3/8 - 32 tap

[stingray_65]

Hey guys,

I can't tell you how many times I've wanted a tap for pots and jacks, but each time I go to buy one I just can't seem to pay the high dollar for a 3/8-32 NEF tap plus outrageous shipping.

I took a chance with these on eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380167872568

I am VERY happy with my purchase

Cons:

They are used, but I can not find any indications that they are
They are bottom taps, which means they need a slight relief in the bore to help center them

Pros:

They are machine taps, no backing up required and you can drive them with a drill without fear of breaking them.
They use a fractional  (11/32") tap drill, no buying odd letter or number bits
COST! less than $5 each shipped!

I just got back out of the shed where I tapped 3 holes in 1/4" 6061 aluminum and 2 holes in 10 ga steel (.120") and 2 more in 18 ga (.047")

The 18 ga only gave me one thread  and so I had to be careful threading in a jack, but it was a nice 70% fit. the others were no issues at all and spun in better than most nuts.

[LooseChange]

I don't quite get what you got there. Are you tapping a faceplate and then twisting the pots in?
Can you take a picture of what you are actually doing??

[stingray_65]

Sure,
That could be one scenario.

There have been a few times I've wanted to have a tap that I could do something like that, and when I finaly did find one, I figured I may not be the only one looking for such a rare piece.

I admit the practical uses are few and far between, but when you need one you need one.
heck, you may even be able to straighten out threads in a nut with one, but it will likely cut new ones.

I have a 32 pitch thread file for repairing outside threads and it works on switches just as well.

I'm stil looking for a 13/32 - 32 NEF tap for switches

[supro66]

Do you have a Harbor Freight around you

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result/?category=&q=taps

They also carry hole punches. drill bitts
a lot of tools for building chassies