Extra-long tap in 6-32 size

[t1mpani]

Howdy howdy,
I was wondering if anybody happened to know of a source for smaller diameter (in this case 6X32) taps that can continue to cut threads more than the 3/4" depth that is the max for the ones I'm finding at Ace Hardware/Lowe's? I'm pinning a pommel and was going to try to be a little different using some 6X32 All-thread but my tap can't make it through the whole diameter of the pommel, and I bet there's no way in hell the threads will line up if I try coming in from both sides. One that could thread for something like 1.25" would be the bomb...

Figured somebody here might have a source for this kind of almost-nobody-wants-one tool.

Thanks,
Warren

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Why does it need to thread all the way through?
Just drill with the tap hole size bit, then drill the hole (from the inside) with the body drill size about half way back. Then tap the smaller hole . In a 6-32 thread, 1/2" of thread is more strength than you will ever need.
Stacy

 

[t1mpani]

In this case I'm not threading the pommel on from the end---it's a Kabar Mk2 that I'm re-handling but am going to use the original pommel. It had been peened on where the tang came through the back, but I was just going to square the tang off and pin it through the disk. So, with half the hole currently threaded and with the all-thread turned up into it, it looks like a lollipop.




If I have to, I can just enlarge the hole to 1/8" and use an iron pin, but that's just so boring...

 

[Luke Sheridan]

McMaster Carr has long taps, you can't link to pages but look for taps, then 6-32 size, then the lengths are at the bottom of the page.

 

[Dan Gray]

if you are intent on doing it this way ,, grind the body of the tap down past the pitch of the tap and back enough to clear what you want it to do..

normally taps are made only to that depth because of the increased chance of breakage..

if I had a mind to do it your way I'd counter sink the hole then tap
inside and then use an internal set screw then plug the one side. IF I were to do it that way..
there are better ways at least for me.. your way you'll a have a heck of a time getting it apart a 2nd time.. but that's only my opinon

 

[t1mpani]

your way you'll a have a heck of a time getting it apart a 2nd time..

Heh---the amount of time that's been poured into this old, hard-beaten, long-abandoned soldier already has exceeded the value of the knife many times over, so I never plan on doing it a second time. I'll take a look at pairing that tap body down--if it breaks I'm only out $3.75.

McMaster Carr has long taps, you can't link to pages but look for taps, then 6-32 size, then the lengths are at the bottom of the page.

Great! I'll take a look at those, too.

And, if all else fails, like I said I can just drill out to a larger diameter and pull out the boring old iron pins.

Thanks much, gentlemen!