Getting a set of taps...

[Skoad]

Gonna need to get some taps in the near future, at first I was going to order one of those cheapo sets off ebay for like $20 total. Then wasn't really sure how those would hold up. So then I was thinking, to keep cost down, to get 2-3 common size taps of a nice brand.

Anyone have any recomendations? Do you think those cheap ones on ebay would hold up?

Friend recommended getting a couple of the common sizes I would need from snap-on, seems they are about $4-10 a tap depending on the size, and ~$6-10 for the wrench. Believe they also have a lifetime warrenty?

[ZapTheMad]

I got the cheapo taps. I've tried all kinds of them. Craftsman aren't bad but they seem to rust easy. I eventually got a Snap-On set. Just get the Snap-On first and save yourself the trouble. You won't be disappointed. Yes on lifetime warranty.

[KayleAGD]

what sizes are you looking for ?I have several here that are new ..might be able to help you out ..

[Skoad]

not positively sure yet, most likely some of the standard paintball sizes....10-32, 8-32

i have to research it a bit more

[KayleAGD]

not positively sure yet, most likely some of the standard paintball sizes....10-32, 8-32

i have to research it a bit more

tell you what. find me some kind of cocker ram and i will trade you a nice set of taps and drills.

Kayle

[ojhspyro89]

Most taps will work allright with lube, ive figured that out after breaking a few off without lube.

[Skoad]

I have no cocker parts

[syko2102]

Having used both cheap and top dollar taps before, my 2 cents is that it really depends on which guns you are working with. For a mag you really only need the 10-32, because thats the only really normal thread on the gun.(save for anything with cocker thread, then you will need a 15/16-20 tap)
If you are building cockers though, then theres really a plethora of taps needed. To the best of my knowledge a factory wgp pneumatic cocker uses the follwing main thread sizes (plus some):

10-32 grip frame holes, cocking rod holes, and a few others
1/4-20 cocking rod hole in front block
5/16-24 valve set screw
3/8-24 ball detent hole
1/8-NPT every friggin air hole on the marker
5/8-18^^ valve retaining ring
3/4-16^^ velocity adjustment screw
9/16-24* front block air hole via banjo bolt
15/16-20^^ cocker barrel thread
15/32-32* 3 way hole (i think this is right)
*odd taps that aren't at hardwear stores
^^big buys and usually upwards of 20 per tap
Now given this list and that the cocker is quite possibly the most varried of guns, lets talk which taps are good for having for paintball. A basic hand tap set for small sizes usually has the first 4 on my list and are good ones to have in general. As for what to look for, taps made of high speed steel (HSS) are great, but anything made of some hard metal will work if you're just tapping aluminum, brass, or plastic (ie most of modern paintguns) Number 5 on the list is a good one to have because if you cant get an air fitting to work you can chase the hole out, but what makes this one special is that pipe taps are tapered(and it looks just like a 3/8-24 so dont mix em up ).
For total one off stuff, you'll want the last two but beware they aren't available at hardwear stores so expect and internet order. The big ones are good to have if you are again making guns from scratch but if you dont have a machine shop they're too dang big to use by hand.
So to conclude look for a hand tap set of plug style in particular, not bottoming or gun taps, and get a set that includes mostly the fine threads as thats what most paintguns use.
When it comes to actually tapping the holes, practice practice practice, it'll take a while before you get the tap in straight the first time. And please for the love of god, use WD-40 as a last resort for a cutting fluid . If you can get tapping oil use that or go to the autoparts store and get some 10w-50 motor oil. When you're done tapping stuff to prevent rust, just coat the tap with some WD-40 and it should keep rust away for a while.

I know this has been a long post but hopfully someone will gain something from it cause my brain hurts now . Good luck and feel free to ask q's all it takes is one fouled up thread and the entire gun is useless.