VersaDrive® ImpactaTaps (Impact Ready) - UNC Taps (1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2" & 5/8"), 11mm VersaDrive Hex Shank, High-Grade Tool Steel / Titanium Coating

Q: Can I use my impact wrench with VersaDrive ImpactaTaps

Yes, VersaDrive Impact Taps are specially hardened and designed with a unique geometry which allows them to be effectively used with Impact Drivers and Wrenches.

Q: How many holes can I expect Impact Taps to last

We have many customer reports and testimonials of taps lasting hundreds of holes or even more than a thousand. However, our tools are often used in a tough environment, sometimes with less-than-ideal working conditions so it can vary widely depending on the application and the user life expectancy. If you are getting less than 100-200 holes per tap as a rule of thumb we can look at your application and most likely suggest some improvements to help increase life expectancy.

Q: Can I tap Stainless Steel using Impact

Yes, Stainless Steel can be tapped successfully. For Impact wrench Tapping we recommend increasing the impact torque by about 10% from thestructural steel recommendations as a rule of thumb .

 Q: Which Lubricant do you recommend for Impact Tapping

Speed lube is generally the best all-purpose lubricant, for fast, convenient and accurate aerosol application ensuring coverage inside the holes well as on the tool. However, our BioCut paste is a very popular and efficient lubricant for dipping the tool directly into the tin. It’s also great formalinizing run off or mess, on painted surfaces or other sensitive applications were run off is to be avoided. Aeropaste™ can be used if working in applications such as Overhead where a fluid lubricant will run off. Finally BioCut Blue cutting fluid works particularly well with harder materials or difficult applications and is ideal for direct application onto the tool and into the hole when working on flat surfaces

Q: Can I use these for tapping Blind Holes

For Tapping blind holes we recommend our 309010 or 309020 Spiral Flute Impac ta Taps for Metric or UNC threads combined with our clutched tapping adapter for use either with an impact wrench or reversible Magnet Drill or drilling machine. Spiral Flute Taps are designed to clear the swarf from the top of the hole asit is not able to pass through the hole.

 Q: Can I use these for tapping laser/flame cut holes

Tapping Flame Cut or Laser Cut holes or even punched holes with impact taps may significantly reduce the tool life due to the surface hardening that takes place around the perimeter of the hole. Often these holes are roughly cutor may not be parallel which is also likely to cause breakage. If possible, we suggest reaming the hole using a slow speed, rotary drill, to remove the surface hardness and ensure a square hole. If you have no choice but to tap flame cut holes then we suggest increasing the torque by at least 10%, using more lubricant and taking additional care.

 Q: Can I clean out existing threads with these taps
ImpactaTaps can be used for cleaning out existing threads, however we recommend aligning the tap for 1-2 threads by hand to ensure the thread is fully located and avoid the risk of cross-threading.

 Q: Are Impact taps likely to break

Tapping holes in any application is a challenging task and all cutting tools can be blunted or broken in some conditions. some of the reasons for breakage include:

• Insufficient Torque - using an impact wrench without sufficient torque or on the incorrect torque setting (if the impact wrench has multiple settings)
• Tapping the hole off square
• Always use sufficient HMT approved Tapping lubricant. We do not reccomendWD40 or equivalent general purpose non-cutting lubricants.
• Over running the Tap so the thread is no longer held within the tapped hole. Then Cross threading the tap when reversing can often result in tap breakage or damage typically seen to the threads at the rear of the tap
• When tapping weld nuts, often times the thread on the nut can be misaligned with the hole to be tapped - this can cause breakage.
- Ensure the correct size pilot hole is created. Incorrectly sized holes can result in Tap Breakage.
- Ensure steady/ pressure while tapping the hole, do not force the tap through the hole, likewise insufficient or a loose hold on the power tools may result in breakage
- If using Cordless tools, do not allow the battery to become less than 50%full as torque reduction will often be a result of a low battery
- Ensure the adapter / tool-holder is in good condition and securely fastened to the power tool.

Q: Do I need to back the Tap off and re-thread like you do with a hand-tap

Generally speaking we recommend tapping the hole in one pass for sizes up to M20 or 3/4", however for larger diameter taps particularly in thicker materials, it can often help to tap the hole in approximately 3operations, allowing swarf clearance and re-lubricating the hole and tap foreach operation.