Tap Extractor

[BUZ]

Has anyone had any luck useing a broke tap removal tool?
I have some broken taps (4-40) in a aluminum scope mount.

[Allman]

If carbon steel, you can remove a broken tap from aluminum with nitric aid. Some people use Alum, but I've not had good luck with this.

Edit to add: I'm not sure if this works or not with alloy steels. Most gunsmith taps are carbon steel, some alloy.

[TimWarner]

4-40 is pretty small for a tap extractor, depending on how deep it is, might have a hard time getting it out.

[BUZ]

I have heard of using nitric acid but unsure on where to get it!
Any ideas where a person can get some?

[Allman]

I got a two liter jug of nitric from my local college chemistry department years ago. Many colleges have a chemistry store that sells stuff to the general public. You don't use it straight, you dilute it substantially so a little bit will go a looooong way for tap removal. A small amount will probably suffice for a lifetime.

If you're more of a do it yourselfer, I think is can be made at home with sulphuric acid and ammonium nitrate, instructions should be on the internet somewhere. You may die in the process, of course.

[FM TIM]

Suppliers of Pennsylvania Longrifle supplies sell nitric acid as Aqua Fortis. It is used to color maple longrifle stocks.

Try:

Dixie Gun Works
Track of the Wolf

[BUZ]

I will check at the University and see if I can get some from them.
If not, than I will start out sourceing for some.

Thanks for your help
BUZ