tapping my frame

[sgt hopkins]

Ok, I have my frame rails with a buncha holes, whats the best way to tap them? what size tap? or should I just get a screw and thread it in?

[Gregg]

What size screws will you be using? The normal screw size is an M3x.05. That is the best overall size to use. The tap you would need is for that screw and it takes a 1/8th clearancing bit . What size are the holes in the rails? You will need to tap them according to the hole sizes you currently have. You will destroy the screws and rails if you just try to ram home screws in the current holes.

[rc_farmer]

Originally Posted by Gregg

What size screws will you be using? The normal screw size is an M3x.05. That is the best overall size to use. The tap you would need is for that screw and it takes a 1/8th clearancing bit . What size are the holes in the rails? You will need to tap them according to the hole sizes you currently have. You will destroy the screws and rails if you just try to ram home screws in the current holes.

1/8 is gonna be too big for a 3mm tap. Need to use 3/32 with some tapping fluid for the alumunium. Stops it from gumming the bits up.

[Gregg]

Well I just ran about twenty M3x.05 screws in 1/8 holes with plenty of meat left.
That is the bit size that was recommended by the hardwhare supplier and they even supplied me with a free drill bit and tap for those screws.

[ihbuilder]

I use #43 .0890 . the tap specifies 2.5 mm .0984 . I use #43 with no probs also it's the same for my 4-40 sae treads . Get a spiral point (gun tap) for non blind holes , works so much better , just a little more $ then your std taper/plug tap . when tapping use some cutting fluid of some sort and keep the tap clean

[ihbuilder]

Originally Posted by Gregg

Well I just ran about twenty M3x.05 screws in 1/8 holes with plenty of meat left.
That is the bit size that was recommended by the hardwhare supplier and they even supplied me with a free drill bit and tap for those screws.

thats funny cause , 3 mm is .1181" and 1/8" is .125 not much meat left for threading . I use .125 (1/8) for my through holes for 3 mm .

[sgt hopkins]

AAHHHH!! Too many numbers and fractions and .....

I didnt drill the holes myself, it was done for me, I am pretty sure it is all the same size holes as the stock KH. Ima just find a tap that fits just snug enough to tap em and go from there. If I screw one up, I can just nut the back of it and keep learning..

[roadranger]

What drill size to tap for 2mm screws in the top flange of the rails?

[Snochaser]

Hi- jack alert!!

While we're on the subject of tapping..........What size are the screws that are used the the mud flap holders? I need to get a tap and bit for them.

Ben

[Trucker Al]

RoadRanger,
you need a 1.6 mm drill for a 2mm tap.