Dewalt has come out with new Impact Ready tap and drill bits which can drill, tap, and countersink holes in one step.
These new drilling and tapping bits have special “Speed Tips,” to quickly penetrate materials, and hex shanks for use with impact drivers.
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Dewalt says that these types of accessories are commonly used by elevator installers, mechanical tradesmen, electricians, and glaziers.
The drill tap bits will be available in 7 sizes, and there are several purchasing options, including the 5-piece set shown above. This 5-piece set, DWADTQTR5SET, comes with sizes 8-32 thru 1/4″-20
- 8-32 (DWADT832)
- 10-24 (DWADT1024)
- 10-32 (DWADT1032)
- 12-24 (DWADT1224)
- 1/4″-20 (DWADT1420)
- 5/16″-16 (DWADT51618)
- 3/8″-16 (DWADT3816)
Buy Now(Set via Amazon)
Buy Now(More Sizes and Sets)
These bits have been out a couple of months – have you used them yet? If so, what did you think?
This is a quick demonstration video from last year’s media event. I don’t remember if I tried it myself or not, there were a lot of people waiting.
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Norm
That speed in the video frightened me. I thought it’s going to snap. Then he did slow down when the thread cutter started to make contact. I’ve used the Greenlee ones for a while now, they work ok. Stainless steel is a bit cumbersome for the smaller sizes.
Steve
I’ve had the 10-32 shred the tap under stainless steel… Was not a good feeling.
fred
We had used the ones from Greenlee, Klein and Champion – mostly the Greenlee ones. Other than advertising claims, I’m not sure what makes these new – but they may be “more impact-ready” as claimed.
The class of tool is handy for drilling and tapping electrical panels, gem boxes etc.
There is also a hand-tool – Klein calls theirs a Tri-Tap or Triple Tap – that needs a hole drilled – but can tap or re-tap (with a larger thread) small holes in sheet metal panels/boxes.
https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-625-24-Triple-Tap-10-24/dp/B0002RI788
fred
I should add that Greenlee makes theirs in metric sizes too from M3 to M10 (DTAPM3C through DTAPM10C) and Champion makes ones in NF thread sizes for 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8 (DT22HEX-1/4-28, DT22HEX-5/16-18 andDT22HEX-3/8-24)
Electricguy
I’ve only ever used the Greenlee with an impact drill, fast and hard. Never broke one. Still have the same set for years. Using a normal drill is asking for broken bits.
fred
One late and lamented (no longer made) tool that we had in the metal fabrication shop was a Bosch corded tapper. Looked a bit like an impact driver but it drove the tap (cutting threads) as you applied pressure and reversed (clearing chips) when you pulled back
Nathan York
I have the porter cable version, works great.
Koko the Talking Ape
Doesn’t pulling the bit backwards out of the hole damage the new threads?
Electricguy
No. It’ll just clean them out.
Kyle Altendorf
Maybe the trailing ends of the threads on the bit are designed to guide instead of cutting. It does at least have a lead in and out on both ends of the threaded section so that should help as well.
JoeM
I wasn’t aware a tap would require an impact driver… Though, now that I see the size of that hunk of steel, I suppose it makes a lot of sense… Learn something new every day, I suppose.
I’ll have to go looking for a set of these. Thanks guys! Always adding to my wish list when I come here!
Tj
Why is tool guyd not covering nps17 i keep looking at the site wondering when it will be updated
Stuart
Because everyone was on site. =)
pete
Funny enough i needed these today and would have happily bought the set from home depot as i was there a couple times today however they weren’t in stock YET at my store. So i had to go to the industrial supply down the street and buy a greenlee 1/4-20 from them.
Austin
I’m shocked that a 12-24 is in the set. I can’t remember the last time I was anywhere near a #12 screw. Are they common in a specific industry?
fred
I think some telecom cabinets and electrical panels.
But I also think that you see this size more on cage nuts.
And for those tool-a-holics fathers out there who think they have everything maybe the perfect gift for Father’s Day – would be a cage nut tool:
https://www.amazon.com/Starcase-com-Cage-Insertion-Tool-Square/dp/B00DL09HPU
OR THIS ONE:
http://store.cablesplususa.com/cagenuttool.html?utm_source=cagenuttool&utm_medium=shopping%2Bengine&utm_campaign=googleproducts&gclid=CJzyi9G2r9QCFVGBswodDuQJzA
Jimmie
Shame these don’t go down to #6/32. I’ve had a lot of trouble holding my #6 taps securely. I suppose #6 might be a little fragile for an impact driver.
fred
The Klein hand tool – Triple Tap that I linked to above – starts out with 6-32 – but as I said – it doesn’t cut its own hole. The recommended drill for 6-32 is a #35.
Jimmie
That’s a neat little tool. Interesting that all 3 taps are on the same bit, like a step-drill. I’ll give it a try!
John
Tapping a hole without using lube oil……never done it myself!
Fazzman
These are only really useful for sheetmetal items and plastics. I can see where electrical guys like these.
To use them on anything else would just be wierd at least to a machinist like me. Defo not for blind hole use.