M3 Tap and Setting Tips

[neweuser]

Hey guys, I was in the store awhile back and was looking for a tap and threader for M3 screws (3mm screws). The taps were numbered kinda odd to me as I have no idea what the numbers mean and they do not specify the application for this.
So if I want to tap and thread a hole for a 3mm screw, what tap number would I use? And what degree are the 3mm set in at?
thanks guys!:032:

[Serum]

It's M3x.5 mm.

What other numbers did you see? there are all sorts of taps; blind holes, thru holes, machine taps.. etc.. Some taps take 3 taps to make 1 good thread, while others make the thread in one single pass.

[neweuser]

Originally Posted by Serum

It's M3x.5 mm.

What other numbers did you see? there are all sorts of taps; blind holes, thru holes, machine taps.. etc.. Some taps take 3 taps to make 1 good thread, while others make the thread in one single pass.

When I was at the LHS a few weeks ago, I want to say that the numbers on the tap package start like 402 or something? But they did not specify what the thread was or how "big" the diameter of the hole is?
I read somewhere that there are certain numbers for the application I'm looking at. If you need to tap with one, then use a second or third to get good threads, I would just need a link for the tools needed to tap and thread a hole for M3.5mm, make sense? I know I'm confusing, but not sure what taps to get???:032:

[Serum]

No, not M3.5, but M3. with a .5mm pitch..

Check mcmaster, and search for taps, you will find the information you need.

[neweuser]

Originally Posted by Serum

No, not M3.5, but M3. with a .5mm pitch..

Check mcmaster, and search for taps, you will find the information you need.

Will do. .5 is the degree to set the screw?

[Serum]

No, .5 is the pitch. 1 turn means a .5mm displacement.

[neweuser]

Originally Posted by Serum

No, .5 is the pitch. 1 turn means a .5mm displacement.

Can you double check I'm gettign the right one? Here is the item number. Thanks Serum! 8305A52

[Serum]

If you need the bottoming, then yes. If you don't need the bottoming, but if you want to make thru holes, you can better use a taper or a plug tap.

If you go in the material with a bottoming tap, the tap will break easier. but if you use a taper /plug tap first (or both) the tap will break less quick.. Get it?

[neweuser]

Originally Posted by Serum

If you need the bottoming, then yes. If you don't need the bottoming, but if you want to make thru holes, you can better use a taper or a plug tap.

If you go in the material with a bottoming tap, the tap will break easier. but if you use a taper /plug tap first (or both) the tap will break less quick.. Get it?

I belive so, but was that the correct one other than that particular detail? I think I'll get the plug type too. What do you mean by "Break"?
Also, am looking for a tool that can make it so I can "set" the screw and am not finding it?

[glassdoctor]

Originally Posted by neweuser

I belive so, but was that the correct one other than that particular detail? I think I'll get the plug type too. What do you mean by "Break"?
Also, am looking for a tool that can make it so I can "set" the screw and am not finding it?

Break... as in having the tap snap in two... and leaving half of it stuck in the hole. Not fun. :)

Go easy when using the tap tools... if it jams up don't force it too much or you might break it. When it gets stuck tight, back it off a turn and try agian, or back it all they way out if it still jams up.

Not sure exactly what tool you are referring to.. have you check mcmaster-carr?

[neweuser]

Cool, here is what I ordered. I'm hoping it'll include a tool to make the set degree for setting screws in.
Products
Line Quantity Part Number Description Unit Price Total Price Ships
1 1
Set 8305A515 High-Speed Steel Metric Hand Tap 3 Piece Set, 3 X .5mm, D3 Pitch Dia, 3 Flute $17.49 $17.49 today

Merchandise Total $17.49

[Serum]

You have got a tap-holder?

[neweuser]

Originally Posted by Serum

You have got a tap-holder?

I have several tap holders actually that would work. But I bought this whole set(as seen above) and I think it comes with one as well, hopefully all that is needed. It's not a necessity right now, but in the future, I'm going to need it for sure! But I still am unsure of the set screw degree....or the tool to use to make a screw be able to set in....so any help in that area would be cool. :027:

[Serum]

No, i think the set is the three taps.

[HotnCold]

dont forget to use lubricant when tapping the hole - will work better that way... IMO..