One method I have used successfully is to use a very sharp punch (the kind
of thing you use to put dents in metal before you drill a hole) and hammer
and "unscrew" the tap by tapping the punch with a hammer in one of the
flutes in the side of the tap
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Fred Klein
Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2011 12:15 PM
Subject: Europa-List: broken tap
Well...I feel like I just REALLY stepped in it.
While carefully, slowly, tapping 10-32 threads in 1/2" thick aluminum,
I've broken the tap.
I needn't go into detail as to what I was attempting to accomplish,
but it was in conjunction with providing bolts to the mono LG swing
arm to which brackets supporting a portion of a fairing for the main
wheel would attach.
Not sure how to proceed, though I suspect I'm not the first to break a
tap.
I'm not optimistic of being able to drill out the tool steel of the
broken tap, and even if that could be accomplished, my hunch is I'd
end up having to use a larger bolt.
One possibility would be to grind the portion of the embedded tap
which is proud of the surface of the aluminum, alter the bends in the
bracket, and drill a new hole (say) 2 diameters away from the existing
partially-plugged hole.
On the other hand, perhaps there is a well-recognized method for
extracting the broken tap?
Any suggestions?...anyone?
Fred
A194
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