Tapping a 10-24 into 304-ss threaded rod end

Are you tapping axially or radially? What tapping fluid? Do you need the high thread % or could you at least go to a #25 drill, or even larger (I'd probably try a #24 to see if it works). Are you using straight flute or spiral tap?

A 10-24 screw is small what is your need for a 79% full thread. I use a 5/32 drill which gives me 62% full thread. What type of tap are you using.

Thanks for the help guys, but I found some new taps and there working great with #26 drill and ROCOL tapping fluid.

Hi guys,

I think the question of what tap you were using is still to be answered as we all would like to know and learn.

Learning goes both ways and often the answer will see another person through the problem without having to ask.

Spiral, straight?

forward or backward projecting?

Colour code if there is any?

machine or hand tap?

Please

It was a straight 2 flute Blue Wizard Tap. I think its back projecting.

I am glad that you found a workable solution. When using fasteners that small, but a few thousanths inch variation of tap drill size makes a tremendous difference; especially when tapping something with great plastic flow such as stainless steel.

I recall a lecture from my youth that stated that a tapped hole of 100% thread depth was but 5% stronger than one of 55% thread depth, yet it required nearly 300% more energy to produce.

Best Regards,

Bob-O

I have always had great success with Vega or Emuge taps. I tap alot of Titanium blind holes 4-40 & 6/32 with a sprial tap & Hangsterfers tapping fluid.

Use carbide drill, a hard tap made for stainless steel and turpentine for lube/coolant. i have had good results with this setup many times.

pipewelder

Best Frog Spit available 'bar none' for lubrication of taps in stainless steel or any other alloy for that matter, can be made from a 50/50 mixture of Dexron III ATF and STP oil treatment. Don't know your location but if you have access to Wally World there generic works just as well at 1/3 the cost. This mixture has worked for me better than any commercial tapping fluid that I have tried over the past 30 some years.

300 series are sticky and work harden. Like everyone said you'll need a bit more clearance on the tap drill hole. Tap with proper coating to reduce the sticking effect will work great, like the one you're using now.

Another solution is to use rolling tap. It doesn't cut but cold form the thread. Works great for small or blind holes where chip removal is a problem. Tell the supplier it for 300 series stainless and see if they have any with good coating for it.