Chaser VS Tap!

[webfors]

I'm old, and just learned the difference between a chaser and a tap.

Don't get old like me and not know the difference!

A chaser is to repair slightly damaged threads.

A tap is more aggressive, and should be phase 2, if the chaser can't do the job.

This weekend I had a stripped plug on a differential. I used a CHASER, and with an uncomfortable amount of pressure, WD40, and persistence I drove that chaser into the differential's threads, and got the job done. I can hand spin a new plug and make perfect contact again. I can't imagine driving a tap into those threads, only to make the problem worse.

You're welcome universe!

 

[webfors]

This is the chaser I used, and I also bought a kit of different sizes for future use, even thought I'd be happy to never have to use them again.

Chaser

Kit

 

[D60]

Meh, chasers work sometimes. They seem to have a very generous tolerance and can still leave considerable damage or contamination in the threads. If they don't clean it up well enough I go to a tap.

 

[siriusc1024]

A thread chaser won't damage the existing threads.

Take head bolts. Running a tap will slightly mar the thread surface. This means more friction which will reduce the clamping load for a specific torque.

Thread chasers are easy to make yourself. Just slot an old bolt with a cutoff wheel then deburr with a wire wheel in a bench grinder.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Chaser kits are pretty inexpensive but usually sit at the back of the shelve never to be used.

 

[webfors]

Chaser kits are pretty inexpensive but usually sit at the back of the shelve never to be used.

I suspect the kit I bought will go unused for another 30 years... hopefully.

If I keep buying used ATS's though...

 

[The Critic]

I am of the opinion that thread chasers are slightly undersized and extra-dull taps.

 

[Trav]

I have only ever used a cheap carbon steel tap set, not the high quality very sharp HSS taps used for cutting new threads and never had a problem using them for many years. Cheap carbon steel taps are not very sharp and not really ideal for cutting new high quality threads.

Taps & Dies: Carbon Steel​

HAND TAPS
Carbon steel taps and dies are designed for thread repair, thread cleaning or thread chasing.
They are designed to be used by hand.
These tools are not recommended to be used as a production threading tool.
For creating new threads, we recommend using HSS taps and dies.

https://www.shopnewmantools.com/collections/taps-dies-carbon-steel

I use this set for chasing, it was less than $100 when I bought it.

https://www.zoro.com/irwin-tap-and-die-set-76-pc-high-carbon-steel-26376/i/G2001991/#specifications

 

[pcoxe]

Chasers basically straighten bent threads. Taps remove anything out of place, be it debris or bent threads.

 

[KrisZ]

A tap would probably make the job easier in your case and it’s wouldn’t make the problem worse unless you cross threaded it, which can also be done with a chaser.

At the end of the day both will accomplish the same thing thing.

 

[The Critic]

A tap would probably make the job easier in your case and it’s wouldn’t make the problem worse unless you cross threaded it, which can also be done with a chaser.

At the end of the day both will accomplish the same thing thing.

Technically no, but in the automotive repair environment....probably.

A tap will remove additional material and weaken the threads.

 

[dfarr67]

I'm old, and just learned the difference between a chaser and a tap.

Don't get old like me and not know the difference!

A chaser is to repair slightly damaged threads.

A tap is more aggressive, and should be phase 2, if the chaser can't do the job.

This weekend I had a stripped plug on a differential. I used a CHASER, and with an uncomfortable amount of pressure, WD40, and persistence I drove that chaser into the differential's threads, and got the job done. I can hand spin a new plug and make perfect contact again. I can't imagine driving a tap into those threads, only to make the problem worse.

You're welcome universe!

I bought chasers to CLEAN threads prior to torquing- think head bolts.

 

[D60]

This is one of those things guys like to geek out on and then regurgitate on the interwebs so they can look smart, but in most situations it just doesn't matter. If you run a tap in there and get some shavings, don't panic. Put it together and move on with life. Again, head bolts and maybe things like conn rods might need more care.

"Look both ways before you cross the street!"

"Don't use chlorinated on weldments!"

"Don't operate your toaster on the edge of your full bathtub!!"

"Use a chaser instead of a tap!"

I think most of the world needs a Xanax. But "Don't drink alcohol with Xanax!!!!"

It's a scary world out there (apparently)

 

[webfors]

This is one of those things guys like to geek out on and then regurgitate on the interwebs so they can look smart, but in most situations it just doesn't matter. If you run a tap in there and get some shavings, don't panic. Put it together and move on with life. Again, head bolts and maybe things like conn rods might need more care.

"Look both ways before you cross the street!"

"Don't use chlorinated on weldments!"

"Don't operate your toaster on the edge of your full bathtub!!"

"Use a chaser instead of a tap!"

I think most of the world needs a Xanax. But "Don't drink alcohol with Xanax!!!!"

It's a scary world out there (apparently)

To be fair, this is an oil website where folks argue about blue vs red bottles with the same spec. Soo...

 

[Trav]

Technically no, but in the automotive repair environment....probably.

A tap will remove additional material and weaken the threads.

Unless it is an oversize or wrong spec tap why would it remove more material? If I tap a new hole hole today with a standard M6x1 tap and run the same tap down it a year from now it is not going to remove any more of the base material only any corrosion or junk in the threads.
You must insure you do not use oversize taps.

https://www.gwstoolgroup.com/tapping-tip-finding-the-perfect-tap/

 

[webfors]

Unless it is an oversize or wrong spec tap why would it remove more material? If I tap a new hole hole today with a standard M6x1 tap and run the same tap down it a year from now it is not going to remove any more of the base material only any corrosion or junk in the threads.
You must insure you do not use oversize taps.

https://www.gwstoolgroup.com/tapping-tip-finding-the-perfect-tap/

They are very different in their design, so they must have benefits and disadvantages between them, ya?

 

[Trav]

They are cheap so there is that. If someone want to use one just make one it is even cheaper. I have made some for brake line fittings that work great.

 

[Vercingetorix]

Tap is used for pouring your beer aka the chaser.

 

[siriusc1024]

This is one of those things guys like to geek out on and then regurgitate on the interwebs so they can look smart, but in most situations it just doesn't matter. If you run a tap in there and get some shavings, don't panic. Put it together and move on with life. Again, head bolts and maybe things like conn rods might need more care.

"Look both ways before you cross the street!"

"Don't use chlorinated on weldments!"

"Don't operate your toaster on the edge of your full bathtub!!"

"Use a chaser instead of a tap!"

I think most of the world needs a Xanax. But "Don't drink alcohol with Xanax!!!!"

It's a scary world out there (apparently)

Shouldn't matter on a conrod if you're using a stretch gauge like you should. Degree torque on head bolts removes error in clamping load due to thread condition. Some of us are out there doing it, bud.

 

[JZiggy]

I've had a set of thread chasers for 15+ years and refer to it often. No risk of accidentally cross-threading something since they're not nearly as sharp as a tap. Like someone said earlier they are handy for "cleaning" the threads.