I'm refurbishing a well worn, old snap-on ratcheting screwdriver. I've replaced the internals, and it ratchets like new. What I'm having trouble with is getting a new end cap to fit. it seems as though the plastic handle has shrunk / distorted over time. I was thinking I could possibly re-tap or chase the threads. I'm not familiar with tap sizes or processes, so was hoping someone here could look at their own snap-on hard handle ratcheting screwdriver and advise me as to the size and procedure for doing this. It seems simple enough. I did check the threads on the new end cap and they appear to be 14 tpi. Thanks for any insights!
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tap a snap-on ratcheting screwdriver handle??
- Thread starter mailpete
- Start date
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
I don't own one, but I read this yesterday: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=219756
If, by "doesn't fit," you mean there is a gap between the old body and new cap, perhaps you should: Cut the material in the cap above the threads slightly so the threaded section is "longer" and it fits down against the handle. Not sure what to call it; instead of an inner counterbore, call it an outer counterring?
If, by "doesn't fit," you mean there is a gap between the old body and new cap, perhaps you should: Cut the material in the cap above the threads slightly so the threaded section is "longer" and it fits down against the handle. Not sure what to call it; instead of an inner counterbore, call it an outer counterring?
The threaded hole is not bigger and loose fitting, but rather it is slightly smaller in diameter than a newer screwdriver that I compared it to. That is why I was thinking it could simply be re-tapped. It appears the threads might be same as 1/2" pipe, but I wanted someone who knows thread sizes by sight, to verify the correct tap size and type to use.
I have tried 1/2" pipe fittings in a new screwdriver and I thought it was not a perfect fit. Even though the thread count seemed correct the fitting was actually loose or slightly sloppy in fit. To corroborate that when I tried to screw the new end cap into a female 1/2" NPT fitting it would not fit at all. So now I am wondering if the correct tap size might be something like a 7/8-14. I have no familiarity with tap sizes but was hoping some of you on here who do could take a quick look at your screwdriver and verify for me just what the actual size is.
yhprum
Well-known member
I measured mine with a thread guage it is 14 TPI, but no taper like a pipe thread.
In fact I had a pipethread plug I tried and it was quite loose. Maybe someone on here with a metal lathe could make you one from Delrin or smething else?
In fact I had a pipethread plug I tried and it was quite loose. Maybe someone on here with a metal lathe could make you one from Delrin or smething else?
yhprum
Well-known member
Just thought of something else,
If you can find a bolt the same thread size as the cap, you could cut some slots in the bolt legthwise with a cutoff wheel to make a tap of sorts. If you keep the cuts clean and straight, they should cut plastic.
If you can find a bolt the same thread size as the cap, you could cut some slots in the bolt legthwise with a cutoff wheel to make a tap of sorts. If you keep the cuts clean and straight, they should cut plastic.