Tool deal? Ratcheting tap wrench

[Kenneth K]

Been looking for a new t-handle tap wrench, especially one that holds the smaller size taps (like for #6 screws). Came across this on eBay:

5 Pcs M3-M8 Hand Screw Tap Set & Adjustable T-Handle Ratchet Tap Holder Wrench | eBay

The good pit hole must chamfering chamfer first. T-Handle Ratchet Tap Wrench. 1 x T-Handle Ratchet Tap Wrench. Tapping 3/4 turn after a quarter back feeling. - 3-8mm 7/64 - 5/16" T-Handle Ratchet Tap Wrench Machinist Tool Reversion.

www.ebay.com

About half the price of an Irwin model. Could be Chinese junk (despite, or perhaps because of, the US flag emblem added to the picture) but then, it's a pretty simple device without a lot of large forces on it. The ratcheting feature could be nice for small spaces, and it comes with four metric tap bits.

 

[footrope]

I bought a yard sale set of cheap taps and dies that only will cut threads in soft metals like aluminum. The steel is so soft that they won't cut threads in stainless steel. If the purchase is for the T-handle it might be worth it.

 

[Teranodon]

I would not buy this. When tapping holes, the standard practice is to advance the tap wrench a half turn or so, then back off to cut the chip. This wrench would make that difficult.

 

[Tin Kicker]

I would not buy this. When tapping holes, the standard practice is to advance the tap wrench a half turn or so, then back off to cut the chip. This wrench would make that difficult.

+1
Without breaking the chip the shaving can strip the thread being formed.

 

[footrope]

or the wrench might have a setting where it doesn't ratchet ... if it's convenient you could check it out in person.