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Thread: DIY Tap wrench

  1. #1
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    Default DIY Tap wrench

    I would like to make a tap wrench along the lines of this type
    homemade-tap-wrench.jpeg

    I would also like to harden the area where it grabs the the tap.

    I dont have heat treatment furnace!!

    I could use oxy etc so what would be suitable grade steel to use?

  2. #2
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    If you feel that it has to be hardened you could try a bit of 4140.
    I have one I made over 40 years ago from a piece of square mild steel that had to be hand filed as an exercise, it still works as it did then,the vee section is slightly worn but not to the detriment of the tool.
    Would be a good filing exercise.

  3. #3
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    Pretty much any higher carbon steel is hardenable. And if you case harden with something like cherry red then even mild steel is fine. Things to definitively avoid are any of the L steels like 12L14 etc.

  4. #4
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    Eskimo

    This is one my dad made around 1940 after leaving school.

    Tap Wrench (Fathers 1940).jpg

  5. #5
    BobL is online now Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    I also made one in second year high school which is some 50 years ago. I used it up until about 10 years ago and haven't been able to find it since them. It was also made of just mild steel and was still working just fine up until that point. I remember the knurling on the handles ending up a touch too aggressive and having to turn it back otherwise it was like tapping with a pair of rasps for handles.

  6. #6
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    I like them all. Every one of them much more useful than 90% of the rubbish presented as manufactured tap wrenches.

    There some form of unique satisfaction in using a tool you have made yourself.

    50 years on one and its still doing the job.

    Grahame

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by pipeclay View Post
    Would be a good filing exercise.
    Would be a better lathe and milling exercise...I need the experience

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by JohnQ View Post
    Eskimo

    This is one my dad made around 1940 after leaving school.

    Tap Wrench (Fathers 1940).jpg
    I was almost going to say that was mine...but noticed it didnt have an R before the N..last letter is correct as well

    Not sure which one to do..as my pic or JohnQ's...maybe both?

  9. #9
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    Richard

    "R" is our middle initial. I you want some measurements, just let me know.

  10. #10
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    I probably spent 3 or 4 days making this one as a first year apprentice in 1973, apart from the lathe work the rest was done by hand with files.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  11. #11
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    Default Tap wrench

    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
    Attached Images Attached Images

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Techo1 View Post
    I probably spent 3 or 4 days making this one as a first year apprentice in 1973, apart from the lathe work the rest was done by hand with files.
    Lex,

    I have a couple of Greenfield Tap and Die tap holders that I always thought were both superb in finish and form. They have been eclipsed by your apprentice piece with its curved body and jaws.

    As ever, wonderful work.

    Bob.

  13. #13
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    You have a keen eye for detail Bob, I didn't think anyone would notice curved body in my poor photo. Those radii were filed to a large radius gauge which was then used by the instructor to check and give a mark for that feature. All dimensions and features were assessed to come up with a final mark for that project. Did you also notice that the sliding jaw moves on vee ways?

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Techo1 View Post
    ... Did you also notice that the sliding jaw moves on vee ways?
    Bloody hell! I didn't spot that either. Brilliant! I hope you got top marks back then!
    Cheers, Joe
    retired - less energy, more time to contemplate projects and more shed time....

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Techo1 View Post
    Did you also notice that the sliding jaw moves on vee ways?
    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

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