Talk Morgan Forums Thread Like Summary - Tool question

Dear all .... I'm sure there are those on the forum who know far more about tools than me.

Just had to tap out a thread in an awkward place (no room to swing a normal tap-holder)

Why don't they make the shank of taps as a hex rather than a square?

A six-sider would still grip in a tap-holder well enough (if you're having to gorilla it down the hole you've done something very wrong) but it would give the option of using standard small sockets with the associated variety of extensions/t-bars/driver handles etc for those times you're not just tapping something neatly flat in a vice.

Seems like a no-brainer ... what am I missing.

K

Ps ... annoyingly the current choices of square shank don't even jam in a socket as a bush-fix, but always fall between two consecutive sizes.

The advantage with the square drive is that a simple tap wrench can then fit any tap within a given size range, metric UN or Whit. If you make a hex drive who, how and when are the standards for the hex going to be defined??? Without standards the whole point of what you are trying to achieve will be lost. Just MHO.

I have some chuck type wrenches which work well. I have made long extensions for one off jobs in the past. I have also used a small adjustable spanner to get into an awkward spot. I have seen people use a battery drill for tapping thin sheet, I have not tried this. Looks a bit dodgy!

Cooperman’s hex drive chuck types are new to me, looks a good idea.

My "tip of the day" award goes to Arwyn for his file a nut to fit, simple and easy to do.
Cheers
John.