T-Handle Tap

[dr kananga]

Anyone have a recommendation for a quality t-handle tap.
I would prefer a ratcheting tap.

I have one.
It is ****.
When I get into a tough spot, it loosens from the bit and ends up being a disaster.

Thanks dudes!

 

[bob from indiana]

I have two (both sizes) I bought from Mcmaster-Carr. They ratchet and work very well.
I bought two tap extensions to match them and I can handle most anything that comes up with them. Mcmaster also had tap sockets in 1/4 drive I use them with a hex drive adapter to tap machine screw threads at work.

 

[Stooge]

All 3 of my t handle types, ( 2 starrett non ratcheting and a blue point ratcheting one) all seem to loosen at the chuck if I hand tighten it, usually have to use a pair of round jaw pliers to give it that last twist and really lock it in. I've always preferred the non t handle type wrenches, at least for cutting new threads, just seems to give me more control and slightly more confidence that I won't have to get the tap extractors out. T handles only come out if I have a clearance issue with a standard tap wrench.
Starrett is the first brand I look at, and with the exception of the blue point, are the only ones in rotation in my box

 

[willf650]

I saw a nice looking tap handle at home depot the other day. It was a hanson, and although not a fancy brand, it had the neat feature that it could be inserted into a die stock or socket and also was set up to attach to a 3/8 drive ratchet. I bought a set of tap sockets years ago to use once for a situation that required it. If I had the hanson tap handles I could have just used a 3/8 extension.

 

[bonneyman]

I have one like this that I picked up at a local garage sale. Haven't used it much, and it hasn't slipped on me, but, I don't do confined space/tough jobs with it. Just work bench stuff.

http://www.crawfordtool.com/Schroder_4.006.0.html

 

[jjjrmx5]

Shroder.

Made in Germany.

I have both the small and large sizes of ratcheting tap handles.

For delicate work where a tap socket may cross thread, the Shroder's work great.

They ratchet both ways and have a middle lock postion for use just like a fixed handle.

Sears carries them as does most industrial supply co's.

Used mine for 7 years now with no problems ever.

 

[senlow]

I prefer a non-ratcheting T-handle. Starrett and General are both very good.

The best ratcheting T-handle that I have used is made by Shroder. At one time, Snap-on sold them (Blue Point branded).

 

[cnc-me]

Fixed handles are the way to go unless you need the ratchet.
USA made Generals for me, but Starretts are good also.

 

[cnc-me]

I prefer a non-ratcheting T-handle. Starrett and General are both very good.

The best ratcheting T-handle that I have used is made by Shroder. At one time, Snap-on sold them (Blue Point branded).

I hope this is not what I have 'cause it's a Blue Point made in Germany.
Don't like it at all, loose jointed and always bumping the selector switch.
Has an overall cheap feel to it, especially compared to a General.

 

[noslocars]

If you buy the blue point one now it is made in china. Hang on to that one made in germany because the china ones are even worse.

 

[jjjrmx5]

If you buy the blue point one now it is made in china. Hang on to that one made in germany because the china ones are even worse.

The circa 2007 Blue Points and before were indeed Shroder.
And made in Germany. And stamped as such.

BP switched over to Chinese COO ratcheting tap handles after 2011 IIRC.

Why? i dunno.
$15 retail for the big and $13 for the small from Shroder these says. Still COO Germany.

Most machinists I know like the fixed handle. If on a TACT or production time, the ratcheting still has a "feel" but faster for some.

The tap sockets are far faster but you ****** a thread and game over. No feel but for the long time pro.

Yes.
You need all 3. LOLZ

 

[senlow]

I hope this is not what I have 'cause it's a Blue Point made in Germany.
Don't like it at all, loose jointed and always bumping the selector switch.
Has an overall cheap feel to it, especially compared to a General.

I hate to break it to you. Your German Blue Point tap handle is indeed a Schroder. They have a pretty coarse and sloppy ratchet action. I don't like to use them unless I really need the ratcheting action. Unfortunately, it's the best ratcheting handle that I have used.

 

[0.511MeV]

I'm not sure the COO on the General tap handle I have, but it is a worthless piece of junk.

Starrett flat handles are best, followed by their T handles. I've not tried a ratcheting handle from anyone though.

 

[theknurl]

for small taps my Yankee Mod. 250 ratcheting T handle;
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cm/...es/9W/SchroederRatchetingTapnBit_400_0410.jpg
this one is a Schroeder, a copy of the Yankee

on larger taps a traditional Morse T handle;
http://0.tqn.com/d/classicmotorcycles/1/0/k/7/-/-/Tapping-393x310.png
not a Morse but you get the idea

in a hole where you need a extension..... the only way
Jacobs No 441-J9 fits #10 to 1/2" shank taps has Jacobs RubberFlex collets and is 1/2" square drive;
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTwdhqj1zsZCMCi7REvVDjm61OpXm_ozZhlKICsjsuTZc3OB6bL

 

[4x4gearhead]

I mostly use these and they work great in a tight space, mine are lisle, and the same as these from what I've seen. I use them on ratchets and if I want a t handle I just use a 3/8 or 1/2 t handle.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675369&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=680946&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[er3456df]

I always wonder about ratcheting tap handles when I see one..... Never used one, but I reverse direction a LOT when tapping, and it seems like the ratchet would be a waste of time. Interesting that some people like them.

 

[ilovevocs]

I always wonder about ratcheting tap handles when I see one..... Never used one, but I reverse direction a LOT when tapping, and it seems like the ratchet would be a waste of time. Interesting that some people like them.

I agree. When I purchased the ratcheting tap handle I thought it would be just amazing, I don't know why but in my mind I really hyped it up. I leave mine locked 99% of the time that I use them. The ratcheting feature seems like a novelty to me now unless im chasing threads with light paint build up or something where im removing a minimal amount of material.

 

[CWP1616L]

I have the General Tools model 164 and 166. The quality in my opinion is excellent. They were made in USA at the time I got them. They're made out of solid stainless steel. When I first got them, I did take the collar off of each one to grease the threads which makes them smoother to turn. I used clear silicone grease on the threads. I prefer the T-handle type over the straight handle type. The T-handle type allows me to tap the threads with one hand. I find that I can keep the tap straighter by using one hand as opposed to the straight handle type which requires both hands.

LINK

 

[larry_g]

As a mechanic cleaning out some old threads the ratcheting tool is great as you don't have to reverse frequently. As a machinist putting in virgin threads in a hole then the non-ratcheting handle works better. Different tools for different jobs.

lg
no neat sig line