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  1. #1
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    Default Bottoming/Plug Taps

    Hi Guys,

    Just got some tap sets from H&f but notice that there is a fairly large taper at the ends of all the taps. I was expecting the ends to be square at least for the plug tap like in the website photo. The threads are for M4 and 1/4" UNC. The 1/4" was to be used to make some camera mount equipment which has a short thread, making this set fairly useless. Do the smaller taps generally have this taper or does it just depend on brand etc?

    Thanks
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  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by marty989 View Post
    Hi Guys,

    Just got some tap sets from H&f but notice that there is a fairly large taper at the ends of all the taps. I was expecting the ends to be square at least for the plug tap like in the website photo. The threads are for M4 and 1/4" UNC. The 1/4" was to be used to make some camera mount equipment which has a short thread, making this set fairly useless. Do the smaller taps generally have this taper or does it just depend on brand etc?

    Thanks
    Those are NOT plug taps.

    Most of those are basic medium tapered taps.

    You can either take them back or grind the tapered section off.

    Rob

  3. #3
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    Thanks Rob, I thought as much. They are not as advertised also not worth the cost of sending back.

    Thanks

  4. #4
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    Yes, it's damn annoying when even the major retailers can't get it right.

    Attached is a photo of what a plug tap looks like - from my collection

    Rob
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  5. #5
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    Ueee is offline Blacksmith, Cabinetmaker, Machinist, Messmaker
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    Default

    I would let H&F know, they may do something as the cost to them for 6 taps should be minimal. As Rob said, i would just grind the tips off the "bottoming" ones. The smaller ones i have are ground to a point, about that of a drill point, i guess that makes sense as you are tapping a drilled hole......(up there for thinking tonight aren't i!)

    The 4mm ones look better than the 1/4", or is it just the pic?
    1915 17"x50" LeBlond heavy duty Lathe, 24" Queen city shaper, 1970's G Vernier FV.3.TO Universal Mill, 1958 Blohm HFS 6 surface grinder, 1942 Rivett 715 Lathe, 14"x40" Antrac Lathe, Startrite H225 Bandsaw, 1949 Hercus Camelback Drill press, 1947 Holbrook C10 Lathe.

  6. #6
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    Default

    Thats not unusual in smaller sizes. Its a reverse center used in manufacture I believe.
    Though on my cheaper taps they dont grind it off as Rob says, no idea why not, whats the point of three taps if the bottom isnt bottom?

    The taps in Robs picture all normal centers

    Stuart

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    There is actually one plug tap in the blue box at the top right in the original photo.

    But the rest are just you're basic tapered job.

    Rob

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    There is actually one plug tap in the blue box at the top right in the original photo.

    But the rest are just you're basic tapered job.

    Hang on - there might be one in the T801 box as well, hard to see.

    Looks like I got a double post on this again when I tried an edit.

    Rob

  9. #9
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    I think they all have three different tapers
    Right hand in is the bottom in the left box
    Middle one in the right box.
    Once the centers are ground off of course.

    Stuart
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  10. #10
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    Default

    Sorry guys the original photo wasn't very clear. Here's one of all the "plug" taps with one from the 3/8" set I also purchased. It has squared ends but it's plug tap still has about 4 tapered threads compared to 2 on the Goliath on the far right.

    IMGP3714 (Large).jpg

  11. #11
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    The two smaller ones dont seem to have as much taper but the 3/8 one certainly isnt a bottom tap.

    Stuart

    p.s. Little bit of a highjack, While Goliaths web page says "HSS Taps & Dies are all manufactured in Birmingham, England." Does anyone know if there tap and dia handles are? I've just bought a few and some of them dont look very English. To late now I guess lol

  12. #12
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    I don't like those poxy little bar type tap wrenches that come in the tap and die sets.

    My favourite is an old P&N tap wrench I got at a garage sale years ago. Has decent 3/4 " diameter handles and you can actually get a good grip on it and feel what's going on.

    But I must admit that the small ones are OK for tight areas.

    It's funny how you always gravitate back to the same favourite tools every time.

    I must have about seven power drills of various sizes and I always drag out the same tired old 500 watt AEG job that I've had for about twenty years. It's on the third chuck and second set of brushes and the gearbox sounds crook, but it's just the nicest handling little drill you could ever want.


    Rob

  13. #13
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    Stu,
    I also have a Goliath T-handle tap holder and I reckon there's no way it was made in Birmingham! It's OK, but the thread just feels rough when I tighten it up. I've tried stoning the burrs off the collet part and cleaning the threads, but it still doesn't feel right. I also have a small old M&W I bought off Ebay which is as smooth as silk.
    Chris

  14. #14
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    Thanks guys,
    The more I look the less I am liking what I see, some of it is just nasty. Of the 10 tap handles and dia stocks I bought I'd say all 10 of them are from China.... and some of them not even from the good end of China.
    Pity, their taps seem to be pretty good.
    I only paid about $10 each for them so about right for what they are.(apart from the 2 hour drive to pick them up)
    Looks like my search for good tap and dia handles continues.. either that or I just make my own.

    Stuart

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Stustoys View Post
    Looks like my search for good tap and dia handles continues.. either that or I just make my own.
    Stuart,
    I made these to hold dies on the lathe. I guess there are jobs where these wouldn't work, but I haven't come across one yet. I suppose cutting really big threads would be impractical with these. The larger one is double ended and takes 2 different size dies. The smaller one is single ended.

    Chris
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