Recommend me a tap handle.

[ecotec]

I use tap sockets now. A ratchet is far more comfortable, to my hands, than most tap handles.

I used a Craftsman ratcheting tap handle for over 20 years, until they stopped carrying them and covering them under warranty. In the average year, during those 20 years, Sears replaced my ratcheting tap handle 3 times.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

The Starretts are a copy of the English ones, the English ones are nicer. At that size you are into Greenfield territory. Butterfield , or any of the old industrial brands. With cheap ones the jaws chew up in short order.

 

[CGarage]

Who makes high quality tap sockets?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Who makes high quality tap sockets?

For fixed size tap sockets, Lisle is my choice. Nice wide range.



Currently leaning starrett 91c - 20% zoro coupon showed up. If it *****, I will personally blame those in this thread. LOL I have my eye on a vintage GT&D #6(greenfield USA) as well. Tough to find old stuff that isn't all crusty and rusty, which I don't want. My work itself is filthy enough, I don't need tools with rust pitting and finish worn off.

 

[CGarage]

You’ll be back for a ratcheting tap handle. Just watch.

 

[liliysdad]

You’ll be back for a ratcheting tap handle. Just watch.

I have one...and never, ever use it. I have yet to see a scenario where I thought it was a benefit. Tap Sockets are at least sometimes useful when chasing threads in awkward positions with limited access.

 

[CGarage]

I have one...and never, ever use it. I have yet to see a scenario where I thought it was a benefit. Tap Sockets are at least sometimes useful when chasing threads in awkward positions with limited access.

I hear what you are saying. IF you get a high quality German one like I have, it makes tapping so much easier compared to the “dark ages” of the old generation handles.

My .02 cents. I have seen a lot of junk tap handles and have used junk tap handles that friends have had sitting around when in a pinch.
Quality makes the difference.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

You’ll be back for a ratcheting tap handle. Just watch.

I own one. A single flat ratcheting tap/die handle from my astro kit. I've used a few of the ratcheting t-handle style, which I do not like. I no longer own any of that type, I gave them away as I do not like the t-handle style at all. I have a few non-ratcheting t-handles, which I rarely use.

 

[CGarage]

Let us know how your new tap handle works out please.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I ended up purchasing a Greenfield Tool and Die #6 handle from ebay, USA made vintage stuff. 16" long, and if the research I did is to be believed, a #6 handle should hold up to M16 and a bit bigger. We shall see. $55, I couldn't justify the gamble on starrett if there was an issue with the product.

 

[tarbellb]

May not want to hear it, but 72 ratcheting teeth of the Gearwrench is pretty sweet.

 

[zmotorsports]

I ended up purchasing a Greenfield Tool and Die #6 handle from ebay, USA made vintage stuff. 16" long, and if the research I did is to be believed, a #6 handle should hold up to M16 and a bit bigger. We shall see. $55, I couldn't justify the gamble on starrett if there was an issue with the product.

Nice. I think you will like the quality of the Greenfield.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Nice. I think you will like the quality of the Greenfield.

That's what I'm hoping for. The listing said it moved freely and smoothly. Some of the other vintage USA ones had a lot of trash visible in the threads, enough to make me wonder if they had even cycled them fully.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I looked at my handle the other day. I have a #5 and a #6. Both work just fine.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Nice. I think you will like the quality of the Greenfield.

Having put it to use a few times, I'd like to update.

It's a wonderful tool, very well made. Handles are comfy and the sizing wasnt as absurd as I thought it might be. It seems silly until you put an m18 tap in it.

 

[bsaint]

I have a citizen-cincom one.

 

[Mandres]

The Taiwan made extendable tap handle from harbor freight is surprisingly decent. For sporadic use I can recommend it highly. https://www.harborfreight.com/t-handle-tap-ratchet-wrench-97633.html