Hey all,

What taps would you recommend are most useful for working on a Mini?

I'm am getting a 5/16 UNF for the captive nuts to mount the rear subframe. What other threads would be useful?

They would have to to be threads that are not easily replaced - eg block, gearbox, any captive nuts. (If there are nuts and bolts used I always use new ones). Also I figure 'intermediate' taps would be the way to go, or do you think I should consider 'taper' or 'bottom' taps?

I figure I might as well combine postage and get a few more useful ones.

I'm getting ~$10 'Sutton' ones by the way and a $15 tap wrench. Clearly not nearly top of the line but I'm aiming for something functional for cleaning out existing threads, not creating new ones so I figure they should do the trick. But opinions welcomed.

_________________
Build thread for Supercharged 1275 1967 Deluxe Resto
Build thread for Mini ute conversion 998cc Turbo

1/4 UNF, 5/16 UNF, 5/16 UNC (gearbox), 3/8 UNC (head studs), 7/16 UNF (main bearing bolts)

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

...and a complementary set of dies whilst you are in buying mode?

Cheers

http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/T015

Looks like this set will do the lot on a mini
Mini kingdom online might sell a set as well

But I have to say there is nothing like the stuff that was made in the 60s around today

I have my grandfathers box of tap and dies and the ones I brought about 8 years ago and they don't compare

You can still buy good quality cutting tools here, they just cost more $$.
For example,
http://stores.ebay.com.au/Cutting-Tools ... 34.c0.m322

Or, try Blackwoods, Graham Mc Donald, or your local fastener shop. NOT bloody Bunnings etc...

http://gmdengineering.com.au/

Yeah, add 3/8 UNF to the list (top of head studs).

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

Don't forget to get some cutting compound (eg rocol rtd) if you think it's bad removing a broken stud a broken tap is a real pain ☹️ , it will also help keep the taps sharp.

Thanks for the info guys - alrighty you've helped me make my choice.

Thank doctor for the specific sizes, David yep I guess I should get the dies too, Mr beam thanks for the link and Skell I have a cutting lubricant I use for most drilling...eg this pool of oil and swarf lol


But I'll check out that brand as I am due to buy more.

I hate buying crappy tools. For the moment I'll get the cheapo 5/16 UNF for the subframe mount and an el cheapo 'tap wrench' as it's all I need for this build. Then I'll get a set of better quality taps and dies as I'll need them mostly for the second build I've got lined up. I'll look up some of the names you mentioned doctor.

Cheers guys for all the help

_________________
Build thread for Supercharged 1275 1967 Deluxe Resto
Build thread for Mini ute conversion 998cc Turbo

Personally, I would pick up the few sizes Doc has stated. You can get really good brand name parts (Sutton or P&N for example). Very little room in the toolbox, and you don't have all these useless sizes hanging around.

Good quality brand name ones are where its at. Intermediate or finishing taps are what you will need. Not so much the long taper starter taps.

_________________
SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Okay so from judging by what you say it sounds like Sutton is a decentish brand, which is what I was looking at. I'll grab this first one and then grab the rest another time.

I find it really strange that the tap wrench sells for over $60 when the tap is under $10 (both Sutton brands).

And thanks for getting back to me about the tap type Mick - I'll grab the intermediate taps.

_________________
Build thread for Supercharged 1275 1967 Deluxe Resto
Build thread for Mini ute conversion 998cc Turbo

That link gets advertised on classic restos by fletch

I did a google search to find a set like mine and found that

Id try repco or other places that offer lifetime warranty on tools if your only starting out

you can buy good quality aussie made taps at bunnings,i reckon go with local product. give some aussie a job.

_________________
16v, twin cam, 'a'series, cooper S replica,3x dcoe webers,Around 200 HP and heaps of torque

How long since you went to Bunnings??
My local one sells absolutely NO taps now, nada, zilch. No decent high tensile bolts now either.
And many of the drills they sell (Frost etc) are Chinese made now,
Out in the sticks, Bunnings may be different... but they have lost me for ANY serious engineering hardware.

_________________
DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

As a former sales employee for Hare and Forbes (and sheetmetal worker who also worked in mechanical assembly and a panel shop doing LOTS of rust repairs on Alfa's ), be very careful if you buy this set, they are alloy steel, not HSS (high speed steel) pretty soft, they loose their edge quick. Best to buy a HSS set, they are dearer, but will out last the alloy steel ones 10 fold.

_________________
Current 1970 Mini K - full resto happening - finished and on the road since 10/2020
2001 Falcon AUII XL 1 Tonne styleside ute

Mini History
1963 - 850 - wish I still had it
1965 - 850 - was an unfinished project, gone
1972 - Clubbie