Versadrive ImpactaTaps Technical Guide

Pilot drill the exact tapping size hole for best results.

When tapping into box section, ensure the tip of the tooling does not contact the far side of the box section at the same time.

Apply firm, steady feed pressure throughout the cut. Excess feed pressure will increase heat build-up and reduce tool life.

There are many customer reports of HMT tooling lasting for hundreds of holes. However, due to the demanding nature of some portable drilling applications, this can vary widely depending on the application.

HMT can take the MATLAS details of your application and provide an estimate of tool life.

Standard ImpactaTaps are recommended for through-hole applications only. For blind-hole tapping, use Spiral Flute ImpactaTaps with a Versadrive Clutched Adapter.

Tap the hole in one pass where possible, applying adequate lubrication before you start.

If the tap is over-run from the hole once it is tapped, remove the tap from the adapter and locate it in the thread by hand before reversing, to remove the risk of cross-threading.

Avoid lateral movement or tilting, which can cause damage to the tooling. Do not use excessive feed pressure – steady feed pressure keeps the tool better controlled and held at 90° to the cut, which helps prevent snagging, chipping or kick-back. Try to maintain a consistent flow of swarf.

When re-threading an existing thread, use caution to avoid cross-threading, which can lead to tap breakage or thread damage.

To avoid damage to the tap, insert and start the tap into the thread by hand before driving it through at the correct torque.

Ensure the tap is inserted squarely to the hole. Poorly aligned or off-center taps will greatly increase the risk of breakage.