Looking for a 1/4-18 tap

[ScubaTC]

I'm going to modify my skimmer's collection cup so it will self-clean. At least that's the idea...

I need to drill a few holes and thread them to fit 1/4" NPT threaded fittings (such as John Guest SpeedFit 1/4" Fittings). Does anyone know where this tap can be purchased locally? 1/4-18 is what I believe I need.

I checked HD and Lowes and both only carry taps smaller than 1/4".

Thanks!

 

[joseph]

Have you checked Harbor Freight?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91395

They may not be the best of quality, but if you only need it to tap a few holes then they will work.

 

[ScubaTC]

Thanks. If I am unable to find one local this weekend, I'll most likely order from Harbor Freight. I'm not looking for high quality as long as it works well for a few holes in acrylic.

 

[joseph]

There is a Harbor Freight on Beach and Southside and another on Blanding near I-295.

 

[reeferbob]

Most auto parts store have taps of that size range and there f good quality.

 

[nikonosis]

Re: Looking for a 1/4-18 tap

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7036355#post7036355 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ScubaTC
I'm going to modify my skimmer's collection cup so it will self-clean. At least that's the idea...

I need to drill a few holes and thread them to fit 1/4" NPT threaded fittings (such as John Guest SpeedFit 1/4" Fittings). Does anyone know where this tap can be purchased locally? 1/4-18 is what I believe I need.

I checked HD and Lowes and both only carry taps smaller than 1/4".

Thanks!

any car parts store carries them.

 

[robwsup]

You need a pipe tap, not a regular tap. Pipe thread is very different than the threads you'll find on the taps at Autozone.

 

[reeferbob]

NO ROB

Your wrong They have IP thread size too. I get them there, alot of
fittings on cars are IP thread such as oil pressure sending units
and such.

 

[ScubaTC]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7036535#post7036535 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by joseph
There is a Harbor Freight on Beach and Southside and another on Blanding near I-295.

Doh! Thanks again! I'll stop by there today.

 

[ScubaTC]

Thanks everyone. I'll try Harbor Freight first then auto parts if they don't have in stock what I need.

 

[ScubaTC]

btw: I have a female threaded fitting that I'll take with me to make sure I get the correct thread count on the tap.

 

[robwsup]

I think pipe size is NPT?

 

[Ikaria]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7038435#post7038435 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by robwsup
I think pipe size is NPT?

Rob you are correct. NPT = Nominal Pipe Thread.

 

[reeferbob]

IP thread is what us old timers call it in the field (Iron pipe thread)
and if I remember correctly John Guest fittings are NPTF and are not tappard like NPT.

 

[ScubaTC]

Just a quick update, I bought the 1/4-18 NPT tap from Harbor Freight and it fit the 1/4" threads on the John Guest fittings perfectly.