help tapping holes

[LocksmithArmy]

Can someone explain the process of tapping your own holes, for like chamber plugs...
I wish to make something like these:
http://www.learnlockpicking.com/index.html

but dont know how this process works.

thanks guys

[Aedalas]

It's actually fairly easy, though I've never done a lock or anything that small so...

First you need a tap, like one of these:

6-pc-metric-tap-set.jpg

They generally have the size of the drillbit that you use on the shaft, but it's just one size smaller. Keep lubricated with a cutting oil at all times. For every turn or so reverse direction for about a quarter turn. That's about it, you can clean the threads up some afterwards to remove burrs but again I'm not familiar with something that small I'm not sure what you would use.

As for which size to use, I'd grab a drill bit set and find which one fits perfectly, then get a tap for that size. You shouldn't have to actually drill anything, but the bits make a decent size gauge. Just go slow, and make sure you're drilling straight.

[jeffmoss26]

I have been tapping holes on most of my cylinders for a while.
The brass is soft enough that I can just tap them with a wrench. If I'm doing a few cylinders at a time, I just chuck the tap in my cordless drill. I've even put set screws in without tapping but I don't recommend it. Keep in mind you may have to cut the springs down and/or use shorter top pins.

[barbarian]

A nice sharp tap helps too. Be sure to start it straight. It should turn easy, if it starts to turn hard, it might not be straight with the hole.

Go to any automotive store and you should be able to buy them for around $5 each or less.
Avoid the giant cheapo tool sets with 100 taps for $20.

[magician59]

Think how much fun it would be if you tap the top chambers all the way through; then loaded them with serrated top pins!

[mdc5150]

Think how much fun it would be if you tap the top chambers all the way through; then loaded them with serrated top pins!

Better yet threaded top pins!

[Don]

Buy your self a T-handle and a tap / drill set .(Do a search for “6-32 Tap set” on Yahoo. I found several sets (1 tap and 1drill bit) for under $6.00)
If you have a hardware like ace ( NOT Home depot) they may sell 1 set screw at a time. If not you will have to buy a package of them. Try Grainger. (Item # 6ZU45)

I am going to assume you are using a 6-32 set screw / ¼ in long (see Grainger link below) and a “6-32 Tap set”
1. Drill the hole for the screw you only need to go ¼ in, so use a stop collar (Item # 6ZU45) or a piece of tape as the stop gauge. Be sure to drill straight.
2. Place the tap in the T-handle follow Aedalas directions above. STOP when the Tap gets hard to turn (7-8 full turns apx 1/4in. deep ).
3. Remove tap by turning in the opposite direction.
4.Remove chips by blowing, knocking on hard surface, or washing.
5 Test set screw adjust as necessary.
6.Repeat for remaining chambers.


http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/start.shtml

[LocksmithArmy]

thanks guys, you all rock. Ive ordered the locks, as soon as they come in ill get started (also ordered a tap that should fit), the process seems fairly simple, i shouldnt have any issues...

thanks again

[jeffmoss26]

I made a topic about it a while back:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=5449&p=43936#p43936
If anyone wants me to order set screws for them, I pay $1.74 for 100 6/32 x 1/8 set screws from one of my suppliers.

[LocksmithArmy]

I made a topic about it a while back:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=5449&p=43936#p43936
If anyone wants me to order set screws for them, I pay $1.74 for 100 6/32 x 1/8 set screws from one of my suppliers.

can you get the set screws in schlage sizes or only medeco diameters...
I have to do 12 locks, im making a class and want the students to build the locks and i figured id not lose springs as often if they ddnt have spring caps

[gnarus8429]

When you cut the springs do you form up the ends? Do you put the cut end toward the driver pin or the screw? I have had problems with spring pressure on these in the past and never thought to cut the springs. That allows you to put the screw all the way in making it more secure.

[jeffmoss26]

LSA I can get 6/32, 8/32, you name it...it's a fastener supply place so they can get anything. I will get a price on 8/32 if you would like.
gnarus, I just cut the ends and they seem to work okay. I've also bought smaller sizes of top pins and that helps.

[LocksmithArmy]

whichever ones fit schlage or kiwikset or ... not medecos ginormous pin chambers...

[jeffmoss26]

that's 6/32...how many bags of 100 do you want?

[the picker]

dang i saw this this-morning and went to ace and payed 20cents a screw o well lol.