Tap handles for tiny taps

[JackOfDiamonds]

I do a LOT of tapping of small holes....mostly 5mm, but lots of 3mm too. I have a couple solutions for holding small taps, but I need something better.

For manipulating these tiny taps, it seems like we almost need a screwdriver format...or a miniature version of the classing "brace and bit", where you can hold the tap straight with one hand, and use the other hand to turn the tap.

Most of the common tap handles you find don't go down small enough for tiny taps. Is there anything good that I could find on eBay?

 

[jdl25]

Slam that sucker in some needle nose vice grips and call it good.

 

[64C10]

Look up “Engineer TT-03” on Amazon…..had to buy this thing to chase threads in an old Shimano reel. Made in Japan and cheap to boot.

 

[slowtwitch73]

I made up some knurled AL discs with a set screw for small taps... spinner.

 

[CapriMikeC]

Look for pin vises. They have a small chuck on the end and come in a few sizes.

 

[PZ 1]

I tried a 3mm tap and it works well with every type of tap driver I have that is for a small range of taps. "Tap sockets" work well and you can use them with a 1/4 socket driver or a speed wrench. Yes they have them on eBay.

 

[MichaelP]

Same here. I don't remember seeing a tap that won't fit standard tap handles. I'm sure you know that the T-handles come in different size ranges. Probably, the most useful set includes three T-handles that cover 1/16" (M1) through 1/2" taps (M12). Larger that that require adjustable tap wrenches.

IMO, the best quality T-handles are made by Starrett. I'm sure you can find them on eBay. For 3 or 4 mm taps you'll need the smallest T-handle. Current model # is 93A.

 

[fourjeepin]

If you don’t have tap sockets, I suggest giving them a try.

 

[sparky 1971]

Right or wrong, I chuck the little (smaller than 1/4") taps up in a cordless drill and turn the clutch way down. Forward, reverse, repeat. when it won't go forward I turn the clutch up a little bit.

 

[mikey03]

If you don’t have tap sockets, I suggest giving them a try.

found the size mapping so editing this post

 

[64C10]

Is there a mapping that shows what tap sizes fit in which lisle tap sockets? My uncle got the set and they look real small tbh like for only really small taps maybe like m6 or smaller but I never used them and I can’t find on their website where it would show what size taps it could take.

I’ve got the 8 piece set, They range from small machine screws (smallest I’ve personally tried is a 4-32), and go up to a 1/2” tap. The biggest one will turn a 1/8 pipe tap. There was a chart on the packaging but I threw it away.

 

[Nutria]

There are screwdriver-style tap handles out there, and they can be handy for small taps and tight spots. And tap sockets as noted above, which open up a lot of options. Also-- there are manual bench tappers, which might be a good fit for your large number of operations, assuming that you can bring the work to the bench.

 

[JradM]

You mentioned "screwdriver format" which made me think: there are taps with 1/4" hex ends - couldn't you just throw one in a bit-holding screwdriver?

E.g.:

I found that searching for hex tap on Amazon. Here's an example listing.

Admittedly, lots of taps with 1/4" hexes are for use with a drill - so most have drilling ends. Not all of them though.

Using a bit-holding screwdriver handle would let you switch between sizes super fast or use a drill when appropriate too.

Heck, you also said "hold the tap straight with one hand, and use the other hand to turn the tap" - why not try it with a bit driver too?

 

[Ditchdigger]

For taps in the #6 or M3 range I use either the old Starrett No.0 or the General No. 163.

For anything smaller like that M1 tap pictured, I make a little thumbwheel holder with a set screw.

 

[MichaelP]

I found that searching for hex tap on Amazon.

I wouldn't bet on quality of those hex shank taps.

 

[Outahere]

Use a machinist pin vise. Here is a set for $19:

4-piece-machinists-pin-vise-set-1

heavy-duty-pin-vise

 

[ecotec]

This is probably about half my standard style of tap handles.

Only a small percentage of them go down to the teeny tiny sizes.

I have to say that I agree with whoever stated that he preferred the tap sockets. I have a set for home and a set for work.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Amazon.com

 

[tool_scrounge]

Amazon.com

 

[Beerhippie]

Personally, for really tiny taps, I use... my drill press. Turned by hand, of course, but like that "manual bench tapper" @Nutria shows above, it keep the taps nicely aligned and square to the work. Much less chance of breaking a tap by side-loading it--like about zero.

 

[Nutria]

Personally, for really tiny taps, I use... my drill press. Turned by hand, of course, but like that "manual bench tapper" @Nutria shows above, it keep the taps nicely aligned and square to the work. Much less chance of breaking a tap by side-loading it--like about zero.

Yes, excellent, I somehow forgot about that. I use an older version of one of these with the drill press.

Amazon.com

 

[tool_scrounge]

I

Yes, excellent, I somehow forgot about that. I use an older version of one of these with the drill press.

Amazon.com

I like the style when tapping in a lathe. But the you need to eyeball them to get it aligned in a drill press. The guided ones shown in posts anbove auto align in a drill press.

 

[WisJim]

I frequent some forums about making small engines, and they talk about tapping holes for 00-90 bolts and larger (and sometimes smaller yet). Lots of interesting discussion about tools and methods, and especially the quality of taps and dies. When using those small size taps, it often works well to have the tap guided by a drill press or used in a lathe (without power of course), just using the lathe to keep everything straight and square.

 

[fourjeepin]

Is there a mapping that shows what tap sizes fit in which lisle tap sockets? My uncle got the set and they look real small tbh like for only really small taps maybe like m6 or smaller but I never used them and I can’t find on their website where it would show what size taps it could take

Sorry, but I don’t recall there being one and I didn’t keep it if there was. I am pretty sure I got mine from NAPA. And it was definitely based on a thread here.

 

[mikey03]

Sorry, but I don’t recall there being one and I didn’t keep it if there was. I am pretty sure I got mine from NAPA. And it was definitely based on a thread here.

I found it on their website I feel dumb I missed that before. I edited my first post and included a picture of it to help other people wondering

 

[dutchgray]

Just buy small handles or make your own.
The small one of this pair is a cheap purchased one, does the 2mm to 4mm range stuff for me. I have smaller taps but rarely need to use them.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I've done a set of needle nose vise-grips before.

 

[Lorydr]

From M3 up to 1/2" I use my battery powered drill. For many many holes needing 10-32, we have a drill that runs backwards only, and has a special chuck that reverses the mechanical spin, when the tap is starting to go through a hole.

 

[mv213]

Just buy small handles or make your own.
The small one of this pair is a cheap purchased one, does the 2mm to 4mm range stuff for me. I have smaller taps but rarely need to use them.

“That’s the second smallest tap wrench I’ve ever seen!”—-Maxwell Smart

 

[Rabid Badger]

Look for pin vises. They have a small chuck on the end and come in a few sizes.

Do NOT buy the General Tools pin vise. It is garbage.

 

[Steve_P]

Starrett is the way to go for sliding T handle tap handles. Yes they are expensive, but they do not loosen and then drop the tap.

 

[oldtractors]

I am pretty sure I have a Craftsman tap driver that looks like a screwdriver. It even holds taps in the handle. - Edit: Found an image online.

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

Omg I need this


Update: sadly the people selling them on eBay know what they have.

 

[txvwnut]

Starrett is the way to go for sliding T handle tap handles. Yes they are expensive, but they do not loosen and then drop the tap.

I bought three new Starrett tap handles to cover sizes from the smallest I have to half inch. First use with a 3/8" tap I backed the tap out and it falls out of the handle, I take a look and the dynamic jaw had broken. I haven't tried the others yet. Yes the broken one did get exchanged and I haven't tried the replacement either.

 

[JradM]

If you don't like the hex-end tap in a bit driver screwdriver idea, you could also use your choice of plain square-end taps with a tap socket and a socket spinner.