Thread Cleaning Tools?

[00 Scrub]

Does anyone have suggestions for something like the Lang Tools re-threading taps but for smaller threads like M4 or 10-32? I don't want to cut new threads just clean out corrosion and old Loctite in things like motorcycle cases etc. Long shank versions would be a plus.

Lang Tools tap for reference: https://www.langtools.com/sku-50-2620-0005-metric-rethreading-tap-m6-x-1-00/

 

[danielbuck]

if you can't find a size you want, you can make your own. just get as good of a grade bolt as you can find, grind grooves in them with a thin cutoff wheel like a dremel or something (don't have to be straight or anything, just deeper than the threads), chase and clean up those threads with a thin triangle file and a regular nut, and you're in business.

 

[5ubtle]

Tools You Need to Buy High End Brand Name (2024 Edition)

Throughout the years here, there's discussion about going cheaper routes on certain tools. I think I've seen whole threads on it, but couldn't find any tonight. But, every year is different, new tools are being produced, better and better tools coming from Taiwan every day, it's worth revisiting...

www.garagejournal.com

... In addition, it's perfectly fine in reality to run a tap thru a threaded hole to clean out the threads. OMG, you just enlarged the threads .001!!! the world will end!!! No it won't. Run a tap thru a new nut. Then take the tap in your fingers and run it thru, and then 100 more times. You're not removing any material after that first pass when maybe you removed a little plating. Get over it, we're not doing NASA spec work in our garages and cleaning out threads with a tap isn't going to make a difference in thread capacity ...

 

[00 Scrub]

Thanks, I was considering just modifying a bolt for this.
I can run the tap as well. Just was wondering if there was a nice cheap non hardened tool for this.

 

[JradM]

I wondered whether some thread forming taps might be better for chasing and recently bought myself a couple to try. Jury's still out for the time being.

My rationale was that although any type of tap may still enlarge the hole, the forming tap does it by pushing material out of the way instead of cutting it out. Although it may result in the same fit as a cutting tap, maybe it's stronger?

Then I realized I have no way to test this pet theory, but it does make me feel better...

 

[slowtwitch73]

Gun cleaning wire brushes in a drill work well.

 

[GeoBruin]

Only really works for through-holes but these are convenient.

Klein Tools 626 Tapping Tool, 6-in-1, Cushion Grip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MKG08E?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[OccupantRJ]

Yesterday afternoon, at 3:04 pm, all the mechanical devices that I have used taps to clean threads on for the last 55 years, all fell apart at once.
Taps come in several sizes undersize, and also several sizes oversize, usually at .0005 increments. You have no way to know where a rethread tool is at tolerance wise in the scheme of things, and you also do not know which tolerance of tap was used to produce the thread to begin with, so it all is a **** shoot anyway. I tend to use a standard size tap and rock on.
Reading material.

https://www.tapmatic.com/tapping_questions_class_of_threads_h_limits.ydev

 

[OccupantRJ]

This is one of the most useful items in my shop as I refurbish a lot of machinery and mechanical items. I turned a professional machine tool repairman on to these and he has thanked me several times.

 

[OccupantRJ]

As far as reach, some tap handles have a square drive broached into the handle end so the sliding T handle can be removed and the reach can be extended with a standard ratchet and extension(s). I use mine quite often. There are also extended reach tap handles.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I wondered whether some thread forming taps might be better for chasing and recently bought myself a couple to try. Jury's still out for the time being.

My rationale was that although any type of tap may still enlarge the hole, the forming tap does it by pushing material out of the way instead of cutting it out. Although it may result in the same fit as a cutting tap, maybe it's stronger?

Then I realized I have no way to test this pet theory, but it does make me feel better...

Retap a hole in aluminum 3-4 times with a regular tap.
Retap a similar hole 3-4 times with a restoring tap.
If you want to get a better test buy a go-no go thread inspection tool. I worked with a professional machinist that reworked a batch of parts where the threads were too shallow. After re-tapping to get deeper over half of the holes I checked ended up oversized. Never heard a complaint from assembly so apparently they still held when torqued to spec.

 

[mattthemuppet]

I use thread forming taps as they push any displaced material back into shape and crush any gunk in the threads. Cut taps can get pushed slightly off center by that same gunk (old hardened loctite for example) and cut slightly oversized. I've had that happen a few times and it results in slightly looser threads. Not unusable, but I wouldn't want to risk doing it again to the same thread.

 

[Rusted Nut]

Gun cleaning wire brushes in a drill work well.

That’s my go to for just cleaning holes.

 

[RMERR]

This is one of the most useful items in my shop as I refurbish a lot of machinery and mechanical items. I turned a professional machine tool repairman on to these and he has thanked me several times.

I don't have this exact set (though that might change) but I have a similiar set of large and small sizes with a long handle for cleaning holes (tapped or through) by hand and 3 diff sizes for a drill. Especially invaluable for chasing/cleaning tapped holes. I really like this set and I'm kinda hearing it calling me.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I don't have this exact set (though that might change) but I have a similiar set of large and small sizes with a long handle for cleaning holes (tapped or through) by hand and 3 diff sizes for a drill. Especially invaluable for chasing/cleaning tapped holes. I really like this set and I'm kinda hearing it calling me.

ATTENTION! Brush set calling @RMERR! Attention, brush set calling RMERR! Do not resist. You will be assimilated! The desire is too strong.

 

[RMERR]

ATTENTION! Brush set calling @RMERR! Attention, brush set calling RMERR! Do not resist. You will be assimilated! The desire is too strong.

Damn you @OccupantRJ you're right, resistance is futile. I HAVE been assimilated. I ordered it last night. Will be here Sat. It's just part of the risks you take reading GJ forum threads.

 

[alex71]

wire brush set bought. damn you GJ.

 

[00 Scrub]

Hmm this wire brush set might be the safest way to do this. A lot cheaper than buying a bunch of nice taps and less risk of me messing it up. Thanks!

 

[RTM]

less risk of me messing it up.

Where's the fun, challenge, risk etc. in that?

 

[00 Scrub]

Don't worry. I'll find other ways to mess it up. Like stacking the gearset in the incorrect order so I have to tear it back down...

 

[RTM]

Don't worry. I'll find other ways to mess it up. Like stacking the gearset in the incorrect order so I have to tear it back down...

Like turning off the internal circuit breakers for safety while repairing something? Getting the parts a month later, reassembling, finding it doesn't work, and then remembering how conscientious you were? Know nothing about that.

 

[Jim greengo]

Go to your favorite box store and buy a set of irwins.