Long Taps

[frogwalking]

I am starting another rifle build. It would be really nice if the sidelock screws and the tang screw(s) started easily into their threads. Of course the correct way to do this is to tap the plates directly through the hole in the stock. This insures the taped hole is correctly aligned with the future screw. However. to do this one needs longer than standard taps. Does anyone know where to get longer 8-32 and 10-32 taps?

 

[Vaino]

Have made many LRs and always used standard length taps.......#8-32 for the tang screw and rear lockbolt. #6-32 for the front lockbolt.....Fred

 

[Lock Nut]

Taps do vary in length between manufacturers. I mostly use taps made by Irwin and they have always been long enough. No special reason for the brand, that's just what my local Fleet Farm store carries. But they are cheep and will break easily if you push them too far.

 

[Birddog6]

MSC. I use double fluted taps. Have not broken one in years, subject to change this morning of course. :rotf:

Keith Lisle

 

[Keb]

Google pulley taps. Greenfield makes them in all sizes.
Or: Link

 

[Len Graves]

I agree that standard taps will work. I have done several guns from a blank and while the tap comes close to being short they always leave the square end enough to turn them in or out. Just to add my unfortunate experiences, lube with a good cutting or threading oil, go slow, back tap to clear chips and when purchasing taps go with a good quality name brand tap those Chinese made taps while you may get lucky also may cause you much more work or ruin your parts.

 

[MSW]

cool post ... never knew these gadgets existed ...

thanks!

 

[MikeyC]

If you need long taps, here is a link from Enco for Interstate Taps. These are Pulley Taps and can be had in 4", 6", and 8" lengths.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PARTPG=INSRAR2&PMAKA=326-1538&PMPXNO=12387789

Mike C.

 

[Col. Batguano]

I've busted a tap off in a front bolt lock before. they're almost impossible to ever extract again, and the metal in the steel is much harder than the lock casting. I just peened it off and tried to drill again somewhere reasonably close by. Since it's covered by the pan spring, you won't ever even notice it unless you're looking for it.

 

[ZUG]

Try here -- their prices for the import is very reasonable and for the amount of work you will be doing they will serve you for a long time. Keep the tap "square" to the work & use the proper tapping fluid and you will not be breaking any taps :thumbsup: --- http://www.toolsavings.com ---- .

 

[frogwalking]

I meant 8-32 and 6-32. The taps are on order from Enco. Thanks.

 

[frogwalking]

I haven't tried it myself, but others say you can often break the HSS tap out of a hole with a good punch. Some advise not to use special alloy taps as they won't break out of a hole where the HSS taps will. I hope I do not need to try this myself.

 

[Zonie]

The way I heard it, the recommendation is to use high carbon steel taps because they are easy to shatter if they break off in the hole.

High Speed Steel (HSS) on the other hand contains the "special alloys" you mention that make them difficult to shatter.

I've used taps made from both high carbon and HSS and if they are a quality made tap they both work about the same.

 

[ehoff]

Zonie is right, if you break break a carbon steel tap you can break it in the hole with a good center punch and patients. If you break a HSS tap you need to find a machine shop with a tap zapper or a EDM to burn it out.

 

[frogwalking]

Good advice. I guess the best thing is to use lots of cutting oil and be very careful.

 

[Pete G]

Machine shop is not the only way of removing a broken tap. A tool called a "tap extractor" is also available. I've only had to use it once, but it worked great.

 

[Keb]

I broke an 8-32 off in a tumbler blind hole just yesterday. I picked it out by tapping it out with a small punch. It's a tedious job but you can get them out.

 

[don hepler]

I am a machinist, and have seen hundreds of broken taps, and have removed hundreds of broken taps. I always start with a tiny punch and try to get it to back out by tapping it counter-clock wise. If the tap has broken fragments or is split, then forget that. Yes you can break a tap into pieces. This is dangerous, hitting a tap with punch, can cause fragments to fly and hit you in the skin or eyes. Always wear a face shield, and long sleeves, and I get the punch lined up and wrap a rag around it to catch flying particles. They make 2,3, and 4 flute tap extracters, with little expandable fingers, but may or may not work, depending on material, split tap, etc. Also larger machine shops have equipment to burn out a broken tap. A good machinist is a handy person to have access to. Messing with broken taps can be extremely dangerous. "AS IN BLINDING YOU"

 

[frogwalking]

I just recieved my taps frim ENCO today. I have not used them, but they are really finished nicely and the shaft is smaller than the threads.

 

[kaintuck]

IF YOU USE EM....THEY CAN BE BROKEN! :surrender:
I use oil now, and take my time...slowly I turn~
the dang thing is....I still can't figgure out how to safely do a straight hole with a drill press......It takes 5 hands it would seem! :youcrazy: