Broken Tap
removing a broken tap
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,043
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Trinitrotolulene?
A tap is made of very hard steel. It will be near impossible to drill out. There might be a tool that will engage the flutes like a screwdriver that could back it out but I've never seen one. I've also heard of burning them out with an electric arc. Takes special equipment and training.
Wish I could offer more.
A tap is made of very hard steel. It will be near impossible to drill out. There might be a tool that will engage the flutes like a screwdriver that could back it out but I've never seen one. I've also heard of burning them out with an electric arc. Takes special equipment and training.
Wish I could offer more.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,447
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From: Georgia
Sounds real crazy but I have had 50/50 results with carbide masonry bits. Your drill has to turn some pretty good rpms. Drill bit has to get really hot before it starts cutting. An old now retired machinist where I work taught me this.
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From: Cupertino, CA
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: The Big, Oregon
The torch trick works great for getting broken bolts out of cast iron too- I have used this on through holes and blind holes before. It takes a real delicate touch, though, and you have to be just about perfectly in line with the tap. Also, get a GOOD tap, and re-chase the threads.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: PHOENIX
Originally Posted by 70blue
Sounds real crazy but I have had 50/50 results with carbide masonry bits. Your drill has to turn some pretty good rpms. Drill bit has to get really hot before it starts cutting. An old now retired machinist where I work taught me this.
If you have the option, always use a two fluted tap, they are stonger and less likely to break.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 255
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From: "tween the cotton and tob
ball bearing, bubblegum and a hammer...
Find a ball bearing a lil smaller than the tapped hole. Pop some gum in yur mouth, chew it, place it over the ball bearing on top of the tap.. whack the heck outta it with the hammer. The ball bearing will, in most cases, shatter the tap, you can then take a pick and get it out in pieces. The gum keeps the ball bearing in place while you swack it and also keeps anything from flying around and hitting you.
Find a ball bearing a lil smaller than the tapped hole. Pop some gum in yur mouth, chew it, place it over the ball bearing on top of the tap.. whack the heck outta it with the hammer. The ball bearing will, in most cases, shatter the tap, you can then take a pick and get it out in pieces. The gum keeps the ball bearing in place while you swack it and also keeps anything from flying around and hitting you.