What kind of tap do I need?

N

NativeCraft

Joined
Oct 27, 2006
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If I were to want to install a pocket clip on a Case Trapperlock that doesn't already have one, what kind of tap will I need to tap the holes for the screws? Plug tap, taper tap, etc.?
 
There are three types of tap generally.
1. Starting tap
Allows you to start cutting shallow threads and the long pointy end helps get it started straight(ish) if you don't have a way to align it truly square to the surface etc.
Draw back is that it requires a lot of room on the back side of a thin piece of work or in a thick piece of work one can not cut fully formed threads to the bottom of a blind hole.

2. Plug tap
This is what most people think of as a do all tap and often is all that you need. In mild steel or softer materials you don't really need the starting tap and can get by with the plug tap.
Draw back is you still can't cut fully formed threads to the bottom of a blind hole.

3. Bottoming tap
Allows you to run it into the already started threads in a blind hole and finish cutting full threads to near the bottom of the hole.

So to answer your question :

A regular plug tap if you drill a through hole and have room for the tap to protrude.
Plug tap and some luck if you have thin material and can not start any thread and will run into something inside the knife.

Does that make sense ?
 
Bagger, yes sir that makes sense and I appreciate you taking the time to explain it.
I won't be able to drill through a Trapperlock, or even fully halfway through, so it looks like a bottoming tap is my only chance I guess.

Lieblad, which kind do I need?

I'd really like to get a clip on my kirinite trapperlock. Actually, as much as I hate the thought of doing it, I'll bet I could simply drill the holes and use JB Weld to glue them in there. Hmmm... Whatcha think?
 
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If you try to thread a hole using only a plug or bottoming tap, you're going to have it broken off in the hole.


Which end do you want the clip on, pivot end, or other ?



If it's pivot end.

I'd just try to buy one that already has that.
Or
get a slip-joint maker to pull it apart do it and repin it.
 
NativeCraft said:
Bagger, yes sir that makes sense and I appreciate you taking the time to explain it.
I won't be able to drill through a Trapperlock, or even fully halfway through, so it looks like a bottoming tap is my only chance I guess.

Lieblad, which kind do I need?

I'd really like to get a clip on my kirinite trapperlock. Actually, as much as I hate the thought of doing it, I'll bet I could simply drill the holes and use JB Weld to glue them in there. Hmmm... Whatcha think?
Click to expand...

JB Weld (or any glue) is not a substitute for mechanical fasteners in your situation. In other words, it won't work.
 
Depends alot of what the material & how thick it is compared to the screw dia.
Copper alloys ( brass, bronze et.al. ) you should manage with a thread cutting plug tap, then finish up with a bottom tap. Use lots of lube and break & clear chips every few degrees rotation.
Success can be very dodgy on something thin & small diameter if you cant drill & tap thru.
 
Since I want it on the pivot end, I guess I'd better just leave well enough alone then and not mess with any of it.
However, I didn't realize that you could take a slip joint knife apart without completely destroying it, so that's got me intrigued.
 
NativeCraft said:
Since I want it on the pivot end, I guess I'd better just leave well enough alone then and not mess with any of it.
However, I didn't realize that you could take a slip joint knife apart without completely destroying it, so that's got me intrigued.
Click to expand...

I can't

Probably you can't

Skilled slip joint makers can
 
Nobody has mentioned, be sure to use a fine thread, metric, or standard. This is critical when tapping weak materials as well as thin thread distances of stock, your application. You definitely need a fine, or highest number or threads for you application. A high pitch count is to your favor.

All the Best, TD
 
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I was planning on using the same screws that Case uses on their clips, but I don't think I'm going to mess with it now.
I believe the Case screws are 2-56, so that should be fine thread enough I believe.
Maybe I'll just get some taps, drills, and screws and try it out on a $5 junk knife and see if I can do it.
 
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