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Featured Tool: Tap and Die Set

With so many options available, our inventory can be overwhelming when the functions of some of the tools are unclear. That’s where our monthly Featured Tool post comes in: we’ll give you a quick run-down on a lesser-known tool that can be used in your future projects.

Many tool users can attest to the slight crushing feeling of having stripped a screw during a project. It can be frustrating and limiting. Luckily, if you’re working with bolts, there is a way to fix that issue.

This month’s featured tool is the tap and die set. It would be easy to write off this tool as being too complicated due to the number of pieces included in the set. The tap and die set consists of two types of complementary tools: a tap, which is used to cut threads into a bolt hole (or nut, to which it is colloquially referred) and a die, which is used to cut threads into a bolt that has been damaged or stripped. Even ordinary pieces of steel rod can be made into a bolt (if you just happen to have some lying around)! These tools are used mainly by mechanics and woodworkers, but can be used for bicycle and small-engine repairs as well.

Usage involves first determining the correct size of the piece from the tap and die set; this will fit into a wrench which will be used to turn the piece. The bolt or bolt hole is then held in place with a vise and turned with the wrench in ¼ turn increments until the threads are cut down the bolt or bolt hole. One reverse turn may be required every so often to clean up the threads. Cutting oil can be extremely useful in this process, as it allows the tap or die piece to move more easily.

Make Magazine has an informative video on the use of a tap and die set.

Ever used our tap and die set or another one like it? Tell us about your experience: lauren [at] vancouvertoollibrary [dot] com.

Tool Wish List

We’re always looking for tool donations to keep building and improving our tool inventory. We currently have a few big ticket items that we’re on the lookout for. If you have any of the following tools and would be willing to donate them, please get in touch with us via our Tool Donation Form.

Thanks for your consideration!

July Tool Wish List:

• Thickness Planer
• Nail Gun
• Pruning Saw
• Lathe
• Cement Mixer Attachment
• Pressure Washer
• Compressed Air Impact Wrench
• Sliding Compound Miter Saw

2011/2012 Annual Report and AGM Election Results

Thanks to all the members who made it out to our AGM this year, which was held on June 17th at the Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House. In our first year, we have made great progress in support of our mission to empower our community with the tools and skills they need to improve their homes and public spaces. At our AGM, we were able to celebrate and highlight many of these successes, as well as discuss our direction for 2012/2013 with those members in attendance.

If you were unable to attend the meeting, you may view the complete meeting minutes (click to download). Also available now is our 2011/2012 Annual Report (click to download), which provides a more detailed look at some of the stories touched on in the minutes.

AGM Election Results:

Another highlight of our AGM was the election of our incoming 2012/2013 Board of Directors: Kathy Yan Li, Craig Massey, Caitlin Dorward, Conner Wear, and Chris Diplock. You can read more about these Directors here.

We would like to extend a big thank-you to all of our funders and supporters this year, including:

• Financial Supporters: The City of Vancouver, Vancity Foundation, Mountain Equipment Coop, UBC Student Environment Centre, Peernet BC
• Technical and Professional Support: Zach Bulick, Melanie Conn, Mitch Dermer, Charlie Easton
• Tool Donors: Port Coquitlam Building Supplies, Midland Tarp & Canopy, Private Tool Donors

And finally, a huge thank you to Donna Chang and everyone else at Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House for generously hosting us, and for all that they’ve done to welcome us into the neighbourhood over the past year!