small metric tapered taps ..

[Vipersan]

I have 2 sets of taps n dies ...but both stop around M3 ..
I can imagine that smaller diameter taps might be somewhat brittle ..and easily broken ..but generally I want to tap in plastic at these sizes ..
Nonetheless they appear tricky to get in kits ..
I have seen single sizes but are usually very pricey..
What I really want is 1.5 mm through 3mm taps and dies ....including M2 and M2.5 tapered hand taps specifically ...
anyone know where a kit might be had that wont break the bank ..?
rgds
VS

 

[sonnetpete]

Not sure what your budget might be VS but Amazon have a set by Bergen in stock.

BERGEN 31pc HSS tap and die set (metric) M1mm-M2.5mm B2545. £30 plus free UK delivery

 

[Vipersan]

Was hoping to pay under £20 Pete ...but soddit ..
I just bought one for £29.99
A lot less than the one I saw on ebay ..
rgds
Evan

 

[Terryl]

The trick to using a small diameter tap is to get the feel of it, when you feel it start to bind up then back off, then start again, when it bits and starts to bind back off, 3 in 1 oil will help with steel or aluminum, on plastic or nylon use liquid dish soap straight out of the bottle, or a bit of bar soap with a drop or two of water (or spit) on it.

But the main trick is to keep backing off on the tap, this will break off the shavings but be careful in doing this as it can bind up both ways, I have had very good luck doing 2 MM (#2 us screw size) taps like this for years, the trick is to get the feel of it.

And don't go cheap on a small tap and die set, you will have better luck.

 

[Vipersan]

The trick to using a small diameter tap is to get the feel of it, when you feel it start to bind up then back off, then start again, when it bits and starts to bind back off, 3 in 1 oil will help with steel or aluminum, on plastic or nylon use liquid dish soap straight out of the bottle, or a bit of bar soap with a drop or two of water (or spit) on it.

But the main trick is to keep backing off on the tap, this will break off the shavings but be careful in doing this as it can bind up both ways, I have had very good luck doing 2 MM (#2 us screw size) taps like this for years, the trick is to get the feel of it.

And don't go cheap on a small tap and die set, you will have better luck.

Good advice Terry ..
I already use the twist ..bind and backoff method ...
I do like the dish soap idea as a lubricant for tapping plastic tho'
will give that a try..
cheers..