Tag: tap

 

What is a tap guide? A tap guide helps you start threaded holes straight. A tap guide accurately guides hand-tapped threads on the inside of a hole to accept a machine screw or bolt. If you start every hole straight, it will help prevent tap breakage and increase the tap life. The tap guide (also known as a tap block or tap jig) can also be used to restore an internal thread that has been damaged or to cut a new, larger thread in the case of severe damage or stripping.

The tap guides by Big Gator Tools, called V-TapGuides®, come in 2 sizes: Standard or Metric. The guides have a Lifetime Warranty and are 100% made in the USA.

All the patented V-TapGuides feature a 90° “V-groove” design that runs through the entire guide. This “V-groove” is found on the bottom of the tap guide and ensures perpendicular alignment on round and cornered material. This is how the term “V-TapGuide” came into play because of the innovative “V-groove” design. Because of this design, the V-TapGuides won 2 Innovation awards: 2015 Professional Tool Innovation Award and 2013 Professional Tool & Equipment Innovation Award.

How to use a tap guide: place the tap guide on a work surface, with the “V-groove” side resting on the surface. Insert the tap through the guide into the pre-drilled hole and turn it clockwise. The tap will then be aligned perpendicularly using the guide as the base; this will ensure a straight and accurately tapped hole. Every few turns, back the tap out counterclockwise to clear the chips. Make sure to use a good-quality tapping fluid as a lubricant while tapping. It’s beneficial to hand tap because the tap resistance can be felt and that feeling helps prevent tap breakage. Tap straight – every time! Tip: Make sure your pre-drilled hole matches the tap size that you need. Use a tap & drill chart.

The guides are made from hardened alloyed steel throughout the entire guide. The holes are smooth, unlike drilled or reamed holes. Time and money will be saved by tapping a hole once with perfectly aligned holes. The hole sizes are permanently embedded into the guide to allow quick and explanatory tapping. Use on wood, plastic, or metal surfaces. Scrap and re-work are almost eliminated completely when using the Standard V-TapGuide®. The tap guide works great on round parts, angled edges, and flat surfaces.

Specs – Standard V-TapGuide® Part #: STD500NP

The tap guide holes are sized for ANSI Standard Ground Hand Taps. The Standard V-TapGuide® has 9 holes: 5/8”, ½”, 7/16”, 3/8”, 5/16, ¼”, #10, #8, #6.

These 9 holes can accommodate 32 different Standard Ground Tap Sizes: 0-80, 1/64, 1-72, 2-56, 2-64, 3-48, 3-56, 4-36, 4-40, 4-48, 5-40, 5-44, 6-32, 6-36, 6-40, 8-32, 8-36, 8-40, 10-24, 10-32, 1/4-20, 1/4-28, 5/16-18, 5/16-24, 3/8-16, 3/8-24, 7/16-14, 7/16-20, 1/2-13, 1/2-20, 5/8-11, 5/8-18″. (The guide does cover tap sizes 0-80 to 5/8 except #12 and 9/16. 0-80 to the #6 sizes have the same size shank so only one hole size is needed.)

Shop: Standard V-TapGuide – Part #: STD500NP 

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Specs – Metric V-TapGuide® Part #: MTG500NP

The tap guide holes are sized for ANSI Standard Ground Thread Metric Taps. The Metric V-TapGuide® (9 holes) handles tap sizes: 1.6, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16mm.

Shop: Metric V-TapGuide – Part #: MTG500NP

These tap guides are 100% American-made and will last for generations to come; we back that idea by offering a Lifetime Warranty. For more information or to shop our store, use the links below:

Info: www.biggatortools.com

Shop: Standard V-TapGuide®

Shop: Other Sizes

Enjoy your tap guide!

– Big Gator Tools

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