Tap socket

Bob Bancroft · Feb 19, 2017

In the early 70's, when I started working in a shop and buying tools, I bought some square/eight point, as well as some little 12 point sockets, for driving taps.

I just learned this week that you can buy tap sockets. They are deep, with a ring to hold the tap from falling out.

How long have these been available?

Dick L · Feb 19, 2017

A long time! I two or three. Each one works on several sizes of threads. I bought them to use with my air ratchet to clean thru threads like wheel hubs. I have never used them to cut new threads.

Hobo,NC · Feb 19, 2017

I have had them for around 20 years give are take a few.
I also have these but keep forgetting about them.

https://www.amazon.com/Hanson-3095001-2-Piece-Adjustable-Socket/dp/B000TGM7HY

Cheesehead Fred · Feb 19, 2017

I have also had a set for at least 15 years. I use them mostly for small taps and light gage material. I also chuck them into a cordless drill if I have to make a lot of 1/4-20 threads in some 1/8" stock.

moresmoke · Feb 19, 2017

I've always been on the cheap side, most of my taps have a hex nut pressed on over the square end.

el6147 · Feb 19, 2017

like these, don't know how long they've been around but are handy at times.
Untitled URL Link

flembo · Feb 20, 2017

I welded an old socket on to one of my tap wrenches, works for me. but a tap socket would work in tighter places.

Bspauld · Feb 20, 2017

Moresmoke, Thats what I do to, and use an impact on the tap.

4wdtom · Feb 20, 2017

I just bought a set a year or so ago, and have used them several times for difficult to reach places. Should have bought them years ago. Got mine from McMaster Carr.

John in Ct · Feb 20, 2017

Moresmoke, Thats what I do to, and use an impact on the tap

Are you serious that you use an impact on a tap? A tap is to be turned forward for a bit then reversed to cut the chip. Chasing threads you use thread chasers to just clean up threads. Do you start bolts with an impact too?

Bspauld · Feb 20, 2017

I am very serious, I have a lot less breakage,(hardly any) and nicer threads, Havent you ever seen a CNC machine center tap? or a Tap head on a drill press? I have tapped a 4 in. 4 tpi in a lathe and didnt back up till it was done.

Tap socket

Bob Bancroft

Well-known Member

Dick L

Well-known Member

Hobo,NC

Well-known Member

Cheesehead Fred

Member

moresmoke

Well-known Member

el6147

Member

flembo

Well-known Member

Bspauld

Member

4wdtom

Well-known Member

John in Ct

Member

Bspauld

Member

Similar threads