How to Tap a Counterclockwise Thread
- 1). Open the tap tee-handle wide enough to receive the square end of the left-handed thread.
- 2). Insert the squared edge of the left-handed tap into the tap tee-handle and twist the clamping handle of the tee-handle clockwise to lock the tap into the tee-handle.
- 3). Run cutting and tapping fluid down the drilled hole and coat the left-handed tap with the cutting and tapping fluid.
- 4). Place the tip in the drilled hole and hold the tap tee-handle parallel to the surface of the metal you are tapping.
- 5). Turn the tap tee-handle counter-clockwise with both hands steadying the tee-handle.
- 6). Continue turning the tap tee-handle counter-clockwise while you carefully keep the tap perfectly straight. If you notice that the tap requires more force to turn, reverse the direction you are turning the tap tee-handle to back up the tap. This removes metal shavings from the cutting threads of the left-handed tap.
- 7). Run the tap all the way down to the surface of the metal. Do not force the left-handed tap beyond the threads, as this will break the brittle carbide tap.
- 8). Turn the tap tee-handle clockwise to reverse the tap from the now threaded hole.
- 9). Clean the area around the threaded hole with a rag.
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