thread taps, cutters, and where to find ?

[R72K5]

ok i need basic info on taps and cutters and etc

what is what and where do you get them ?

is a tap technically a thread cutter for a drilled hole ? or is a tap technically just a chaser ?

can i find this stuff at napa ?

dont have anything else in town cept a little farm supply store and auto zone and o reilly's


anyone know any links that show how to drill and thread holes ?

also what type of bit will drill a broken bolt out ? where do i find a centering bit for this ?


thanks

 

[loafer]

Here's a tap-drill chart.
http://www.engineersedge.com/tap_drill_chart.htm

Many taps can be bougt at local parts stores and hardware stores, but you will likely have to buy from and industrial supplier to get any of the number or letter drill bits.

Here are a couple of online suppliers I use:
www.mscdirect.com
www.mcmastercarr.com

 

[ntsqd]

Another online vendor is ENCO. Travers tends to have the odd-ball tap sizes that others don't stock.

 

[uglyangelracing]

Yes a Tap is used to cut new threads into a drilled hole

You can also use it to fix damaged threads

A Chaser is good for cleaning out threads

A Die Is used to repair studs or bolts

An Easy-Out or Extractor is used to remove broken bolts


Unlike other tools Taps, Drill Bits, and Extractors are not warrantied against breakage so I tend to buy the cheaper ones. Also Ive found that when I have broken one the cheap ones drill out easier.

My favorite place to get them are swapmeets. Usually there is atleast one vendor there selling cheap tools. Ive picked up entire sets for $20



Email me if you need pictures or have other questions

[email protected]

 

[ronnny]

I don't like msc they do not deliever same or next day real good. Mc master carr if call early is usually ther the same day if in stock or in the evening the next morning. If drilling out abroke bolt on your truck what are you looking for a center for? Will not drill and use an easy out work? then just chase the threads with a tap. Use the chart and drill the hole needed to tap what ever size hole you want to tap then use a starting tap and some cutting fluid and work the tap in back and forth pulling the tap out a couple times to clean the chips out. A tap handle is nice sometimes (hard to get to area) but not nessesary.