Ratcheting Tap Handle, Holder, Wrench, etc.

[sbosecker]

I have looked for a thread on this topic without results. Ratcheting Tap Handles show up as a response to Tap Handle questions occasionally but these responses tend to be a sideshow to the main topic.

I would like folks recommendations/experiences on a good Ratcheting Tap Handle. I will be working on a project with some limited room and a Ratcheting Tap Handle might make that an easier task.

I am aware that some folks don't like them or won't use them for various reasons (should reverse a tap often to break chips, etc.) If possible could this thread just concentrate on a discussion of versions of this sort of tool.

If you've used one that you like, please advise of the make & model; likewise for ones that haven't performed well.

Scott

 

[shawhite]

Have you looked at tap sockets?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRFOE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[SeisMec]

Have you looked at tap sockets?

Quite possibly a really great suggestion, but in most situations, it is easier to assure the tap is properly aligned if a T-handle is used rather than an L-handle like on typical ratchets you'd attach sockets to. Sbosecker's description of the task is a bit vague - "a project with some limited room".

 

[sbosecker]

Sbosecker's description of the task is a bit vague - "a project with some limited room".

SeisMec,

HA!

A project with limited room for twisting a T-Handle Tap Wrench. That is: One cannot make a 360 degree rotation of the T-Handle without interference from a wall, etc.

A ratcheting action would be useful to avoid the interference of the T-Handle with an object that blocks a non-ratcheting T-Handle from making a full 360 rotation.

Best regards,

Scott

 

[sbosecker]

Have you looked at tap sockets?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRFOE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

shawhite,

Thanks - I haven't seen those before.

I was thinking of a ratcheting T-Handle type tool for this particular discussion but I do appreciate you pointing out this option.


Best regards,

Scott

 

[CobraRed]

Matco's works well

 

[Rinspeed]

I always just welded a nut on a regular tap handle so you can use a socket and ratchet.

 

[Dave455]

Ratcheting tap handles do have a place, notably when you are cleaning up threads rather than cutting new.

Most of the time when I need a tap wrench for automotive use, I use these 3/8 drive tap holders, much as shawhite mentioned above. Mine are KoKen, which I have found to be decent (they clamp nice and tight), but there are many. Different sizes are available, this is the larger.

I normally use them with an extension and T handle as shown, but you can configure them as you like using your 3/8 drive accessories, which seems to solve most access issues. You could add a ratchet adaptor to give you a ratcheting T handle, or use a regular ratchet.

Maybe in a tight area you could use one of those compact 3/8 drive ratchets with a 3/8 drive in a 1/4 ratchet body.

P.S. Unique avatar sbosecker!

 

[CGT80]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GMVA5A/?tag=atomicindus08-20


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001M0O1OS/?tag=atomicindus08-20


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001M0O1P2/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Gearwrench makes a great set. It was less money to buy the small and large set separate and the adapters separate, vs. the 11 piece set.

 

[caltemus]

Most of the time when I need a tap wrench for automotive use, I use these 3/8 drive tap holders, much as shawhite mentioned above...but there are many. Different sizes are available, this is the larger.

Maybe in a tight area you could use one of those compact 3/8 drive ratchets with a 3/8 drive in a 1/4 ratchet body.!

I found "IRWIN 3095001B Adjustable Tap Socket" but it's large. I'd love to find a 1/4" drive adjustable tap holder socket that could fit some smaller taps for precision work.

 

[Ign]

I've got the GW version, it's been fine the few times I've used it.

OP is dead on: these aren't ideal but are great when you can't easily spin your handles a full 360

 

[PBCampbell]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DZ6YSS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JEQ5KK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[SeisMec]

SeisMec,

HA!

...

Not sure how to interpret that 'HA'. If you felt I was being impertinent, I apologize.

I was wondering about things like: vertical clearance above the hole, degrees you could rotate a T-handle of a given size (eg. 30 degrees if the handle is longer than X inches, otherwise 50 degrees) or maybe no room for a T-handle - only for an L-handle.

 

[dalehsc]

I have the Gearwrench set,I have other gearwrench pass through set,and I can use the extensions if need be. Been happy with it. It's got a hex receiver for dies, the round ones won't work.

 

[sbosecker]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DZ6YSS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JEQ5KK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

PBCampbell,

I had seen both of these on Amazon...

If you have experience with either one, could you comment on that experience?

Best regards,

Scott

 

[sbosecker]

Not sure how to interpret that 'HA'. If you felt I was being impertinent, I apologize.

I was wondering about things like: vertical clearance above the hole, degrees you could rotate a T-handle of a given size (eg. 30 degrees if the handle is longer than X inches, otherwise 50 degrees) or maybe no room for a T-handle - only for an L-handle.

SeisMec,

Didn't mean to suggest impertinence... sorry.

I was laughing at myself...

I'm usually pretty good at conceptual thinking but this time I had a very clear idea in my head as to only what I meant. After I posted it I was considering clarifying it a bit but, as I was getting ready to do so, you're query arrived.

Your post was so exactly coincidental with my realizing I could be more clear and that it caused my response.

Best regards,

Scott

 

[gnpenning]

I'll be that guy. I bought one from HF, the few times I've used it it's been fine. I had to ask since they keep them in a weird spot.

 

[sbosecker]

Here's a couple of videos that motivated this thread. I'm getting ready to install a DRO on a Bridgeport Mill Clone and I thought it might be good to have a Ratcheting Tap Holder on hand prior to starting the installation rather than later.

It could well be I would be able to get by without it but...

Kinzy Fabrications - X-Axis - 9:00 point in video.

Abom79 - X-Axis - 2:50 point in video

Scott

 

[sbosecker]

Ratcheting tap handles do have a place, notably when you are cleaning up threads rather than cutting new.

Most of the time when I need a tap wrench for automotive use, I use these 3/8 drive tap holders, much as shawhite mentioned above. Mine are KoKen, which I have found to be decent (they clamp nice and tight), but there are many. Different sizes are available, this is the larger.

I normally use them with an extension and T handle as shown, but you can configure them as you like using your 3/8 drive accessories, which seems to solve most access issues. You could add a ratchet adaptor to give you a ratcheting T handle, or use a regular ratchet.

Maybe in a tight area you could use one of those compact 3/8 drive ratchets with a 3/8 drive in a 1/4 ratchet body.

P.S. Unique avatar sbosecker!

Dave455,

Thanks!

As to the avatar ...the Boeing YC-14 was an interesting airplane.

Best regards,

Scott

 

[Dave455]

Dave455,

As to the avatar ...the Boeing YC-14 was an interesting airplane.

I’ll bet!

At least when everyone is standing round they bar discussing rare aircraft they’ve been involved with, you can say “Well now........”!

 

[X1 Mike]

I have never had an issue with the General ratchet tap handle.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004T7SG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The suggestions on tap sockets aren't bad. If you are concerned about going in straight you may want to use a palm ratchet. I have one and you don't use it much but when you need it, it's your best tool in the box.

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Spe...alm-Style-Special-Application-Ratchet/PALMRAT

 

[tarbellb]

Another happy Gearwrench ratcheting handle owner, much smoother (4x the teeth) than the older ratcheting tap handles.

 

[ToolPolisher]

I have the Craftsman version of the Gearwrench everyone else is referencing. I also bought the 3/8" Craftsman pass-through ratchet. I use them whenever possible instead of a regular tap handle.

No complaints as it is much less frustrating than conventional tapping. I won't go back!

 

[sbosecker]

I have the Gearwrench set,I have other gearwrench pass through set,and I can use the extensions if need be. Been happy with it. It's got a hex receiver for dies, the round ones won't work.

dalehsc,

The image looks like the 3880 set...

What size taps can this set accommodate? Every vendor that advertises these sets seems to be silent on this...

Best regards,

Scott