Smallest diameter taps

[reefphilic]

I've searched thruough a few catalogues but the smallest size I can find is M2. Is there anything that is smaller? Are they very expensive or totally non-exsistence?

 

[Illuminated]

I have seen #0-80 taps where I work. My local Ace Hardware has some stainless #0-80 screws, so I might try and use them for some mods. Not sure where you can buy the taps, though.

John

 

[PEU]

I have 1/16 taps, thats it 1.58mm . I did not use them yet, just purchased the 3 for $1 in a discount shop here... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif


Pablo

 

[reefphilic]

Peu, I offer $2 for your 1/16 tap. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Seriously, do you have the brand name? So that I have some clue where to start. Gotta make a trip to the local taps/die specialist shop tomorrow.

 

[PEU]

The name is www.uranga.com a local manufacturer of, taps/dies/etc


Pablo

 

[KC2IXE]

I can order 000-120 taps locally - which has a nominal diameter of .034 inch - or .86mm, 0000-160 taps are not rare and I can specal order REALLY small taps from http://www.newmantools.com


They list .30 UMN taps (aka - which is .3mm in diameter - yes, 3/10th of a milimeter - pitch is .08mm (or about 384 threads/inch). For those of you who prefer inch - that's .0118 inched - let's call it 12/1000 of an inch. BTW the average human hair is about .2mm - so we are talking taps less than 2x a human hair

BTW for the .3UNM tap requires a .0089-.0095 tap drill

 

[PEU]

if you want to trade these 1/16 taps for something let me know /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif


Pablo

 

[idleprocess]

I've found that it's difficult to find anything smaller than a #4-40 tap at the average hardware store.

Other than watch movements and tiny precision instruments, I'm not sure what you'd really need super-tiny screws for... I have a 2-56 tap myself, and have yet to actually use it.

 

[reefphilic]

[ QUOTE ]
KC2IXE said:
I can order 000-120 taps locally - which has a nominal diameter of .034 inch - or .86mm, 0000-160 taps are not rare and I can specal order REALLY small taps from http://www.newmantools.com


They list .30 UMN taps (aka - which is .3mm in diameter - yes, 3/10th of a milimeter - pitch is .08mm (or about 384 threads/inch). For those of you who prefer inch - that's .0118 inched - let's call it 12/1000 of an inch. BTW the average human hair is about .2mm - so we are talking taps less than 2x a human hair

BTW for the .3UNM tap requires a .0089-.0095 tap drill

[/ QUOTE ]


Wow! Such a small taps. I wonder what happen if you turn it and it broke while half way thru. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[reefphilic]

PEU - Thanks for the kind offer. I've just came back from a shop specialising in all kinds of taps/dies and have bought a 1.6mm tap. This thing is so small I wonder if it can thread aluminium. I've broke countless number of 1mm and 0.5mm drill bits.

idleprocess - Actually, I don't need ultra small screws. Just searching for smaller than 2mm size. Most hardware shops only stock 3mm and above sizes. Interesting to know that there are something smaller than 1mm!

 

[HarryN]

Good Luck with those tiny taps. My brother was making some parts for me last weekend drilling with 1mm bits. Even though he is an experienced machinist, and has the right equipment, he ended up breaking off some bits. Quite a PITA to make, but he finally was sucessful.

Now I have changed the design to use a larger hole to keep peace in the family. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Quite a few hours of work to get those parts.

 

[KC2IXE]

I have done #0 fairly regularly, and sometimes have done 00 and 000 - I've only seen a .3unm. I can scar you with some of the drill bits I have downstairs - the kind that have an enlarged shaft of 2mm

And yeah, they take a soft hand, and GOOD gear to use - you don't hand tap with stuff that small, you MUST guide the tap

 

[reefphilic]

Luckily I seldom have to work with something so small. Or else I'll /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif

I don't have access to specialise equipment. Hopefully the 1.6mm is not so bad. Otherwise I'll need to change my design to accomodate a 2mm hole.