General Tools 0 to ¼ in. Ratchet Tap Wrench
$24.89
General Tools – Reversible Ratchet – Great for right or left handed use, this self-centering, hardened tool comes with steel jaws and a knurled chuck. Ratchet can lock for non-ratchet functioning.
Only 10 left in stock
Description
General Tools has grown to become the recognized industry leader for specialty hand tools and instruments. This Ratchet can be set for right- or left-hand operation or locked for non-ratchet use. Self-centering, hardened tool steel jaws and knurled chuck sleeve provide positive grip on taps, reamer’s and small tools. Sliding T-handle for fitting into tight spaces with operator leverage.
- 3-1/2 in. L
- Tap capacity 0-1/4 in. (1.6 to 6.3 mm)
- Ratchet lock out feature
- Conforms to GGG-W-680a
- Durable construction
- 1-year warranty
- Replaceable jaws (JAWS F/161R)
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Additional information
| Weight | 0.7 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.30 × 6.60 × 6.60 in |
| Hand Tool Type | Taps |
| Individual/Set | Individual |
| Measurement Standard | Metric, SAE, USS |
| Model | 161R |
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Thread spacing | .02 |
| Tools Product Type | Hand Tool |
Reviews (13)
13 reviews for General Tools 0 to ¼ in. Ratchet Tap Wrench
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Alanna Parker (verified owner) –
The General Tools 0 to 1/4 in. Ratchet Tap Wrench is a beautiful piece of machining. I have used taps and dies when working on automotive, bicycle or ATV components and didn’t know this type of tool existed. This tool indexed the tap solidly and securely, unlike the cheap “T” handle that came with my tap and die set.In the past, I have used the basic “T” handle that comes with tap and die sets and often struggled with getting a tap started, especially with tapping new threads. No so with this handle. The ratcheting design allowed me to keep continuous pressure on the tap while establishing the first course or two of threads. Once that was accomplished, I turned the selector to the non-ratcheting position for completing the hole.My tool did not come with instructions, but figuring out the basics was easy. You pull up and turn the selector all the way in one direction (180 degrees) or the other, depending on the direction you need to turn. The position in between locks the ratcheting so you can reverse the tap at every complete revolution to break away any cuttings made during the tapping process. Use the middle position for chucking or un-chucking you tap or drill bit.I am glad to have this tool as part of my arsenal. If you use taps often, you will save yourself lots of frustration and time with the General Tools Ratchet Tap Wrench.
Cristal Hermiston (verified owner) –
Details matter in good tools, and GENERAL got them all right with this one.It’s precision made from high carbon tool steel. The jaws are self-aligning and lock securely on my smallest taps, and even on 1/16th” drill bits! The chuck works smoothly and has ZERO slop. Very reassuring! The cross bar provides the correct amount of leverage so it’s easy to turn the TAP in either direction, buy difficult to apply too much force that could break fragile taps. Ratcheting action comes in very handy when trying to hold a perfect perpendicular angle.The hefty weight and balance make this a dream to use! Highly recommended!
Dell Streich (verified owner) –
Working in a machine shop I am always drilling and tapping some piece of equipment. I used my last one under heavy use and it lasted 2 years with out a problem. Then the ratchet switch on the top broke off. If bought for home use will last a life time.
Wilbert Dietrich (verified owner) –
Like a lot of people, I may use a tap set to cut threads once or twice a year. In fact, I don’t even own a complete set, just single taps I bought for various projects as I needed them. I find starting to cut threads in a drilled hole the hardest part of the whole process. Keeping the tap vertical to the hole for those first few threads is sometimes a challenge. I usually approach the hole with a grip almost like using an awl. I line up carefully and cut the first half turn, but then I have to re-position my hand to continue. In the process, I invariably wind up skewing the handle and tap.Enter the General ratcheting tap handle! I no longer have to re-position my hand. In fact, I can start cutting the thread with as little as an eighth of a turn or less and can keep my hand positioned vertical to the hole. Starting the threads is a whole lot easier, and once started, you can continue to use the ratchet, and switch to using both hands to finish the bore. The tool is very well made. You may want to have a paper towel handy when you first get it as it will be covered in manufacturing oil. Also, the device comes with no directions, not that you need them if you’ve ever used a tap set before. The ratcheting latch, however was a bit of a mystery to me until I realized that you have to pull up the button to twist it into forward, reverse & non-ratchet. The handle positions at center or can be pushed to either side for more leverage. It’s a great tool and I find it to be very easy to use and convenient.
Kristina Hayes (verified owner) –
Haven’t had the need to use this yet but testing a few of the functions. The tool is made solid and has the ability to ratchet easily for left, right and in the lock position. It has good weight and a great grip. The head appears to hold smaller items like bits, up to about 3/8th or so, but nothing larger. I can see this coming in handy for several applications that need a little extra leverage.
Marielle Parker (verified owner) –
The General Tools 0 to 1/4 in. Ratchet Tap Wrench is a beautiful piece of machining. I have used taps and dies when working on automotive, bicycle or ATV components and didn’t know this type of tool existed. This tool indexed the tap solidly and securely, unlike the cheap “T” handle that came with my tap and die set.In the past, I have used the basic “T” handle that comes with tap and die sets and often struggled with getting a tap started, especially with tapping new threads. No so with this handle. The ratcheting design allowed me to keep continuous pressure on the tap while establishing the first course or two of threads. Once that was accomplished, I turned the selector to the non-ratcheting position for completing the hole.My tool did not come with instructions, but figuring out the basics was easy. You pull up and turn the selector all the way in one direction (180 degrees) or the other, depending on the direction you need to turn. The position in between locks the ratcheting so you can reverse the tap at every complete revolution to break away any cuttings made during the tapping process. Use the middle position for chucking or un-chucking you tap or drill bit.I am glad to have this tool as part of my arsenal. If you use taps often, you will save yourself lots of frustration and time with the General Tools Ratchet Tap Wrench.
Connie Kovacek (verified owner) –
These ratcheting type tap handles work extremely well in a tight fit spot. Working on autos and other things there are a lot of places that you can not get a normal tap handle into and get a full turn out of. And then you find yourself with a headache and taking it off and turning the handle around to get more rotation. That dosen’t happen with these! You just turn the handle back, and keep going. Made well and work even better! Handy and must have for anyone in the auto and “handyman” club.
Seamus Barrows (verified owner) –
If you are a mechanic then you know what I mean. The old stile tap wrench with the fingers that grip the tap ware and brake easy. They ware out to fast you are always replacing them. Well not any more. The General Tools 0 to 1/4 in. Ratchet Tap Wrench is like a drill chuck with a ratcheting handle. It ratchets left or right and locks like a ratchet handle for sockets. Nice design and high quality metal. I hope this helps. Good luck with your projects.
Jazmyne Cole (verified owner) –
This is probably the best, or one of the best tap wrench handles “quality-wise”, that I have encountered. It has heft and feels very precise in one’s hands.Overall it appears much like any other tap wrench and the “T” handle moves from side to side for close quarters like most as well.This wrench features a “ratcheting” handle though and has a small knurled switch that must be pulled up, and swung to one side or the other in order to ratchet. It can also be centered so that it acts just like any other solid tap wrench handle.When tapping a hole though, it is customary to start and turn the wrench clockwise and few turns and then back off a turn or two to clear the tap of cuttings. It appears to me that the ratching function here is more of a hindrance than a help. Other than cleaning up some existing threads, I can’t see where the ratcheting feature would be useful in most cases.
Jarrett Wintheiser (verified owner) –
This 0-1/4″ ratcheting Tap wrench that is self centering, hardened jaws that are replaceable, it also has a positive , left or right ratchet with a center lock position and also a captive sliding “T” handle. Unlike some of the cheaper versions of tap wrenches I have owned over the years that (came in a set with taps) the taps worked ok but the tap wrenches were junk, this does a great job of holding the taps securely and straight. And I expect many years of dependable service out of it! Another plus is that it costs about 30% less than the “Name Brand”.
Marjorie Schroeder (verified owner) –
General Tools has once again shown that they make some of the best tools money can buy. This little tap wrench is a gem and makes putting wrinkles (threads) in materials very easy. This tap wrench holds taps up to 1/4” firmly and true. The tap wrench ratchets in both directions about one quarter turn between each of the ratchets teeth. Its very easy to reverse the ratchet both right and left, and can also lock in any of the ratcheting positions.This tap wrench is made to exacting tolerances and the fit and finish is outstanding. Everything about this tool screams top quality. Everything has a smooth and satin finish that just feels right in your hands. This is a tool that will last for many decades. This only minus is the lack of a centering hole for starting the tap in a lathe.Highly recommend this tool for trades or DYI’ers.
Sophia Hand (verified owner) –
Basically a hobbyist or home grade tool if you keep your expectations a little lower. Direction switch mechanism is a little crude but does work. Also made in India if that matters to some. I keep changing back to a straight little t-handle because the 161R, if not carefully used, can snap smaller tap drills. I use the 4-40 often so this tool is not ideal for it. Also, when you receive this product in a very brand new condition, be careful of the sharp edges around the lower part and slivers that may protrude from it. it is best to use a miniature file to break down the edges then vigorously brush around the cylindrical with a steel brush to remove the nasty slivers.
Jammie Hilpert (verified owner) –
Nice workmanship and works great for hand tapping with smaller taps. Would be 5 stars if it still had the center hole in the back for guided tapping that used to be on the older models.