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Curious tap

trlvn

trlvn

Ultra Member
So, I've picked up box lots including taps from 3-4 auctions and I was sorting through them. Among the oddballs[1], one is particularly odd: it is marked "1/4-32 WF ENGLAND". There is a symbol like a cloverleaf on it.

At 32 tpi, it is so small I can't really say if the threads are 55 or 60 degrees. I'm guessing the "WF" means Whitworth Form or something similar.

I have a few BSW (British Standard Whitworth) taps but, AIUI, 1/4-32 is not a standard combination. I did find one reference to 1/4-32 on this web page:

https://www.tap-die.com/contents/en-uk/d297_Tap_Die_Company_Tapping_Drill_Sizes.html

It is in the "Model Engineer" column. Not sure how the "WF" could be related, though.

Anyway, just a curiosity.

Craig
[1] I've got about a dozen "NS" (National Special) taps which I understand are basically diameter/tpi combinations that aren't in UNC or UNF. For example, I've got taps for both 1/2-12 and 1/2-27! Also have a tap marked "USS" in 5/8-27. I understand USS basically is an older name for NS.
 
From hobby mechanics.com:

WF (Whitworth Form) predates BSW standard and has the same 55 degrees thread angle as Whitworth, it comes in both 32 and 40 tpi and is used in model engineering and vintage car and motorcycle restoration. Customer may also look at the ME (Model Engineering) range of taps and dies for other sizes not available in WF.
 
Thanks very much! It wasn't exactly keeping me up at night but nice to have the mystery solved!

Craig
 
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