Must have hand tools?

Chicken lights

Forum Pony Express Driver
I guess I’m looking for a large tap handle, and a quality smaller tap handle.

Anyone got any suggestions?

I’ll probably also be looking for a decent tap set someday but for right now I can borrow what I need
 

Crankit

Well-Known Member
I got my large #7 Greenfield off ebay and my middle sized one #5 from a tap and die set for sale on a fb posting close to me... Guy could have sold that included tap handle for the same price I paid for the whole kit. So keep an eye out for sets that have a good handle in it.

Cheers

Wayne
 

PeterT

Ultra Member
Premium Member
Starretts are super nice but will set you back $ unless you can find used.
https://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/91A

I've had a couple crap ones over the years & are basically a waste of money. Look for these typical issues
- Skinny, flexible handles. Typically too long for small tap range. Bigger tap handles aren't as much an issue as they have a predictable bite but for teeny taps use the right sized handle
- Poor fitting jaws. Too much slop in the clamping mechanism, usually loose QC. Screw clamp mechanism loosens up on tap after a few fwd/rev turns. Soup can steel jaws not up to task.
- Unbalanced which is typically non-centered head and or mass of handle screw-in clamping mechanism. It just feels wrong in your hand & makes starting the tap less joy than a well designed tool
Respectfully Yours, Tool Snob
 
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