"bshappy" (bshappy)
03/21/2018 at 09:22 • Filed to: None
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"bshappy" (bshappy)
03/21/2018 at 09:22 • Filed to: None | 0
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David Tracy’s post on the FP included some debate on thread chasing tools vs. using a tap. I have a few rusty/ lightly damaged threads to clean up on my FJ40. I was all set to buy a nice tap and die set when I saw some people said that a tap removes too much metal on an existing thread and will make bolts wobbly. Anyone have any experience here? Trying to avoid having to purchase two very similar and expensive sets.
LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com
> bshappy
03/21/2018 at 09:41 |
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Why not rent/borrow a thread chaser set from a parts store?
Alfalfa
> bshappy
03/21/2018 at 09:47 |
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You want a thread chaser. Many times you can chase a thread with a tap without causing too much trouble, but if your going to be chasing rather than tapping you should just get the right tool for it.
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bshappy
> LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com
03/21/2018 at 09:54 |
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I’m going to need it sporadically so I’d rather not run to the parts store every time I need to chase one hole. I don’t mind spending money on tools, I just want them to be useful and work as intended.
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bshappy
> Alfalfa
03/21/2018 at 09:55 |
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That’s the way I was leaning but figured if one set can do both nearly equally effectively I’d save myself a few bucks.
Urambo Tauro
> bshappy
03/21/2018 at 10:00 |
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The main difference is that the tap is sharper than a thread chaser. A tap isn’t guaranteed to remove too much metal, but you do need to be extra careful to thread it in correctly, or it will cut into the existing threads to make new ones. A chaser will follow and clean existing threads, while a tap might blaze its own trail, hence the potential for wobbly fasteners.
AMGtech - now with more recalls!
> bshappy
03/21/2018 at 10:03 |
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Taps and dies are for making new threads on virgin metal. Chasers are for thread repair.
Generally if threads are too badly damaged to chase it’s best to replace. However, taps and dies can sometimes be used in such cases to make the threads operational again.
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Alfalfa
> bshappy
03/21/2018 at 10:28 |
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Yah but if you’re just using it for automotive purposes you’re better off getting the chaser kit. If on some occasion you do need a tap, you can just get the one tap size you need rather than buying a complete set.
His Stigness
> bshappy
03/21/2018 at 11:15 |
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I’ve never heard of a tap making bolts wobbly. You just have to be super super careful when starting it because as others have already said a tap cuts new threads.
A thread restorer is a much better idea, but sometimes a tap is called for if you’ve fucked up the very beginning of the bolt. In that case you need a tap to redo it.
traitor joe
> bshappy
03/21/2018 at 12:11 |
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I’ve always used a tap to chase threads. Normally there is just going to be one small section with a few burrs that actually need chasing. The way that a tap gradually tapers, it is very easy to be gentle.
I also often use taps and dies to check the size of existing threads. They typically thread in very easily by hand, in a way that makes me believe they are not cutting any extra material.
StudyStudyStudy
> bshappy
03/21/2018 at 14:31 |
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Taps are a bit oversized. I think AvE did a video where he showed how to make a emergency chaser, basically cutting a chunk out of a bolt to chase if you really want to save a few bucks, if not you can rent or buy the few sizes you need. I find I tap new threads more than I chase existing ones so a full set of taps is more useful to me.