VersaDrive® Long Series ImpactaTaps - Metric Coarse (308015)
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15X Faster than Hand Tapping
For Tapping thick materials or in applications requiring extra length to access the hole
VersaDrive® ImpactaTaps are the first range of taps that are suitable to be driven by impact wrenches and impact drivers, providing at least 15x faster performance than tapping by hand.
With a specially designed twin-lead, cutting geometry - the dual hardening process with Titanium coating provides a fantastic solution for tapping holes in steel.
VersaDrive® ImpactaTaps have a patented non-slip, Hex shank suitable for use in any standard 1/2" drill chuck for cordless or pistol drills (up to M10) or used with a VersaDrive® Rapid Lock adapter for use in a wide range of powertools such as Magnetic Drills. They can even be used by hand in a socket wrench.
Product Benefits
- Impact Chipbreaker action for effective swarf evacuation
- Unique twin-point cutting geometry with ground flutes
- Create internal threaded holes with speed and precision
- Quickly clean out and repair damaged or fouled internal threads
- Industrial grade Titanium Nitride coating reduces heat buildup and burn-out
- Use on Impact to prevent dangerous kickback caused by handheld rotary tools
- Heavy-duty hex shank design for secure non-slip operation
- Impact-rated due to dual hardening process - allows up to 15X faster speed than traditional methods
Quick Guide
- For fastest performance use on impact wrenches & impact drivers
- Check the minimum torque requirement
- Tapping Stainless Steel requires higher impact torque
- Use appropriate lubrication and correct RPM to achieve long tool life
VersaDrive ImpactaTap - Long Series
VersaDrive ImpactaTap FAQ Section
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Q: Can I use my impact wrench with VersaDrive ImpactaTaps
Yes, VersaDrive ImpactaTaps are specially hardened and designed with a unique geometry which allows them to be effectively used with Impact Drivers and Wrenches.
Q: How many holes can I expect ImpactaTaps to last
We have many customer reports and testimonials of taps lasting hundreds of holes or even more than a thousand. However our tools are often used in a tough environment, sometimes with less than ideal working conditions so it can vary widely depending on the application and the user life expectancy. If you are getting less than 100-200 holes per tap as a rule of thumb we can look at your application and most likely suggest some improvements to help increase life expectancy.
Q: Can I tap Stainless Steel using Impact
Yes, Stainless Steel can be tapped with successfully. For Impact wrench Tapping we recommend increasing the impact torque by about 10% from the structural steel recommendations as a rule of thumb .
Q: Which Lubricant do you recommend for Impact Tapping
Speedlube is generally the best all purpose lubricant, for fast, convenient and accurate aerosol application ensuring coverage inside the hole as well as on the tool. However our BioCut paste is very popular and efficient lubricant for dipping the tool directly into the tin. It’s also great for minimising run off or mess, on painted surfaces or other sensitive applications where run off is to be avoided. Aeropaste can be used if working in applications such as Overhead where a fluid lubricant will run off. Finally BioCut Blue cutting fluid works particularly well with harder materials or difficult applications and is ideal forfor direct application onto the tool and into the hole when working on flat surfaces
Q: Can I use these for tapping Blind Holes
For Tapping blind holes we recommend our 309010 or 309020 Spiral Flute ImpactaTaps for Metric or UNC threads combined with our clutched tapping adapter for use either with an impact wrench or reversible Magnet Drill or drilling machine. Spiral Flute Taps are designed to clear the swarf from the top of the hole as it is not able to pass through the hole.
Q: Can I use these for tapping laser/flame cut holes
Tapping Flame Cut or Laser Cut holes or even punched holes with impact taps may significantly reduce the tool life due to the surface hardening that takes place around the perimeter of the hole. Often these holes are roughly cut or may not be parallel which is also likely to cause breakage. If possible, we suggest reaming the hole using a slow speed, rotary drill, to remove the surface hardness and ensure a square hole. If you have no choice but to tap flame cut holes then we suggest increasing the torque by at least 10%, using more lubricant and taking additional care.
Q: Can I clean out existing threads with these taps
ImpactaTaps can be used for cleaning out existing threads, however we recommend aligning the tap for 1-2 threads by hand to ensure the thread is fully located and avoid the risk of cross-threading.
Q: Are Impactataps likely to break
Tapping holes in any application is a challenging task and all cutting tools can be blunted or broken in some conditions. some of the reasons for breakage include:
• Insufficent Torque - using an impact wrench without sufficient torque or on on the incorrect torque setting (if the impact wrench has multiple settings)
• Tapping the hole off square
• Always use sufficient HMT approved Tapping lubricant. We do not recommend WD40 or equivalent general purpose non-cutting lubricants.
• Over running the Tap so the thread is no longer held within the tapped hole. Then Cross threading the tap when reversing can often result in tap breakage or damage typically seen to the threads at the rear of the tap
• When tapping weld nuts, often times the thread on the nut can be misaligned with the hole to be tapped - this can cause breakage.
- Ensure the correct size pilot hole is created. Incorrectly sized holes can result in Tap Breakage.
- Ensure steady/ pressure while tapping the hole, do not force the tap through the hole, likewise insufficent or a loose hold on the powertool may result in breakage
- If using Cordless tools, do not allow the battery to become less than 50% full as torque reduction will often be a result of a low battery
- Ensure the adapter / tool-holder is in good condition and securely fastened to the power tool.
Q: Do I need to back the Tap off and re-thread like you do with a hand-tap
Generally speaking we recommend tapping the hole in one pass for sizes up to M20 or 3/4", however for larger diameter taps particularly in thicker materials, it can often help to tap the hole in approximately 3 operations, allowing swarf clearance and re-lubricating the hole and tap for each operation.
Q: How can I access further technical support or submit a warranty claim for my VersaDrive Impact Tap
Please click here to access our product support area and warranty claim forms. If making a warranty claim please fill in the appropriate warranty form, providing us with as much of the requested information as possible and one of our technical team will review the feedback and be in touch shortly.
1. Best Practice Advice - How to get the best out of your 308015 Long Series Metric Coarse ImpactaTaps
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- 308015 ImpactaTaps are recommended for through hole applications only.
- Pilot drill the exact tapping size hole for best results
- Select the correct torque power for impact wrench/drivers using the data range in the Torque / RPM guide below. If exact match is not available select the closest torque setting above the recommendation.
- Apply firm, steady feed pressure throughout the cut
- Ensure the Tap is inserted squarely to the hole - poorly aligned or off-centre taps will greatly increase the risk of breakage.
- When using cordless tools, consider that the torque may drop once the battery charge becomes low. Keep batteries well charged. Low battery charge can lead to lower torque which can break or damage taps as point 3.
- Ensure regular application of quality cooling lubricant, especially when drilling thick or hardened materials.
- Hardened or heat-affected materials may require higher torque, reduced RPM and feed rates and extra coolant
- Flame cut/punched holes will require more torque to tap than drilled holes due to heat build up. Caution: Sometimes flame cut holes do not have parallel sides meaning risk of tap breakage.
- Tap the hole in one pass where possible, applying adequate lubrication before you start.
- If the tap is over-run from the hole once it is tapped, to remove the risk of cross-threading/damage to the tap, remove the tap from the adapter and locate it in the thread by hand, before reversing.
- When re-threading an existing thread, use caution to avoid cross-threading which can lead to tap breakage or thread damage. It is advisable to insert/start the tap into the thread by hand before driving it through at the correct torque
2. Torque / RPM guide - Best Torque & RPM values for different sizes of hole and applications.
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Use the tables below to identify the recommended Nm of Torque or RPM for your hole size and material.
Use Nm of Torque for tapping with Impact tooling.
Use RPM for tapping with Rotary tooling.
N.B. Impact Torque recommendations are the minimum required and for most applications additional torque is a benefit. For Impact applications where Torque values available do not offer an exact match to the table below select the closest available torque setting ABOVE the recommendation.
3. Powertool recommendations on Mild Steel
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VersaDrive tooling can be used with a wide range of adapters that allow the products to be used across a variety of drive tools depending on the application required.
Below you will find the recommended adapters for the VersaDrive 308015 Long Series ImpactaTap.
4. How to decide which Impact Wrench or Impact Driver to use?
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- Identify the torque range (for the cutting tool) required using the data sheet in question 2. (Example M12 in 12mm plate – Guide torque 320Nm)
- Identify the torque range on your impact wrench or impact driver
- Look up model number to see torque range
- Check if there are speed/torque settings on the tool - Example
- Select the closest torque setting on the impact wrench/impact driver ABOVE the torque recommendation
(this is for the following 2 reasons)
- Higher torque will only be used on demand
- Too low torque will lead to the tool jamming or even snapping as the flutes stop cutting and the torque transfers to the tool
5. Key Dimensions - Choosing the right size pilot drill for your ImpactaTap
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6. Video Training Guide for ImpactaTaps
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How to load a ImpactaTap into an Impact Driver adapter
Using a ImpactaTaps on medium thickness Stainless Steel
Using a M24 ImpactaTap on 25mm thick S275 Structural Steel
How to use an ImpactaTap with a standard Magnet Drill
How to use an ImpactaTap with a VersaDrive Magnet Drill & 111035 Rapid Lock Adapter
How to use an M6 ImpactaTap in a Pistol Drill Chuck
How to prevent cross threading if you over-tap the threads
How to use an ImpactaTap in a Hand Tapping Wrench
How to use an ImpactaTap with a hand ratchet (for blind or through hole tapping)
