How to organize taps.

[Chadwilliam1]

I have acquired entirely too many taps at work i do a lot of course thread and fine thread tapping. So i now have bottom taps, intermediate taps and tapper taps in nearly every size from 10-24 thru 1" my bigger taps I don't use as often and they are shared with the other millwrights.

Does anybody else have this problem? I need a way to organize all of these taps. I was thinking about a plastic case with dividers. any suggestions?

 

[cyato]

I bought a bunch of different sizes and colors of "Viewtainers" at the local Home Depot. We labeled and store the taps and corresponding drills in each one. We used to use labeled ziplock bags, but they were hard to spot when they were out and about in the shop. The Viewtainers are much easier to spot and keep track of. Don't know if this would work for your situation, but it works pretty well for us.

http://viewtainer.typepad.com/blog/2012/10/viewtainers-in-the-garage.html

 

[neophyte]

It only goes up to 1/2", but it's a drill bit type index made for storing plug taper and bottoming taps. It's sold by Lawson Products, and manufactured in Germany by a company called DrilBox. I've never ordered fron Lawson so I don't know how hard it would be.

http://www.lawsonproducts.com/lawson/For-Plug-Taper-and-Bottoming-Taps-and-Drill-Index/A84.lp

http://www.drilbox.de/_english/home/index1.html

 

[humber2]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=202803

 

[Provincial]

I use Ikea "INREDA" DVD racks for dividers in some of my drawers. It is a grey ribbed plastic mat that cuts easily with woodworking tools. The ribs are spaced at about 7/16" are are the same depth. The mats are 20 x 13 inches and cost $7.00 each. The grooves run the long way.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10105370/

I remember rubber door mats that were built in a similar pattern, but haven't seen any in decades.

 

[sberry]

fishing tackle box?

 

[Flange]

Best I have seen on here is this thread:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=174553&highlight=organize

 

[nine4gmc]

Best I have seen on here is this thread:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=174553&highlight=organize

QFMFT

 

[zkling]

I just throw them in a metal coffee can with a little gravel at the bottom for protection.

Ok, on a serious note. I use a combo of a block of foam with holes strategically stabbed in it. An accordion folded piece of plastic inside a drawer, the peaks and valleys keep the taps from touching, a few blocks of wood, plastic reloading cases and old pens with the ink removed. Try to store them vertical if possible, saves space.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I try to buy only the 3 pc tap sets..even if I only need one of them...taps like Cleveland come in a SWEET box..wish I could get my hands of a pile of them to organize all of what I got. Long story short, my "method" is to have 3 pc boxes when possible, and I have them sorted by size in a box (soon to be drawer).

 

[Packard V8]

The Kennedy #520 7-drawer machinist's chest is my go-to answer for drills, reamers, taps, hole saws, punches, chisels, files; anything small and round or flat.

Buy every one you find used for $25-75, depending on condition. They're more than $300 retail now.

jack vines

 

[justanengineer]

One of these days I need to find one of these thats in good shape and actually affordable, or make my own. FWIW, its not nearly as large as it looks, read the description for a better idea of size.

http://archives.tools.oneofakindantiques.com/4022_antique_cleveland_twist_drill_co_cabinet_7.htm

 

[BDT/NWMN]

A four foot length of 2X12 plank with lots of holes drilled in it... Hang it on the wall, lean it in a corner, or leave it flat on the bench.. Label the holes for tap size..... Would work for drill bits also..

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I think I know where an abandoned huot drill bit dispenser is I am going to take a ride down and see if I want to relocate it up to my shop. I think it will work perfect.

 

[yaidunno]

Buy this setup...