Miniature tap wrench

**wizard69** · Jun 25, 2017, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by mklotz

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

I will have to keep that in mind having more than a few ground clamps around the shop.

**hokanuijoe** · Feb 24, 2018, 08:20 PM

Originally Posted by 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.

I made a similar Tap wrench at High School back in 1962. I still use it.

**xynudu** · Mar 6, 2018, 04:02 PM

I have one similar, but the handles are just a continuation of the tightening bolts.

So you only have to machine the combined handle/bolt up and screw it together.

Easier to make and works the same, plus you don't need a wrench/key to tighten the bolts.

Cheers Rob

**Moby Duck** · Mar 6, 2018, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by xynudu

I have one similar, but the handles are just a continuation of the tightening bolts.

So you only have to machine the combined handle/bolt up and screw it together.

Easier to make and works the same, plus you don't need a wrench/key to tighten the bolts.

Cheers Rob

That's such a smart idea using the screw extensions as handles, and I wonder why I never thought of this when it was staring me in the face.
I have used several of these with conventional handles for many years, but long ago I got rid of the caps screws and replaced them with slotted machine screws. I find that there is nearly always a slotted screwdriver handy, but I always have to search for a correct sized Allen key.

**mklotz** · Mar 6, 2018, 05:38 PM

Originally Posted by xynudu

I have one similar, but the handles are just a continuation of the tightening bolts.

So you only have to machine the combined handle/bolt up and screw it together.

Easier to make and works the same, plus you don't need a wrench/key to tighten the bolts.

I've used wrenches of that type but didn't like them. Maybe it's just me but I had a tendency to twist the handles while tapping and that caused the wrench to loosen its grip on the tap. They are admittedly simpler to make though.

As for the Allen wrenches, mine are color-coded and housed prominently in a holder on the bench top. I've trained myself to put them back in the holder after use so finding them when needed again is a trivial exercise. A touch of OCD is a real benefit in the shop.

**old_toolmaker** · Mar 6, 2018, 07:35 PM

hokanuijoe,

That is a very nice tool. Good work.

**old_toolmaker** · Mar 6, 2018, 07:37 PM

xynudu,

That is a very interesting idea to use extended bolts as handles. It saves quite a bit of work. I have not seen this before and I have been around this business for over 50 years.

**old_toolmaker** · Mar 6, 2018, 07:47 PM

mklotz,

Nice alternate use for a standard hardware store item. The only thing I don't like are those long tails hanging out there ready to grab me.

**xynudu** · Mar 6, 2018, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by Moby Duck

That's such a smart idea using the screw extensions as handles,

I liked the idea of the original poster and shot a bit of video to show the one I have, which is a similar simple project for beginners:

I've never had any problem with the handles coming loose. Works fine.

Cheers Rob

**old_toolmaker** · Mar 7, 2018, 07:59 AM

Rob,

Nice job on that tap wrench. I am going to build one and size it such that will work on my 7" mini lathe without fouling out against the ways. It should be a fairly quick project. Thanks for posting the video.