Pipe taps....

I managed a bonehead mistake and misthreaded a brass fitting. I got myself a pipe tap to attempt to clean up the thread but, I have never used one before.

I managed to misalign my heating element and crossed the 3rd thread (of 12)in the female side of the connection. The threads on the element are fine.

Are these things (pipe taps) as simple to use as they appear to be or is there a hidden disaster awaiting me that will totally destroy my fitting should I not start the tap correctly?

Is a cutting oil imperative or can wd-40 work as a sub?

Cutting oil is a rather big deal when cutting threads. WD-40 would not be a substitute... maybe vegi oil???

The only important thing is to keep the tap straight and lubed.

Your only cleaning up the threads, not making new ones. Almost any lube would work. The veg oil, motor oil, though it isn't food safe, or any other slightly thick oil should do.

Just turn in slowly and back out a few times, going in further and further.......

Linc

missing link said:

Your only cleaning up the threads, not making new ones. Almost any lube would work. The veg oil, motor oil, though it isn't food safe, or any other slightly thick oil should do.

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Thanks. I do plan to thorughly clean with hot PBW after cutting. I will prolly go with the Veg oil in lieu of the WD.

Just turn in slowly and back out a few times, going in further and further.......
Linc

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Tee Hee. Sounds like my wife.

Boerderij_Kabouter said:

Cutting oil is a rather big deal when cutting threads. WD-40 would not be a substitute... maybe vegi oil???

The only important thing is to keep the tap straight and lubed.

Click to expand...

thanks. I wanted to buy cutting oil when I got the tap. Store was out. I'll use the veggie oil instead.

GilaMinumBeer said:

....
Tee Hee. Sounds like my wife.

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You might want to add "parking in the garage" to that comment.
I was thinking something something else until I realized this thread wasn't in the boneyard....

Pipe taps threads are tapered which allows the interference fit. Don't run the tap any deeper than it was threaded originally or you run the chance of not being able to tighten the male pipe so its water tight.

also, a tip when using pipe taps, is to back them off a 1/4 of a turn every once in a while. It helps clear the cuttings from the tap and makes tapping easier.

B

If you do not carefully align the tap when re-chasing threads you can be at a slight angle (cross-threaded) and ruin the existing thread. It is not repairable without replacing the material the existing thread was in.

All is done! And it worked swimmingly. Thanks to all for the replies.