Removing a Broken Tap

**Improvised DIY** · Oct 20, 2022, 04:43 AM

I know there will be a debate whether the hole is blind or not. It's just a method I use in this scenario.

**dbat74** · Oct 20, 2022, 07:52 PM

Well we always used a tap extractor or shattered it and got it out piece by piece.

**that_other_guy** · Oct 20, 2022, 08:27 PM

I don't believe there is any debate..... you did every thing from the backside..... this is simply NOT a blind hole ...at least by my working definition.
You could not do this from within a cylinder bore, etc.

I would add, that not only safety glasses but during that press phase, at least,a full face mask and safety cage around the press should be used.

Thanks for sharing!
Brian

**hemmjo** · Oct 21, 2022, 04:55 AM

I have a small heat treating furnace. I have used it to anneal the part, which also anneals the tap. Then you can just drill it out. Depending on the intended final use of the part, annealing does not hurt it.

I have not tried it yet but, a self cleaning oven gets to between 700-900˚ F which is pretty much the high limit of tempering. Depending on the tap, that might make it soft enough to drill out.