HOLEMAKER TECHNOLOGY 309020-0020 VERSADRIVE SPIRAL FLUTE TAP 5 / 16 X 18 UNC

15X Faster than Hand Tapping

VersaDrive® Spiral Flute Taps are designed for tapping deep & blind holes Can also be adapted for use in a reversible Magnet Drill, or even used with any standard Hand Tap wrench.

Product Benefits

• Ground Flutes create the perfect tapped hole
• Safer tapping with minimal kickback
• Specially hardened for use with impact tools
• High-grade tool steel for high accuracy & long life
• Wide range of sizes
• Goldmax low friction titanium coating to stop burn out
• High strength, non-slip shank design

Quick Guide

• For fastest performance use on impact wrenches & impact drivers
• Check the minimum torque requirement
• Tapping Stainless Steel requires higher impact torque
• Use appropriate lubrication and correct RPM to achieve long tool life

VersaDrive Spiral Flute Tap FAQ Section

Q: Can I Tap Blind Holes with an impact wrench?

You can use our Spiral Flute Taps with an impact wrench for Tapping blind holes provided you use clutched tapping adapter to prevent the tap breaking when it bottoms out the hole. Spiral Flute Taps are designed to clear the swarf from the top of the hole as it is not able to pass through the hole.

Q: What is the difference between Spiral Flute and Standard Taps?

Spiral Flute Taps have a 'Spiral' ground into the threads of tap, this geometry causes continuous spirals of swarf to exit from the top of of the hole wheras a Spiral Point Machine Tap or straight flute tap will eject chips of swarf in front of the tap. Spiral Flute Taps are more efficent at clearing swarf and require less torque to cut, making them a high performance and efficient choice of tap that can be used for more than blind hole tapping only.

Q: Which lubricant do you recommend for Spiral Flute Taps?

Speedlube is generally the best all purpose lubricant, for fast, convenient and accurate aerosol application ensuring coverage inside the hole as well as on the tool. However our BioCut paste is very popular and efficient lubricant for dipping the tool directly into the tin. Finally BioCut Blue cutting fluid works particularly well with harder materials or difficult applications and is ideal forfor direct application onto the tool and into the hole when working on flat surfaces.

Q: Are Spiral Flute Taps designed for Through Holes or Blind Holes?

Spiral Flute Holes are designed for tapping blind holes when used with Clutched Tap Holders like the VersaDrive Clutched Tapping system. VersaDrive Spiral Flute Taps can also be used for tapping through holes, and actually cut with a reduced torque requirement to spiral point or straight flute taps, which can make them a better option in some applications.

Q: Why has my Spiral Flute ImpactaTap Tap Broken?

Provided they are being used with a clutched tapping adapter, it is very unusual to break a spiral flute tap. Possibly the wrong clutched collet setting has been used.

Q: How can I access further technical support or submit a warranty claim for my VersaDrive Spiral Flute Tap?

Please click here to access our product support area and warranty claim forms. If making a warranty claim please fill in the appropriate warranty form, providing us with as much of the requested information as possible and one of our technical team will review the feedback and be in touch shortly.

Q. Can Impactataps be used for Hand Tapping?

Yes, the hex shank can be held in many standard tap wrenches. Alternatively use the impact wrench adapter to attach to a ratchet handle or T Bar.

Best Practice Advice - How to get the best out of your 309020 Spiral Flute Taps

• 309020 Spiral Flute Taps are recommended for tapping blind holes.
• Pilot drill the exact tapping size hole for best results
• Select the correct torque power for impact wrench/drivers using the data range in the Torque / RPM guide below. If exact match is not available select the closest torque setting above the recommendation.
• Apply firm, steady feed pressure throughout the cut
• Ensure the Tap is inserted squarely to the hole - poorly aligned or off-centre taps will greatly increase the risk of breakage.
• When using cordless tools, consider that the torque may drop once the battery charge becomes low. Keep batteries well charged. Low battery charge can lead to lower torque which can break or damage taps as point 3.
• Ensure regular application of quality cooling lubricant, especially when drilling thick or hardened materials.
• Hardened or heat-affected materials may require higher torque, reduced RPM and feed rates and extra coolant
• Flame cut/punched holes will require more torque to tap than drilled holes due to heat build up. Caution: Sometimes flame cut holes do not have parallel sides meaning risk of tap breakage.
• Tap the hole in one pass where possible, applying adequate lubrication before you start.
• If the tap is over-run from the hole once it is tapped, to remove the risk of cross-threading/damage to the tap, remove the tap from the adapter and locate it in the thread by hand, before reversing.
• When re-threading an existing thread, use caution to avoid cross-threading which can lead to tap breakage or thread damage. It is advisable to insert/start the tap into the thread by hand before driving it through at the correct torque

How to decide which Impact Wrench or Impact Driver to use?

Identify the torque range (for the cutting tool) required using the data sheet in question 2. (Example M12 in 12mm plate – Guide torque 320Nm)Identify the torque range on your impact wrench or impact driverLook up model number to see torque rangeCheck if there are speed/torque settings on the tool - ExampleSelect the closest torque setting on the impact wrench/impact driver ABOVE the torque recommendation(this is for the following 2 reasons)- Higher torque will only be used on demand- Too low torque will lead to the tool jamming or even snapping as the flutes stop cutting and the torque transfers to the tool

VIDEO

VersaDrive® Clutched Tapping System for Blind Hole Threading