Tap holder / T-handle?

[katiexoxo]

what's the difference between

and

?

the 2nd one looks smaller, does that mean it's harder to make the thread with it?

 

[AJ.]

Yes the second one is smaller. Used with smaller taps, in tight spaces, or for just cleaning out a thread. I was using one for cleaning out m8 threads in a chassis rail in a tight spot last weekend.

Cheers Andrew

 

[66HertzClone]

I have a ratcheting version of the lower one, it is nice when one has repetitive work.

 

[LAROKE]

Another solution is tap sockets for tight spaces.

Tap Sockets exampls

 

[454ragtop]

The main difference is the longer handles make it easier to start a tap square to the work piece. The tee type extend the shank of the tap, allowing it to clear obstructions the other type wouldn't.

 

[katiexoxo]

what about ratcheting tap handles?
are they better because you don't have to change hands?

 

[Farleyfan]

Id say that's the idea, Im liking that one. What brand is it ?
I have a ratcheting T handle and use it quiet a bit over the regular one.

 

[WWheeler]

Looks like the one from my GearWrench ratcheting tap handle set. I like it. It's work well for me so far.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBDW3O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I think Apex probably makes the same set for other brands as well like they do most everything else.

 

[leg17]

what about ratcheting tap handles?
are they better because you don't have to change hands?

All depends.
Tapping new threads in many materials requires a lot of back-and-forth to break chips and the ratcheting kind are a pain.
This happens with repair jobs as well, more often than not.
The long wrenches are the easier to use as mentioned above because it is easier to get the tap started straight.
After some practice, they both work OK and both have their place.
Most machinists and toolmakers have both in assorted sizes and various applications lean towards one style or the other.

If you are mostly chasing existing threads, you might first get the T-handle style.
If you are mostly tapping new threads, you might first get the long style.
Keep us posted.

 

[catalytic]

I have used both a lot. I prefer the first style when you can get away with it.

First style:
Bigger handles = more comfortable
Longer handles = less hand pain after twisting hard for a while due to more leverage
Saves Z-axis height when doing it on mill, so less table cranking
BUT hopefully your tap has a center drilled top so you can use it with a center guide in your mill or drill spindle. Hand taps do, but many (IMHO better) machine/spiral taps don't.

Second style:
Fine for small taps up to 1/4 or 5/16, but lose Z-axis height.

Personally I would never buy ratcheting... the whole point is to have everything as rigid as possible and to be able to reverse back and forth to break the chips.

I prefer older Greenfield (looks like what you posted) for the first style. Greenfield and Starrett are good for the second style. Some people prefer Starett for the second style -- not sure why.

 

[larry_g]

Tap handles or drivers are as varied as wrenches. Think of many different variations of a 1/2" or 13mm wrenches/sockets there are. Each has a place, we all have our favorites, we have the ones that suit our job most favorably. Tap drivers are the same. The different trades will favor one style over most others, or have a few they use as the job demands. Some of us have a dozen or more.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Packard V8]

Some of us have a dozen or more.

Because some of us have taps from #4 machine screw to 3" pipe and each increment benefits from the appropriate size handle.

jack vines

 

[Doug Arthurs]

I always use the first style first. T handle when I have to. Never ratchets because I have to stop break the chip then start again. Ratchets have no benefit to me.

 

[dalehsc]

what about ratcheting tap handles?
are they better because you don't have to change hands?

I use this for cleaning out threads, combined with the socket extensions ,you can get into a deeper situation with ease of turning,without having to disassemble.

 

[WWheeler]

I always use the first style first. T handle when I have to. Never ratchets because I have to stop break the chip then start again. Ratchets have no benefit to me.

I understand that, but it is worth noting that the GearWrench ratcheting t-wrench which looks just like the one pictured is reversible. A flip of the lever back and forth accomplishes that smoothly with just one hand. I also like that it also accepts Gearwrench ("vortex") and Craftsman (Max Axxess), Husky, Kobalt, Toptul, (many other brands) pass-thru bits and extensions and that both size tap bits and the die bit with that set also fits those same brands pass-thru ratchets.