What tap handles for larger taps

[paulmitchell1984]

Hi guys

I have your bog standard tap handles ehich are fine when you have space, iv also got 2 that go onto a 1/4" ratchet which are brilliant gor tight spaces, but theres been an odd occasion where i could have done with using larger taps but i cant get a normal handle in, but my fancy ones dont fit
Withought welding nuts to the end amd using ratchet what do you giys use?
Im talkong m10/m12 and above m16 20 24 etc.

 

[MattF]

Hate to admit it, but I have used an adjustable spanner on occasion.

 

[brightspark]

put a socket on to the tap and use an extension

 

[paulmitchell1984]

Im assuming multi splines are better than hex sockets.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hanson-3095001-2-Piece-Adjustable-Socket/dp/B000TGM7HY

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laser-6058-Tap-Socket-Set/dp/B00QTTA96G

Any use

 

[paulmitchell1984]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hanson-3095001-2-Piece-Adjustable-Socket/dp/B000TGM7HY

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laser-6058-Tap-Socket-Set/dp/B00QTTA96G

Any use

2nd lot maybe, 1st lot is what i have but snapoff version (they were cheaper than mac lol)

 

[hotponyshoes]

For the bigger size ones I've used mole grips, spanners, adjustable spanners,
That's mostly cleaning/repairing existing threads on agricultural Equpitment rather than cutting new threads though.

Ratcheting box spanner is another good one when there is not enough length to get to the end of it.

A handy tool I have made for the 10mm ish sizes is 2 lengths of flat bar with a square hole cut in the end of each.
You can put both holes over the end of the tap at the same time so you can quickly change between a regular shaped handle, a 90deg handle and just a half handle.

It's ok but it's hard to get the tap started square.
For really small taps I have stuck them in the chuck of one of those flexible drill extension things. You can then hold the tap like a pencil and turn the other end with a palm ratchet etc.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

2nd lot maybe, 1st lot is what i have but snapoff version (they were cheaper than mac lol)

Yeah. Found the second link last. Wasn't so sure about the first.
Il be having a set of those to live in the drawer.
Got plenty of square shank tooling so be handy.

 

[paulmitchell1984]

Just read they dont go big enough hmmm may have yo go down the socket or nut route

 

[hotponyshoes]

I have made adaptors for 1/2" shank taps before. Get any 2 old 1/2" drive sockets and a nut that fits into each of them. Weld the 2 nuts together (as if you were making one long nut) then you can stick both sockets over a nut each and masking tape them together.

Put the ratchet into one and use the square hole on the other to drive the tap.

Could use the same method for 3/4" etc

 

[Ashley Burton]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Laser-6058-Tap-Socket-Set/dp/B00QTTA96G

I have these & they do sort of work, But sadly my dies don't fit into them snug

 

[8ob]

Snapon make these square drive pipe plug sockets, they come in really useful for driving taps in tight spots off the end of extension bars with a ratchet .

Bob

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

http://www.impactsocket.co.uk/products/industry-sockets/din-tap-holding-sockets.html

Pricey but up to m16 taps.

 

[MoreWellie]

Sometimes places you don't expect to be cheaper are, Laser sockets again and only cheaper if you happen to be ordering something else from paddocks

http://www.paddockspares.com/tap-socket-set-8pc.html

 

[armalites]

Snap On actually do socket specifically designed for taps, I think it's 3/8 drive and has the same compression chuck as on a ratcheting tap handle


Ah just realised @eLuSiVeMiTe has posted similar Irwin items

 

[Kent]

A bigger one? They are sold most tool shops have them

 

[waddycall]

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/cutting-tools/tap-wrenches/engineers'-tap-wrenches/f/31267

 

[paulmitchell1984]

Yep i know tap handles but if i cant turn it then there no good lol

 

[mechman]

Used to be called Tap Wrenches.