View Full Version : Tap Extractor
Has anyone had any luck useing a broke tap removal tool?
I have some broken taps (4-40) in a aluminum scope mount.
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
09-05-2006, 16:51
4-40 is pretty small for a tap extractor, depending on how deep it is, might have a hard time getting it out.
I have heard of using nitric acid but unsure on where to get it!
Any ideas where a person can get some?
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.
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
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
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