Well, I'd say that chasing paint or corrosion out of existing threads is a pretty darn ideal circumstance for a tap (Dale clipped that part of my sentence (and chasing *is* what the original query was about...not about cutting fresh threads, where I'd completely agree with Dale's reservations)). I guess somebody could break a tap while cutting a paint clog or clearing a minor cross-thread, but taps really don't break that easily, cheap or not.
A higher-quality tap *will* make your job easier and less likely to end in tears. A two-flute spiral-point tap is probably what you'd want in order to decrease the chance of breakage or clogging in this application (through-hole, small size, chasing). Spiral-point taps send the chips forward, and reduce the chances of clogging/jamming the tap (the typical cause of breakage by inexperienced users). Two-flute taps have more cross-section remaining and are less prone to breakage.
You probably won't get one of those at a bike shop, online or otherwise (maybe I'm wrong, but it didn't look like one of those was pictured). McMaster-Carr is a good source, or a local machine-tool supply place.
Cheers,
Scott Minneman San Francisco, CA
-----Original Message----- From: oroboyz@aol.com [mailto:oroboyz@aol.com] Sent: Sunday, June 04, 2006 12:44 PM To: minneman@onomy.com; classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: [CR] REAR DROPS
<< ... the cheap taps they sell in hardware stores will do fine, and are unlikely to break or get you into any other form of trouble. >>
Yoicks! Scott! Maybe under ideal circumstances but sorry, I have seen too many of these break to allow me to not offer a differing view to that... And despite assurances that they can be removed if broken, it is a heck of a tough job when those small puppies are tightly entrenched. BE CAREFUL folks! Use a proper tap handle (not an adjustable wrench!), plenty of lube and go slowly, take it out frequently to clean and apply light pressure all the while....
Dale
Dale Brown 27408 USA
-----Original Message----- From: Scott Minneman <minneman@onomy.com> To: 'classicrendezvous Rendezvous' <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Sun, 4 Jun 2006 12:29:54 -0700 Subject: RE: [CR]REAR DROPS
As was pointed out a little earlier in this thread (so to speak), a tap that will fit the dropout adjusting screws should be readily available at your local hardware store. M3x.5 is a standard size. It'll probably run you $2.50. No shipping costs.
If you're just chasing threads, and are unlikely to break or get you into any other form of trouble.
Scott Minneman San Francisco, CA
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of Chuck Schmidt Sent: Sunday, June 04, 2006 12:12 PM To: classicrendezvous Rendezvous Subject: Re: [CR]REAR DROPS
On Jun 4, 2006, at 12:06 PM, Chuck Schmidt wrote:
> > On Jun 4, 2006, at 11:01 AM, r cielec wrote: > > >> Ahoy ! >> >> Would the good, ol' bike loyal folks at Bike Tools Etc. and Loose >> Screws carry the appropriate taps? >> >> Richard Cielec >> Chicago, Illinois >> > > Pronto! > > I dunno... maybe you should/could check to see? > http://www.biketoolsetc.com > http://www.thethirdhand.com > > Chuck Schmidt > South Pasadena, Southern California >
Oh, I forgot to add... the helping hand you're looking for is at the end of your arm! <grin>
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, Southern California
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