Friday, November 15, 2013

Troubleshooting Tips When Breaking Taps

Tap breakage can be a frustrating experience, especially when it is hard to determine the cause of the breakage.  Over the years we have found four things to be the most common causes of tap breakage.

          1.  Incorrect Hole Size:  Hole sizes that are a few thousandths to
                   small can be the difference between success and failure-
                   especially roll forming taps.

          2.  Misalignment:  Taps hitting the hole off center

          3.  Improper Lubrication: Lack of lubrication often leads to poor 
                   tap life but can also lead to breakage.

          4.  Timing Issues:  Taps not getting out of the way of the advancing
                   strip.