Remove a Stuck Tap

S

Suva

Joined
Nov 6, 2007
Messages
12
Hi Guys,

I posted a week or so ago about tapping a 4-40 tap into Titanium as I was having trouble with it ( the Taps kept Snapping ) Some of you guys suggested that I use a larger drill ( a #41 instead of a #43 ) this has worked well. However after tapping a few holes, I must have become a little excited and I accidentally snapped another tap which is now wedged into the Titanium in a BIG way....

I noticed some of you guys mentioned that Ferric Chloride would be a solution to removing the taps from the titanium so i have been looking all over the place down here in Adelaide South Australia, and I think its fair to say hardly anyone knew what it was, and those that did know, knew not where to get it. Are there any other more common acids that might do the same trick? Alternatively I was wondering if I should try and drill the taps out with the same size drill bit ( #41 ), as I have sanded the stuck tap down and it is now flush with the Titanium handle - Any suggestions? I would really like to save this Titanium handle.

Thank you for your help

Regards
Suva
 
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Have you tried using a punch and hammer to either turn the tap back out, or if that isn't possible, sometimes you can break them into pieces and remove them that way.
 
sometimes you can use a punch and break up the tap if this is possible. if you can find a dentist locally ask if he has any old 1/16" carbide rotary files or diamond burrs. i used to remove taps and easyouts in motorcycle heads and blocks this way. it takes time but it can be done. just work on cutting the tap in half and stay away from the sides if possible.
 
Out in Adelaide ehh? Dunno if you've tried this, but go check your local Dick Smith, ferric chloride is also used as a PCB etchant, ask for that. Last I remember, it came in a black bottle.
 
Cheers for That, i tried Dick Smiths, and they didn't know what Ferric Chloride was, but I will ring back and ask for a PCB etchant - Thanx for the feed back guys.
 
TH232 You are a legend.... Thanx mate - I dont know why the guy I spoke to at dick smiths knew nothing about it. Guess it depends on who you talk to!. Thanx once again for you time much appreciated.
 
They make a tap exracter tool. McMaster-Carr has them.They have 4 rods that go down into the flutes and you screw it out. They work ok if the tap isn't galled into the material too bad.
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Suva if you cant find anything else try either Sulphuric , Battery acid or Nitric acid that should be available from a jewelry supply for testing gold get the one for 24 k it won't hurt the Titanium but will eat the tap away for you .. with nitric apply let sit a few min and rinse then re apply until it is gone or enough is gone you can back it out .good luck it will take a little while it is best if you warm up the acid first in direct Aussie sunlight it should only be a hour then it will really eat the tap
 
anyone know if muriatic acid will work, or will that dissolve the Ti as well as the tap? i know its readily available pool supply... useful stuff. devolves galvanized coatings for welding, dissolves steel if its left on longer. dissolves fingers and lungs too so careful...
 
If all else fails you can boil down some distilled (white) vinegar and with enough time it will eat the tap enough to get it out.
 
Muriatic acid is what I use. Its also known as swimming pool acid. You can usually find it at any pool supply store or concrete supply, rock supply like a gem and mineral store, some jewelry stores etc etc. It will take about 24 hours for a number 2 size screw tapper like a 2-56 pocket clip screw. The 4-40 may need to soak a bit longer but it should be weak sufficiently in 24 hours. Soak it in the stuff and come out the next day. The tap will either be gone or it will be easily tapped out at that point. Rinse well. Do it in a well ventilated area.

Also, if you are doing the lock side with the detent ball in the lock be aware it will also eat that away too or at the least corrode the daylights out of it to where it needs popped out and replaced.

STR
 
Thanx for all the help guys. I have just been lucky enough to find some Ferric Chloride this afternoon ( with the help of member TH232 ), and I have it soaking already. Ill check on it tomorrow. If this does not work ill just have to make another handle. Cheers
 
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