What Is A Tap Wrench? Here's What You Should Know
Wrenches are commonly used to install and remove fasteners. They consist of a handle with an opening or bit on the end that grips a fastener. However, not all wrenches are created equal. In addition to socket wrenches and open-end wrenches, there are also tap wrenches.
Overview of tap wrenches
A tap wrench, also known as a T-handle wrench, is a handheld tool that features a tap. All tap wrenches have taps. The tap is the removable bit on the end of the tap wrench. You can remove the tap and replace it with a different tap of the appropriate size.
Tap wrenches have a T-shaped design, which is why they are also called T-handle wrenches. They have a horizontal handle at the top that connects to a vertical shaft in the center. The shaft extends from the handle down to the tap, where it can be removed.
How tap wrenches work
With its unique design, you may be wondering what tap wrenches are used for. The most common application for tap wrenches is to create internal threads for fasteners. Fasteners such as screws and bolts require internal threads. The fasteners themselves have external threads, but they still require internal threads during installation. To create this internal thread, a tap wrench can be used. Tap wrenches provide a simple and effective way to create internal threads for fasteners.
A tap wrench can be used prior to installing the fastener into the object. Place the end of the tap wrench into the pilot hole and twist it from the handle it will create internal threads. The tap on the end of the tap wrench will go deeper into the object while creating the internal threads. Once the female threads are created, the tap wrench can be removed by turning the handle in the opposite direction. Using the newly created female threads, the fastener can then be installed in the object.
Identifying a high quality tap wrench
What should be considered when assessing the quality of this tool? It is best to compare a good clamping tool with a not-so-good one to clarify the criteria.
The most important point is the jaws. When closed, the jaws must be at right angles to each other and form a clean square. The right angles must be clean and without any curves. The jaws should be stiff enough. The connection between the handle and the jaws should be stable throughout the range of adjustment.
With cheap clamping tools, the connection between the handle and the jaws is achieved by a combination of left and right threads. This causes the threaded part to unscrew more and more from the jaws when putting them together. The result: oscillating jaws and low grip.
It is better to attach the cheek plate to the handle by means of a cotter pin so that it can be steered steadily over the entire adjustment range. This process is also strongly influenced by the handling and type of threads. Fine threads allow for more precise feeds.
Another quality criterion is the material and design of the substrate. For tools made of zinc die casting, care must be taken to ensure that the material is free of air inclusions (so-called porosity). These air pockets significantly reduce the load limit of the capstan iron and in the worst case can cause the entire body to fracture. This is especially true if the air pockets are present where they are subjected to the highest loads.
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