Spiral Taps

[VicParticipant @vic]

I bought a couple of these some time back, an M5 and an M6 and they are now very reluctant to cut a thread. I’ve resorted back to my old hand taps that have cut many more threads. Is this normal for spiral taps, do they wear out quicker for some reason?

[VicParticipant @vic]

[Tony Pratt 1Participant @tonypratt1]

Vic, my answer is another question, what make are they, cheapo no name or a decent brand? Thinking about it more, for one hole you may use 3 hand taps taper, 2nd & plug & only one spiral m/c tap so logically the hand taps will last longer.

Tony

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

I have seen it mentioned ( possibly on a Haas video) that as they tend to be used for all threading rather than spreading it over 2 or 3 taps then they can wear a bit faster. This applies to spiral flute ones being used in blind holes.

Not noticed my YG-1 Spiral fluted ones showing any sign of wear.

[HOWARDTParticipant @howardt]

Spiral flute or spiral point taps are intended for machine tapping. Tap material can vary to suit different materials. In my experience machine taps on production machines will cut well into the thousand holes when correctly chosen for purpose. But as said if you are cutting by hand and using little lubrication this may well reduce the life significantly,

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

99% of my tapping with teh spiral flute taps is by hand and that is in a mixture of all metals. And I tend to use the dia less pitch to size my tapping drill so they are taking a good cut.

This is the Hass Video that I mentioned, about 7.20 in it talks about wear

Edited By JasonB on 07/03/2022 13:34:26

[John ReeseParticipant @johnreese12848]

I prefer spiral flute or spiral point taps depending on whether I have blind or through holes. I machine tap whenever I can because I am a lazy bastard. The life nof the tap is directly related to the quality of tap you purchase. I generally avoid Chinese or Indian imports.

[VicParticipant @vic]

They weren’t cheap taps. Lesson learned at least for me. It’s about time I bought some new taps so I’ll get hand taps next time.

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

Why not sharpen them ?

Roy

[VicParticipant @vic]

Posted by roy entwistle on 12/03/2022 13:50:02:

Why not sharpen them ?

Roy

I’ve try to sharpen straight taps before (it didn’t seem to work too well) but how would I sharpen a spiral tap?

[roy entwistleParticipant @royentwistle24699]

Try a diamond stone on he inside of the flutes

Roy

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