Common Tap Sizes

Station House · Nov 28, 2011

Hi - not found what I needed from searching.

Looking to add a tap and die set to my tool kit - really just for cleaning out bolt holes rather than anything too heavy!

What are the common sizes i should be looking for the set to contain? Was thinking:

M6 x 1
M8 x 1
M10 x 1.25
M12 x 1.25

Would this tackle most things on my 1994 Defender? I've forgotten more than I think I ever knew about tap sizes from O Level Metalwork

Ta

pressbrake · Nov 28, 2011

think you got your pitches wrong m10 is 1.5 m12 is 1.75 m8 is 1.2
you work out your tapping holes from the pitch ie m8 is 6.8 m10 is 8.5 m12 is 10.2
The sizes above are for standard tyhread not fine or special

Oldseadog · Nov 28, 2011

If you are getting a set of taps, make sure that you get a full set of 1st, 2nd and plug. You will probably find that the plug is used most, due to it's ability to reach the bottom of the hole.

Also buy the best that you can afford, (Starrett if possible) as it's a false economy having to remove a cheap, broken tap!

Fur Trapper · Nov 28, 2011

Station House said:
Hi - not found what I needed from searching.

Looking to add a tap and die set to my tool kit - really just for cleaning out bolt holes rather than anything too heavy!

What are the common sizes i should be looking for the set to contain? Was thinking:

M6 x 1
M8 x 1
M10 x 1.25
M12 x 1.25

Would this tackle most things on my 1994 Defender? I've forgotten more than I think I ever knew about tap sizes from O Level Metalwork

Ta

might want to look at thread chasers they work very well for cleaning and repair if nicked up threads, they make tape and die sets

thread chasers - Google Search

Oldseadog · Nov 28, 2011

Another way to clean out threads is to get a long bolt and cut some slots lengthways across the threads with a hacksaw.

You would be surprised at how much crap it removes!

Station House · Nov 28, 2011

Many thanks guys - really helpful

jamesie · Nov 28, 2011

Oldseadog said:
If you are getting a set of taps, make sure that you get a full set of 1st, 2nd and plug. You will probably find that the plug is used most, due to it's ability to reach the bottom of the hole.

Also buy the best that you can afford, (Starrett if possible) as it's a false economy having to remove a cheap, broken tap!

Oh so true, Sir.

Hawaii · Nov 30, 2011

This got a bit technical for me - in our house we only ever need 2 taps - 1 for hot & one for cold

Oldseadog · Nov 30, 2011

No need for a set of dies then

Common Tap Sizes

Station House

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Fur Trapper

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