Handle for thread making taps

thingiverse

Updated version with knob spinner on: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:847254 Tapping plastic holes to secure tiny screws in circuit boards is often necessary, and having the right tool makes all the difference. My own set of taps for this purpose is perfect, but the steel handle I had struggled to deliver consistent results - stripping many holes due to the inability to feel what's happening. This custom tap handle provides a tapered design that allows users to achieve more torque by holding it near the butt end or gain speed by grasping it closer to the connection point. It works surprisingly well. Keep in mind that adjustments might be needed, depending on your specific taps. My own attachments are 2.8 mm square, and I found that printing with a LulzBot Mini resulted in excess plastic oozing out as the object took shape - but drilling a 3.5 mm hole accommodated this perfectly. Securely holding the handle is made easy with four threaded screw holes for a standard 2-56 thread, although I personally prefer to use only one screw for added security. The extra holes come in handy when those screws inevitably strip over time. Created using FreeCAD, source files are available upon request.