Doing a bit of thread repair but find the standard tap and die kit a bit awkward to use? Laser tools have a solution for you.
What is a tap?
A ‘tap’ is used to cut, clean or repair internal threads, for example in a nut rather than a bolt (for external threads you use a ‘die’).
For the average shed toolkit, a complete tap & die set from a local hardware shop or tool retailer will often suffice. However these will likely come with a T-bar type of tool into which you secure a tap to cut the thread. This will require two hands to operate steadily, as obviously you need to make sure threads are cut evenly. This means a vice or second person are often required, and also if cutting in situ with restricted space, it will prove awkward.
Laser Ratchet Tap Wrench 6001
What about this ratchet tap?
Laser tools launched a range of new handy ratchet tap wrenches last year. These clever bits of kit hold the tap in a more compact unit and also feature a ratchet that makes it very easy to operate with one hand.
The traditional type of tap tool, as supplied with most kits.
The Laser 6000 ratchet tap, far easier to use than the traditional tool.
How does it work?
It’s easy. You fit your chosen tap (not included) and tighten the knurled sleeve around the jaws by hand. Make sure the ratchet is turning in the correct direction using the simple flick switch, and start turning. As with any such process, using lubricant/cutting fluid always helps, as does a slow and steady pace, but the ratchet drive makes all this very easy indeed and the tool is well balanced in your hand with the removable sliding T-bar offering just the right amount of leverage if required. Then, once you’ve reached the end, alter the forward and backward movement via the conveniently controlled thumb switch on the side.
In fact it’s so easy we made a video (below) to show you, with one hand operating the camera phone while the other used the ratchet tap (yes it’s a little wobbly, but no threads were damaged in the making of this film!).
One-handed operation? Simples!
Lab Report
There are four versions available from Laser tools: the 6000 is 90mm in length and covers tap sizes 3-6mm; part no 6001 is also 90mm and covers tap sizes 6-12mm; 6002 and 6003 are both 250mm long and cover the tap sizes 3-6mm and 6-12mm respectively.
We’ve had a 6001 for a while now and it’s simplicity has meant our tap set has seen more use in the last six-months than it has in the last two years. From cleaning dirty old Lambretta petrol tank trunions, to cleaning excess rubber from new fork buffers, we reckon it’s both easy and convenient and an essential addition to any tap and die set.
The RRP of these begins at £30.00 plus VAT but as Laser say, check your local Laser Tools supplier for the best prices and special offers.
Lab rating: 10
Doing a bit of thread repair but find the standard tap and die kit a bit awkward to use? Laser tools have a solution for you.
What is a tap?
A ‘tap’ is used to cut, clean or repair internal threads, for example in a nut rather than a bolt (for external threads you use a ‘die’).
For the average shed toolkit, a complete tap & die set from a local hardware shop or tool retailer will often suffice. However these will likely come with a T-bar type of tool into which you secure a tap to cut the thread. This will require two hands to operate steadily, as obviously you need to make sure threads are cut evenly. This means a vice or second person are often required, and also if cutting in situ with restricted space, it will prove awkward.
What about this ratchet tap?
Laser tools launched a range of new handy ratchet tap wrenches last year. These clever bits of kit hold the tap in a more compact unit and also feature a ratchet that makes it very easy to operate with one hand.
How does it work?
It’s easy. You fit your chosen tap (not included) and tighten the knurled sleeve around the jaws by hand. Make sure the ratchet is turning in the correct direction using the simple flick switch, and start turning. As with any such process, using lubricant/cutting fluid always helps, as does a slow and steady pace, but the ratchet drive makes all this very easy indeed and the tool is well balanced in your hand with the removable sliding T-bar offering just the right amount of leverage if required. Then, once you’ve reached the end, alter the forward and backward movement via the conveniently controlled thumb switch on the side.
In fact it’s so easy we made a video (below) to show you, with one hand operating the camera phone while the other used the ratchet tap (yes it’s a little wobbly, but no threads were damaged in the making of this film!).
Lab Report
There are four versions available from Laser tools: the 6000 is 90mm in length and covers tap sizes 3-6mm; part no 6001 is also 90mm and covers tap sizes 6-12mm; 6002 and 6003 are both 250mm long and cover the tap sizes 3-6mm and 6-12mm respectively.
We’ve had a 6001 for a while now and it’s simplicity has meant our tap set has seen more use in the last six-months than it has in the last two years. From cleaning dirty old Lambretta petrol tank trunions, to cleaning excess rubber from new fork buffers, we reckon it’s both easy and convenient and an essential addition to any tap and die set.
The RRP of these begins at £30.00 plus VAT but as Laser say, check your local Laser Tools supplier for the best prices and special offers.
Lab rating: 10
