Modified Craftsman tap handle (with pics)

[chiz1180]

A while back I was in a pinch and needed a 10-32 tap, so I went to sears and my only option was to purchase some sort of kit, as it was the cheapest option I bought this kit http://www.sears.com/craftsman-tap-driver-set/p-00952171000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

After a bit of use this happened

So after thinking about taking it back to sears for a replacement that would likely do the same thing, I decided to modify it so that it would function as it should

So I put the handle in my vise and drilled a hole the size of the broken tap

I then used a grinder to cut the broken tap

then I hammered it in to the handle

I again used the grinder to cut what was left of the tap to the final size and used some epoxy as extra assurance that it would not go anywhere

So after about 30 minutes it works as it should.

chiz1180

 

[Ratsofftoya]

That's awesome!

 

[AndrewV]

What would cost around 30cents, in the manufacturing proccess had to be done by the customer.
No bueno.

 

[Ratsofftoya]

What would cost around 30cents, in the manufacturing proccess had to be done by the customer.
No bueno.

True, but at least he just fixed it himself rather than return it, break the next one, log into garage journal and start a thread saying Craftsman *****!!!

 

[AndrewV]

Not putting down the cman guys.
But he kinda did lol. Just more polite.
But i applaud the enginuaty, and craftsman(lol)ship.

 

[johndeereman]

great idea and fine workmanship you know there are some real genius's on GJ which we can all learn from and take away some awesome idea's.

 

[1950mercury]

True, but at least he just fixed it himself rather than return it, break the next one, log into garage journal and start a thread saying Craftsman *****!!!

Yea we all know new craftsman tools **** and dont need to be reminded

 

[chiz1180]

Thanks for the kind words. I normally would not have purchased the handle but I was in a pinch and needed the tap. For the most part I don't have too many issues with craftsman tools, as they are one of closest options to get tools, not happy about the tools being made in china but that's been beaten to death. On a side note though, If someone is looking for a handle for a ratchet, I think this would be a good candidate
chiz1180

 

[jeffmoss26]

Nice job!!

 

[Kevin54]

You should have taken the part that came out of the handle, drilled a hole through it, then put a piece of rod through it and used that as a "T" style tap handle. You have more control over a "T" handle when tapping than you do a single handle like the blue handle was. Reason being that when you turn the single blue handle when tapping, every turn of your wrist, you are exerting side forces on the tap. A T-handle will allow you to exert a more even force on a tap.

Not saying that what you did is wrong, but a T-handle is a way better tapping handle than a single handle like you bought.

 

[Steinmetz]

You should have taken the part that came out of the handle, drilled a hole through it, then put a piece of rod through it and used that as a "T" style tap handle. You have more control over a "T" handle when tapping than you do a single handle like the blue handle was. Reason being that when you turn the single blue handle when tapping, every turn of your wrist, you are exerting side forces on the tap. A T-handle will allow you to exert a more even force on a tap.

Not saying that what you did is wrong, but a T-handle is a way better tapping handle than a single handle like you bought.

The whole blue-handled craftsman tool seems ill-conceived (like many of their offerings). A tap handle should be turned with the fingers to avoid applying a bending moment to the tap while the tap rotates. With this thing, that's not likely to happen.

 

[chiz1180]

You should have taken the part that came out of the handle, drilled a hole through it, then put a piece of rod through it and used that as a "T" style tap handle. You have more control over a "T" handle when tapping than you do a single handle like the blue handle was. Reason being that when you turn the single blue handle when tapping, every turn of your wrist, you are exerting side forces on the tap. A T-handle will allow you to exert a more even force on a tap.

Not saying that what you did is wrong, but a T-handle is a way better tapping handle than a single handle like you bought.

I actually considered that, but I already have a T-handle. Honestly its not the kinda thing that I foresee getting tons of use out of, but I have it and fixing it didn't take all that long

chiz1180

 

[Beemer533]

Nice job making it useful again!

While I agree with comments regarding T handles for tapping, there are plenty of uses for taps like these...

I use this one frequently from Klein to clean out holes already tapped, for tapping small holes in softer materials like thin AL or plastics... works very well for its intended purpose. I certainly wouldn't try tapping 1/4" steel with it...

 

[jeffmoss26]

I use the Klein tapping tools in the field when I need to fix an outlet box or equipment rack.
I definitely agree that a T handle is best for production work.

 

[woody 73]

I like the idea very much my problem comes when I start to twist the screwdriver and it splits close to the top just above the pin (broken Tap in this case), Still a good idea.

 

[steveo3002]

would you have a part number for a metric one of those please?

Nice job making it useful again!

While I agree with comments regarding T handles for tapping, there are plenty of uses for taps like these...

I use this one frequently from Klein to clean out holes already tapped, for tapping small holes in softer materials like thin AL or plastics... works very well for its intended purpose. I certainly wouldn't try tapping 1/4" steel with it...