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 Catalina 25 Specific Forum
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mcollard
1st Mate

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USA
38 Posts
Initially Posted - 05/29/2008 :  12:41:37  Show Profile
I want to install a set of mast gates I got in a kit from CD, which includes a tap to use to make a set of screw holes. Unfortunately, I find that I am lacking this basic technique--I have no idea how to go about using a tap. Can someone give me a primer, or point me in the right direction?
Mike Collard
Eagle
1983 TR/SK #4026
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PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts
Response Posted - 05/29/2008 :  13:53:45  Show Profile
It's easy.
1. Mark where you want the hole for the screws.
2. Use the drill bit supplied to drill the holes.
3. Put the threaded tapping bit in the hand drill supplied.
(if it's not supplied, get one from hardware store - ask clerk)
4. Being careful to make the threads straight, turn the hand drill tapping bit clockwise in the hole you drilled until the tapping bit is all the way through, then reverse it out.

Voila. You should be set for 10-24 machine screws since CD supplied the tap.
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PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts
Response Posted - 05/29/2008 :  13:56:25  Show Profile
oh. If the tap was not supplied. Just go the the hardware store and tell them you want a drill and tap for 10-24 machine screw and they will help you out.
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dblitz
Navigator

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240 Posts
Response Posted - 05/29/2008 :  20:50:19  Show Profile
Before you actually drill the holes and tap the threads make sure file the ends of each of the gates so they "continue" the slot on the mast. This so the sail comes down without getting stuck.
I noted which is the port and starboard on the back so I could reinstall each one in its place since filing the ends will make them different.
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ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts
Response Posted - 05/29/2008 :  21:45:21  Show Profile  Visit ddlyle's Homepage
Daniel,
Good suggestion!
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piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts
Response Posted - 05/30/2008 :  02:36:10  Show Profile  Visit piseas's Homepage
Mike, I think you were given great advise but here is a site I found:
http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Tap.
Also I just found the site on How To's. Lots of sailboat projects:http://chipford.com/projects.htm
Good luck. Lets see some pics when done.
Steve A
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mcollard
1st Mate

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USA
38 Posts
Response Posted - 05/30/2008 :  08:29:31  Show Profile
Thanks for all your help. I got the tapping bit from CD, but not anything that looks like a hand drill, so I think that's what I need. It sure didn't seem right to just put it in a power drill!
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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts
Response Posted - 05/30/2008 :  08:47:47  Show Profile
>"but not anything that looks like a hand drill"

If you're the 'right tool for the job' sort of fellow... a 'tap wrench' is used to turn the tap.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=232603-1083-358211&lpage=none

If you're a pig-farmer like me, a small crescent wrench also works to turn the tap... tapping light stuff I'll chuck the tap in a variable speed drill and use the trigger to keep the speed down. :>)
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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts
Response Posted - 05/30/2008 :  09:11:16  Show Profile
I wouldn't risk the variable speed or hand drill... it's too important to get a very slow, careful start. A tap wrench (simple T-handle) is probably the best solution.

Another suggestion: The placement of the holes is rather critical, and curved aluminum can make that tricky. After filing to size as Daniel suggested, mark the holes with circles, and then use a very small bit or sharp punch to make a hole or dent in the centers of the circles. That will center the larger bit to put the hole exactly where you want it.
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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts
Response Posted - 05/30/2008 :  22:54:56  Show Profile
>"I wouldn't risk the variable speed or hand drill..."

Likely a good thought. If you're not experienced, an $800 mast extrusion isn't the best place to practice.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.