The ONLY Way To Thread Tap Acrylic!

Hey all! I hope this helps anyone who struggles as much as I used to when thread tapping acrylic. It was so frustrating to do but not anymore!
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[@johnjohn-ed9qt]

The gun tap is a formally spiral point tap, sometimes called a machine tap. They are really only for through holes, but clear chips well. A standard (number two, plug tap, etc) will do fine with acrylic, but you want a reduced flute count tap, which is a two flute for these holes, not a four flute. Acrylic has two properties that require an aggressive tap: gummy and elastic. The chips will pack rather than clear due to gummy, and the material will push out of the way rather than cut if the cutter isn't aggressive. Yes, spiral point is the best choice for a through hole, but for blind holes, use a sharp two flute plug tap. The tap you started with isn't good for much of anything, to tell the truth. It looks dull and corroded from the start. There is no "hobbyist grade" tap. Just low quality taps. TANSTAAFL.

[@johnjohn-ed9qt]

ALso, what you showed first is a chip lifting "spiral" (helical flute) tap. Again, two flute for acrylic and similar, but not as nice as spiral point.

[@carpentrydesigndovetail4219]

Big thanks John JOHN , you just answered the question I had- how to deal with a blind hole..👍

[@grumblycurmudgeon]

@@johnjohn-ed9qt Seconded. This is great info on the "gun tap"/SPT/machine tap with regards to acrylic, but I was staring to panic a bit myself as my requirement calls for blind holes as well. Thanks a bunch man!

[@TheBinklemNetwork]

@@grumblycurmudgeon late to the party! can you inform me on what a blind hole is?

[@grumblycurmudgeon]

@@TheBinklemNetwork Not a through hole. Stops partway. If I have a 4" piece of stock, but wish to tap a 3" hole in it, A. there's nowhere for the chips to clear to, and B.I'm trying to thread clear down to the bottom of the hole, usually, as opposed to having a taper towards the end. That's why this is great to see: the tap he illustrated cleans up after itself. Pushes the chips out behind it. If it pushed them downwards instead, by the time you got 1.5" in you'd have an ingot of material slag and a broken tap.

[@th1rte3ndb49]

omg that bird is the master of ventriloquism

[@DIYTechTube]

This is life changing

[@Stephen8454]

Dietec it really is 👍🏼

[@TheBinklemNetwork]

!!! The legends

[@stephenhauer9055]

Oh god, this is the video I was searching for, I'll soon start building a case from scratch out of acrylic. Thank you so much!!

[@moms762]

I like WD-40 for acrylic, it’s thin so it wont really take up extra space in the hole, will lubricate, and run out as you tap.

[@49siao]

Dude you need to expand your personal brand throughout the world so more open loop water cooling enthusiasts can check out your amazing fabricated hardware, good job!

[@straight_razor]

One major problem.. in the majority of cases where the acrylic needs to be tapped, there is no thru-hole. Hence, a gun tap will not work. You should do another video whereby the chips need to be pulled up and out of the hole using a blind hole tap. Many prefer the two flute plug tap however the correct tap is a blind hole spiral tap. The less flutes the better.

[@AdamGoodson]

Great video and great explanation too! Thank you for sharing this!

[@truoghv]

Hi buddy I have 1 question. How to reduce the temperature of the tap head? *Do not use lubricating oils. :( When working continuously for a period of time, the tap head gets hot, leading to the plastic product melting. Currently I am using compressed air to blow directly into the tap head, but it is ineffective, and too much compressed air is lost.

[@mikebonello7494]

I don’t understand. I’ve threaded 1000s of pieces of cast acrylic very successfully from M3 to M6 using standard 4 flute taps. Do I back it out yes, do I use a power drill, yes. Do I add a little soap, yes.

[@ElCantare-r3r]

Thanks for your information brother very informative 👍

[@JD-lw3pf]

I have not been able to find that tap, is there any way you could put a direct link to it. Greatly appreciated. Thank you

[@radicalxedward8047]

I saw the title and thought this was gonna be clickbait crap. Glad i gave it a chance.

[@RoundaboutsHomeConsignments]

Where did you get this exact bit? Cannot find anything but "spiral point"

[@michaelparham3543]

Thanks bud! Huge help to me.

[@Stephen8454]

Trigger warning: I have bad nerves which cause me to shake, can't help it sorry

[@jrmichel1975]

Hey, mind letting me know where you got that manual drill press?

[@Stephen8454]

@@jrmichel1975 Its a modified thread tapper from Grizzly

[@nickverzino3220]

Great stuff. The link you posted did not take me directly to the tap you used

[@tonyd6853]

You know mineral oil after using the soap will protect from rust. Just wipe off the excess oil. Works with swords and knives too.

[@kennuimuffins2426]

Very interesting. I wonder how this holds up with smaller threads/sizes. like M3 or M2.

[@mikeyjay917]

To tap you first need to drill a size hole that is known for the tap size you want to use.

[@blueberrymuffinzzz]

what machine is this that youre using? do you have a link?

[@RevJenkins13]

ok, what is the gadget/press thing you are using?

[@tanker3369]

Amazing! thank you.

[@vichuvelle6436]

Can you give me the exact part that you ordered from McMaster??? vix

[@710Ken]

This document has links to take you directly to the McMaster-Carr Product Catolog docs.google.com/document/d/1lLoxsrI5P0VnCbNKVKO_loe8fv0RYbDyxvOoTxuRgUs/edit?usp=sharing

[@josealberti4571]

what size or what is part #? link doesnt work

[@mikerequadt9661]

Wish had seen this when I tapped some PC with standard tap

[@jothammcmillan]

That was very useful to me. In the past when I was blind tapping aluminum, the standard Irwin taps would constantly break inside the piece no matter how much cutting fluid, backing out, etc I did. Then I bought a nice vanadium tap from McMaster and I never broke that tap the whole time. It's amazing what the right tool can do. I really appreciated your video and will keep it in mind for future work. Thanks!

[@Stephen8454]

Thanks for the feedback! It really does make such a difference having the right tool! I was getting such terrible results for so long with acrylic and had no idea where to go for help so when I finally found it I knew this would be worth sharing!

[@jbotnik]

Do you get the same benefit if there isn’t a exit hole for the shavings to come out of?

[@lylesnodgrass1961]

Where can I get a drill press like this?

[@1v1MeBroMW2]

If one want's to thread tap into acrylic for a Barrow G1/4 Male Rotary to 90 Degree Female Angle (Fitting for watercooling). Which size thread tapping piece would be used?

[@earthshaker5991]

yo how do you account for thermal expansion of the material when you do this? its my understanding that acrylic expands like 1/16" per linear foot. Wouldnt screwing into it put it at risk for cracks or crazing?

[@Mrbobinge]

Cracks/Crazing, is my night-marish prospect while planning construction of a hobby machine including ordered laser-cut acryl spinning gears. Thermal expansion rate you mentioned, is just gonna add to sleepless nights.

[@marceldeman1541]

if it rust with dish soap change brand or leave the water out

[@bryanmoir3184]

What size are you using?

[@TheCommo81]

I've threaded plastic and never had that issue. I use 2 flute and do it just like I do metal. It would be better instead of going full-bore through the hole in 1 shot, go 1/2 turn and then back out 1/4 turn. And.....do it with the hand tool, not a press. you'll get clean threads and every time you back out you clean the thread you just made. My taps never get hot but I just take my time. The chips break off and do not compress if you go slow and don't give it a chance to heat up. 2 Flute VS 4 flute gives you more room to clear chips.

[@mjrwey]

THANK YOU!!!!!!! Your video beginning it is exactly what was happening when i was trying to tap acrylic!

[@jean-pierredeclemy7032]

Gun tap is no good for blind holes! I just use 3 flute taps in a battery powered driver, slow speed with torque set to minimum and a dip the tap in tallow before use. Been doing it that way for years and works for me. I only use cast acrylic though, you didn't specify what your's is.

[@jmartinez562]

Excellent video, have been looking the best way to pre-drill cast acrylic for these simple square 12"x 9' bullet Resistance Shields I've been making .... Thank you again!!!

[@ShopperPlug]

can you make a video showing how to make NPT threads on PTFE or Nylon or ABS plastics?

[@Platingisfun]

If working with small parts try to freeze them for a couple of hours.

[@DarkMice5529]

I was thinkin the same thing! Have you tried it?

[@andrebugotti576]

You threading straight through but what if I only want to thread half way through for studs?

[@nwembly]

I’m case people can’t find it, a gun tap is also referred to as aka “Chip-Clearing Taps”

[@Russ12565]

Would you be so kind and provide a site where these Gun Taps are sold? Thanks for this info, very helpful.

[@tpage6550]

Thanks for the video. I noticed that you have machined out a dish in the piece of acrylic. How did you do that? Did you use a router? Thank you

[@williamwestonn]

Good video but feels like just running the tap all the way is not really the proper way of tapping? why dont you do the same as working on metal?

[@kellysigmon3510]

What if you don’t want to drill all the way through.? I need to read tap a acrylic dowel for a donut party board. How can I do this

[@jle5261]

Awesome information extremely helpful. Thank you very much

[@ESCAGEDOWOODWORKING]

Very cool tip!!

[@Stephen8454]

ESCAGEDO WOODWORKING thx boss!

[@sunnieyes]

What should i use to drill holes in acrylic leave for jewelry? Should i use the soap for these tiny drills.

[@mandrac2]

your thread desintegrate precisely because the tap is burn your finger hot. You are going too fast. if you want to do it with a regular tap you need to be real slow.

[@JohnsElectronics]

verry informable Video🙂 Thanks! it helps a lot

[@andreuserveraartigues]

I use a battery drill and cutting oil, it is much easier and faster.

[@strangetml]

dude you saved my ass LOL. i'll go ask the lab technician to get me this.

[@TropicalEncounter]

Thank you! This is exactly what I was looking for!

[@GomJabbar11]

you just need a lubricant like beeswax or whatever

[@radicalxedward8047]

what about for blind holes?

[@suntzu6122]

What about a tap that will work when you dont go all the way through?

[@electronicsafrica]

thanks! wish i had known about this tap years ago - very useful

[@rachaelb9164]

Thanks

[@norwegianguy]

Use oil

[@PeterWraaeMarino]

thank you so much for this video... was just what I needed.

[@jianxufeng722]

wasted $200 acrylic by not found this video earlier

[@michaelgarn5330]

Thank you for your video nobody else has this appreciate it bro

[@Bboynonstop9]

Thanks, ordered an m4 bit and did a test hole and seems like it is going to work well.

[@TheBinklemNetwork]

YOU are saving me money before i even bought the drill press. thank you.

[@MidwestTeks]

Bullet tap ftw!

[@richardmash7570]

Thank you for this video brother

[@MazenAlsharief]

Hey! I am new to this, and I would like to ask what drill bit was used for the pathing at the mid section of this model. Thanks!

[@zmnali78]

really helps, nice research and guide.

[@brett.c1649]

Thanks for saving me the headache

[@georgemurdoch1991]

This is fantastic 👏 What is the name for the manual tool that you are using here? Can this be applied to cutting external threads. Thank-you so much for this...

[@SunriseAt2008]

I have the same question ;-)

[@siatha_lee3793]

I came on youtube for this

[@kencoleman7762]

Very useful. Thanks.

[@bobylachanche]

Do you think the threads in acrylic will last long if you screw and unscrew often with a metal screw in it? thanks!

[@andrewmorton9683]

You could try melting a brass threaded insert into the plastic.

[@riturajborah382]

Thank you! A gem on youtube!

[@TheAwesonymous]

It took me over a minute to notice the bird on his shoulder

[@archimago2010]

a minute!? I had to read your comment and watch it again :)

[@sigilwig444]

Awesonymous RC a minute?! I don’t think it even took me a second

[@NickDanzinger]

Super helpful, thanks!

[@Stephen8454]

Nick Danzinger my pleasure!

[@DMHal01]

This IS a life changer!!!

[@chrisgmck]

Cant find flat tip tap for acrylic for no show hole. Any suggestions? thanks

[@jean-pierredeclemy7032]

Grind it back on the wheel.

[@gradinejackson8544]

Love It!

[@Stephen8454]

Gradine Jackson thanks!

[@BrianReplies]

This is absolutely excellent.

[@kevinobrien3732]

Super useful. Thanks.

[@HarnealMedia]

Great Info Stephen

[@Stephen8454]

Harneal Media thx boss!

[@markkitaoka8783]

Thank you.

[@TheNefastor]

Your tap looks a lot like a "machine tap". I use those on aluminum, it's a single-shot tap you can use with a cordless drill and it works perfect even tapping an M3 hole through 20 mm of metal. I'm French so we call it differently, I don't recall mine being labeled "gun taps" or even if the package mentioned plastics but it looks like it should do the job. If I have some spare acrylic I'll give it a try.

[@xONEWINGx]

No, here the spiral is reversed to push the cleared material out the bottom it won't drill and tap in one operation.

[@TheNefastor]

@@xONEWINGx sorry, I didn't mean to say my taps are "drill taps", what I call a machine tap still requires that you first drill a hole of the correct diameter. I just meant that instead of the three different taps you get with a hand tapping set, here you just need one tap (and a good dose of cutting oil). But you're right, your tap is still different, mine will pull the material out, not push it.

[@Plumbingstabilizer]

Thank you

[@bobylachanche]

Thank!!!!

[@lorettaf9614]

OSG 13059 SERIES

[@grumblycurmudgeon]

Gods. Bless. You. Sir.

[@kandyjill666]

Holy shit! Thank you!

[@CigerPro]

Save my day!

[@jakeku2662]

Thanks for passing on the info. I'm looking for a way to make large-diameter acme screws out of acrylic, and your video may save me a lot of searching. Thanks.

[@adamvalent5249]

Real beauty

[@andrewstokes7649]

Just about to start on a project drilling & tapping into 1" acrylic. I'm extremely pleased that I found your video ...... all I have to do is find out where to buy these "gun taps".

[@Stephen8454]

Yeah, they work wonders! Check the link in my description and you will see where I buy mine.

[@jeffreydesormeaux3539]

i don't know if you still respond to your youtube channel but i need to know how i would send you an image of a logo cutout. do i make a 3d model, reuse the image on the website with photoshop? i don't know how to use 3d modeling software so help please

[@leonardkellum6984]

i had a conure, i believe you too, have 1 watching/instructing you. haha, a threat tapper? , a new item i might need.