Miniature tap wrench

[mklotz]

Although I have one of the Starrett 174 tap wrenches, I only use it with my piloted tap extension...

http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/tap-holders-26298

The reason I don't use it in the expected fashion is that it's just too easy to unknowingly loosen the screw and have the tap fall out onto the concrete floor. A few broken taps convinced me to make a miniature of this style...

which locks securely onto the tap.

The arms are made from 9/32" square stainless stock turned down to 1/4". I don't like knurling on tap wrench handles so they were left plain.

[Paul Jones]

Marv,

I like this style of tap wrench. Keeping the handles with a smooth finish is best for small taps. I like to be able to feel the small taps as they cut and allow my fingers to gently slip off as the tap begins to bind-up and before breaking the tap.

Regards,

Paul

[Toolmaker51]

This pattern Marv replicates is used even in large tap wrenches. We know he regularly runs 00's and #2's, 8's are heavy manufacturing to him. I'm dang sure a pair transverse cap screws more secure than those driven by a threaded handle. As many add a lock nut, kind of seals the verdict.

Knurling isn't useful on many tools. I think a lot receive them from makers really not indoctrinated to their use, especially small scale. Inappropriate features usually indicate habits, not thoughtful design.
Others fail in plain ol' ergonomics. Like the immense handles of imported adjustable wrenches. Fine if you are Godzilla, lame interpretation of quality and original tools. They give them increased capacity, big deal, useless without increased leverage of a proportionately longer grip.
I occasionally work aloft. One day, at height I needed a second 24" wrench, signaling below for same. Here comes one of those monsters, retrieved by drop line. All that extra material was next to unmanageable overhead. Oh H*** No. The box over there, get mine, left side 4th drawer down. Immediately apparent, just hauling it up.
What more conclusive demonstration is there?
Quiz: Why are good wrench handles tapered, especially opposite of the business end?

[Frank S]

SO you can use them as aligning tools to align the holes in 2 or more members enabling you insert a fastener.
I couldn't live without my spud wrenches
even have an adjustable with a hammer head made on it does the work of 3 tools
These are the best tools to have when working above



unless you are working on pipe then you want aluminum pipe wrenches preferably Schick by name since they are all aluminum except for the teeth even the adj nut and top jaw are aluminum


But then there are my Hammer wrenches as well for when a nut is just too stubborn to come loose or needs to be really tight
My hammer wrenches go up through 3"

[Toolmaker51]

Lol Frank. Spud Wrenches are certainly tapered. Lol again.
I was referring more along the line of common adjustable wrenches, especially decent sized versions. I'm on the way out for an interview, but will paste the pix upon returning.


Interview was OK; very large diework for auto market. Clean modern plant, but small machine tools; they must send a lot out.
5 stars out of 10.

[DIYer]

Thanks mklotz! We've added your Miniature Tap Wrench to our Tapping and Threading category,
as well as to your builder page: mklotz's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Miniature Tap Wrench by mklotz

tags: wrench, tapping

[Frank S]

I have a tap handle much like Marv's but I made mine a long time ago mine is 9 inches overall in length and yes no knurling is the way to go on these tools

[olderdan]

I also have one just like it and found another use for it as a carrier for small diameter between centres work.

[Toolmaker51]

I also have one just like it and found another use for it as a carrier for small diameter between centres work.

Yup, Found Another Use.....That's what we do!

[mklotz]

Ground rod clamps work well as dogs for turning between centers...