Ever break a tap?

[gstrom99]

It's not on a tractor, but...

I finally got my two post car lift installed and started to wire it. I wanted a "motor disconnect", so I needed to attach that box to the column. The installer advised that nothing can protrude inside the column where the lift pads run, and don't bother trying any "self tapper screws" - they'll just break off. So, I drilled and started to tap threads for 1/4" short bolts. I got one done, and on the second one, the tap broke when almost through. I think I ordered a good extractor from McMaster Carr: McMaster-Carr should be here tomorrow.

It's easy access. How successful are these tools?

 

[ruffdog]

They do work...on straight flute taps. Get the ones that match how many flutes you have. If you start to bend the prongs, lightly tapping the broken piece this way and that way first with a small punch may loosen it enough. Keep the extractor as close to the broken tap piece so the prongs are the strongest.

 

[Beaver Cove Deere]

As a former tool and die maker don’t use a 4 flute tap whenever possible.
2 flute machine taps are much more robust.
#7 (.201) is the tap drill size.

 

[5030]

depends on how heavy handed you are and next time drill the hole one drill size larger than the specified tap drill. as what you are attaching isn't holding any weight or providing support. Taps wear out and then the force to drive them overcomes the strength of the tap and then they break and use some lubricant as well. any light oil is just fine and when hand tapping, screw the tap in a full turn and back it of 1/2 turn to break the chip the tap is cutting. Full turn, 1/2 turn and repeat.

 

[ruffdog]

As a former tool and die maker don’t use a 4 flute tap whenever possible.
2 flute machine taps are much more robust.
#7 (.201) is the tap drill size.

Agree...also, spiral flute taps seem more robust too.

 

[ArlyA]

Gee, over the years I broke more taps than I care to recall. Doesn't everyone? As others have stated, use the next larger drill than suggested.

 

[5030]

Spiral flute taps are more of machine taps than hand taps. I use them all the time when semi production tapping. Broke a few of them as well. Sometimes I'd like to have a wire EDM machine to remove them without scrapping the piece.

 

[2manyrocks]

Sometimes I weld a nut to the metal to avoid tapping anything.

Worst case is the extractor breaks and then good luck drilling that hardened metal out.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

did break an easy out in a bolt once. I got it out by paying someone else...

 

[pmsmechanic]

For what the op is doing I would take a punch and just push the tap out the rear of the hole. Then start over with a new tap. He isn't holding much and that will work just fine. You could always use a Heli-coil if the hole has to be perfect.

 

[ruffdog]

For people that hand tap, a guide like this may help them get the tap straight.

https://www.amazon.com/GATOR-TOOLS-...ocphy=9018980&hvtargid=pla-492288831574&psc=1

 

[workinonit]

I welded everything to my 2 post lift. Well, I welded unistrut to the lift frame and attached everything to it. I mounted underneath facing lighting with the control box as well as the controls for the lift. Put my contactor for the lift motor on the frame as well.

 

[MTGreen]

If you're not already using it, a good cutting fluid can make a world of difference.
Note cutting fluid, not lubricating oil. Cutting fluid is designed to bring metals together, not keep them apart like lubricating oil

 

[gstrom99]

Thanks for all the input. I thought about welding nuts to the column, but it's soo damn pretty, I'd hate to disturb that...

I'm expecting the extractor tomorrow, via UPS.

 

[mikester]

Spiral flute taps are more of machine taps than hand taps. I use them all the time when semi production tapping. Broke a few of them as well. Sometimes I'd like to have a wire EDM machine to remove them without scrapping the piece.

Have you seen these?

The Metal Disintegration process for removing Broken Bolts

Not sure what metal disintegrator is for you? Here are 5 easy steps to choose the right metal disintegrator to remove broken bolts

electroarc.com

 

[LD1]

Broke plenty. Several methods to remove and its a case by case basis.

 

[ArlyA]

The use of taps to clean, create new or wherever for threads is needed in my book, constitutes the occasion breaking them. I've always used tap oil. It's just the nature of the beast.

 

[jjeff]

In my unfortunate experience with breaking taps sometimes easy outs I've used are somewhat brittle so I've used a needle punch to break them out, sometimes mangling hole but most of the time fortunate to be able to use a bigger size, or in other cases fill hole by welding and repeat with successful results. I do keep a printed chart taped to drawer with tap sizes with recommended hole size to drill. I also use oatey brand it's the thicker viscosity dark cutting and tapping fluid with good results and it's readily available almost everywhere I frequent.

 

[gstrom99]

a printed chart taped to drawer with tap sizes with recommended hole size to drill.

What a great idea! I can't read the drill sizes laser printed(?) on these "new" taps.

 

[jjeff]

I keep my cobalt bits in a index with sizes clearly marked on it, also have a cheap easy to read caliper lying around close by. Also fortunate to have a big enough tool chest where I can keep my tap and dies in there case which is also clearly marked. Nothing's more frustrating than not putting my tools back and keeping them organized. Until a few yrs ago screwed up a few tap projects cuz I didn't fully understand letter sizes.