help.

[bird]

Well, the project I have at hand, in case anyone is wondering, is to tap a hole into a brass filler cap for a Coleman lantern/stove. Then I will install a 1/8" NPT Schrader valve in it. When I need to test a fount from a lantern or stove, all I have to do is put the cap on, pressurize it with my compressor to about 25-30 pounds, then do a dunk test to check for leaks in the valve body or fount itself.

bonneyman is correct, the 1/8" is commonly used in HVAC applications. I found the valve at Lowe's near the HVAC stuff.

I can buy the cap already fitted with the valve, but what fun is that (plus, they run about $15 plus shipping pre-made)? I also have a few caps laying around ready to be drilled and tapped.

I know, sounds weird, but I'm a tinkerer. It's what I do.....lol.


Not wierd at all!  What's the fun of someone else doing the "work and figurin'" for ya?!
cheers, bird