Thread chaser tap or regular tap?

[Wamsutta]

I've been reading this thread and there seems to be a lot of disagreement as to whether a thread chaser tap should be used or whether a cutting tap should be used for cleaning out threads. Which do you prefer and why?

 

[MLB0611]

I use thread chasers to clean threads using a tap to clean thread can go south fast if you are not careful as they will cut new threads even if the do not line up with the old threads, I have had to fix those screw up several times, by other techs, not fun for something that should have been an easy fix.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I only have cutting taps and they work fine, as inside threads don't usually get to be degraded much, at least in my experience. I'm usually just cleaning out grunge and/or rust.

 

[royesses]

A thread chaser is preferable since it clean and straighten the original thread with minimal change. In cases of non critical threads a regular tap will be ok. I don't like to use my good taps on dirty gritty threads. I have both types and use what I consider to be the correct one for the job. Many millions of threads have been cleaned/repaired with a standard tap throughout the years by thousands of mechanics without any problems. It is always best to use the correct tool for the job.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

A thread chaser is preferable since it clean and straighten the original thread with minimal change. In cases of non critical threads a regular tap will be ok. I don't like to use my good taps on dirty gritty threads. I have both types and use what I consider to be the correct one for the job. Many millions of threads have been cleaned/repaired with a standard tap throughout the years by thousands of mechanics without any problems. It is always best to use the correct tool for the job.

Agreed. Taps will work, chasers are what people ACTUALLY need to be using 9/10 times.

The Lang set everyone re-brands has been one of my best tool buys in a long time. It saves the day frequently.

 

[Tim37]

If all I did was chase threads I would use a set of chasers but I also cut a fair amount of threads so I use taps just one less tool to have to buy. Maybe some day I will buy a set of chasers.

 

[Farmall450]

If all I did was chase threads I would use a set of chasers but I also cut a fair amount of threads so I use taps just one less tool to have to buy. Maybe some day I will buy a set of chasers.

Either one will work fine, however if you only have the $ for one get taps. I've never messed up threads chasing them with taps.

 

[Buckgnarly]

For the price of the Cman set, especially on sale, why not use the right tool?

 

[Finky198]

I have both and was in a predicament last night threads were to Marred to use a Chaser so technically they were there but needed to be cut with the tap you could say it's very dependent on the amount and type of damage sometimes all you need is a pick to remove metal shavings from the threads

 

[maxpower_hd]

I've used both too but I have found that the chasers work better if you need to use any force as the taps seem to break easier. But the taps work as long as you are careful with them.

 

[LB-1911]

I've been reading this thread and there seems to be a lot of disagreement as to whether a thread chaser tap should be used or whether a cutting tap should be used for cleaning out threads. Which do you prefer and why?

There is no need to look any further than right here on GJ for spirited discussions on the same topic.

https://www.google.com/#q=thread+chaser+garage+journal+site:www.garagejournal.com

For the price of the Cman set, especially on sale, why not use the right tool?

^+1

Tap & Dies vs Master Rethreader Kit

Craftsman 48 pc. SAE & Metric Thread Restorer Kit
http://www.shopyourway.com/craftsman-48-pc-sae-metric-thread-restorer-kit/293285

 

[hangfirew8]

I have both and was in a predicament last night threads were to Marred to use a Chaser so technically they were there but needed to be cut with the tap you could say it's very dependent on the amount and type of damage sometimes all you need is a pick to remove metal shavings from the threads

This. I have both, somehow I got along for years without Chasers/Reformers. If I was worried about cutting too much material, I would use a dull Cutter or just sand the edges down (yes it's OK, a tap is just a consumable tool anyway).

Recently I got the Craftsman USA-made 48 pc set on sale, and not much later I used it to fix my rider mower. I had to clean-up the crankshaft end threads on my Kohler and the electric PTO threads that screw into it. Both sides were high-dollar items and the tools did a great job... but I could have gotten it done with my Cutters.

Sometimes threads are too chewed up to get a Chaser/Reformer started, so there's nothing to do but use a Cutter.

Like so many other things, one is not "better" than the other, one is better in some circumstances, and the other in other circumstances.

 

[Thumper68]

I had a almost complete set of internal and external thread chasers that I made over the years but they got misplaced in one of the shop moves.

I will have to make up a few this weekend and take some pics. But if anyone is wondering they are easy to make, just take a bolt grade 8 if you have it and use a dremel or side grinder with a cutting wheel and cut 1 or 2 slots through the threads. A external chaser is even easier just take a nut and use a cutter to make it look like a castle nut.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I use the crafstman master re threading kit to clean up existing threads. They do a great job, and I'd hate to ruin a good tap pushing out garbage from threads.

I also found that the retreading kit makes a great screw sizer. If I have a nut or bolt that I need to check the thread on. I just use my re threading kit.

Chris

 

[Tdubyac]

Off topic but, what oil do y'all use when chasing a thread?

 

[royesses]

Off topic but, what oil do y'all use when chasing a thread?

I use a light machine oil like 3in1 or a drop of motor oil from a pump can. For tapping I use generic cutting oil or Tap magic.

 

[Finky198]

On topic if you do a lot other thread repair Nes thread repair tools are a serious game Changer although they can be quite expensive they open up a whole other world of thread repair solutions both internal and external

Ive use 3in1 for year it's not as much what you use it's more about using it everytime

 

[Fretters]

I've never messed up threads chasing them with taps.

Same here.

Off topic but, what oil do y'all use when chasing a thread?

I use paraffin or kerosene. Thicker fluids just tend to clog the tap with crud, in my experience.