Thread: DIY Tap wrench

Originally Posted by kenny_10

Hi..
Was just about to start a similar thread.. mine needs to be the barrel type like the UK Presto type... see pic.....
Ken

Ken, have seen pictures of this kind before, but never seen one “in the flesh". Are you planning on documenting the build process? I would be interested to see how the inner workings of this kind are.

Peter

Originally Posted by WoodBee2

Techno1, I noticed the curved body of your beautiful tapwrench and wondered how the fixed jaw was fixed. I didn't notice the vee ways but when you mentioned them I went back to your post and checked them out. I immediately spotted the puzzle! Let me guess: the fixed jaw has straight sides to allow the movable jaw to be placed, and when placed the fixed jaw prevents the movable one from being removed?

Peter

You are correct Peter.

Originally Posted by kenny_10

Hi..
Was just about to start a similar thread.. mine needs to be the barrel type like the UK Presto type... see pic..... havn't decided on the material as yet, but 4140 seems the best choice as opposed to case hardened MS
I also have a couple of the first type pictured.. one an unbranded US made one, and the other is a Paulco.. this one is marked "case hardened"
Ken

I have a few of the barrel type as well, Moore and Wright and an unknown brand, possible military going by the symbol that can be seen on the handle.

Tap Wrench 4.JPGTap Wrench 3.JPG

Originally Posted by kenny_10

Hi..
Was just about to start a similar thread.. mine needs to be the barrel type like the UK Presto type... see pic..... havn't decided on the material as yet, but 4140 seems the best choice as opposed to case hardened MS
I also have a couple of the first type pictured.. one an unbranded US made one, and the other is a Paulco.. this one is marked "case hardened"
Ken

How does the hole stand up to the corners of square shank of the tap...usually this type has a "V' opposite the locking pin

Originally Posted by eskimo

How does the hole stand up to the corners of square shank of the tap...usually this type has a "V' opposite the locking pin

I know what you mean.. I have never used one, but I would assume it relies on the hardness of the hole, and the end of the screw being faced square ...once tightened against a flat, the tap cannot move or twist !
The other type with the "V" can hold the tap the same way (flat against the screw), or diagonally.. with the screw on one of the corners..a right and a wrong way, perhaps !
maybe someone from the UK can clear this up.

Hi Guys,

I have one of the round barrel type. The "V" jaw is not a problem, but the force to hold the tap into the "V" is just the end of the screw, which is a flat. The screw on mine is not hardened, it is still soft and has become mushroomed over time. The net result is the screw can be no longer removed. Other than that it works just as well as it always did.

Hi WoodBee2
I have to work out what sort of steel to use .. mild steel and case hardening would be the easiest with regard to my heating capabilities ... will certainly put up pics of the build.
Ken.

A timely post, Eskimo - the little V-Jaw in my tap wrench split right half in two just a couple of days ago, so I need to replace it. Never seen the style in your first post before, but I like it, and shall build one henceforth. Err.... maybe next week... Or year....

Originally Posted by Jekyll and Hyde

A and shall build one henceforth. Err.... maybe next week... Or year....

Just remember the old saying..if you do it all today you'll have nothing to do tomorrow...this motto applies to weeks, months and years

Originally Posted by eskimo

Just remember the old saying..if you do it all today you'll have nothing to do tomorrow...this motto applies to weeks, months and years

And lives....
I won't have either of those problems!
Peter