Tapping Question

[FuriousSalesman]

Hi guys, I just recently disassembled my computer to accommodate some new parts so I thought I would try and clean up a few pieces of my build.

I'm currently using 2" 6-32 self tapping screws on my Thermochill. However, I want to switch to machine screws. I understand that I need to use a #6 tap.

My question is, will I run into trouble using a #6 tap where I previously used self tapping screws ?

[evil-98]

well if its self tapping 6-32 screws im assuming the holes are now threaded for 6-32 machine screws.

so why not ust get some 6-32 machine screws?

do you want to go standard or metric?

if you dont want to use 6-32 i suggest 8-32 or m4 which is alittle larger then 6-32

your not using these screws right?

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-65556269779593_1994_86308657

[Waterlogged]

well if its self tapping 6-32 screws im assuming the holes are now threaded for 6-32 machine screws.

so why not ust get some 6-32 machine screws?

do you want to go standard or metric?

if you dont want to use 6-32 i suggest 8-32 or m4 which is alittle larger then 6-32

your not using these screws right?

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-65556269779593_1994_86308657

I believe he is using those. Any time someone mentions self tapping, I automatically think wood or sheet metal screws.

[evil-98]

I believe he is using those. Any time someone mentions self taping, I automatically think wood or sheet metal screws.

i was thinking something like this which is a self tapping machine screw :shrug:

http://dkc1.digikey.com/scripts/imgsrv.dll?table=6;image=56461

[Waterlogged]

i was thinking something like this which is a self tapping machine screw :shrug:

http://dkc1.digikey.com/scripts/imgsrv.dll?table=6;image=56461

Hate to be picky but, that's a thread cutting or thread forming screw.

[evil-98]

Hate to be picky but, that's a thread cutting or thread forming screw.

isnt that the same? tapping = cutting/forming threads?

edit: you are correct

http://www.shamrockifc.com/images/screws_thread_forming_l.jpg
http://www.shamrockifc.com/images/screws_thread_cutting_l.jpg

[FuriousSalesman]

well if its self tapping 6-32 screws im assuming the holes are now threaded for 6-32 machine screws.

so why not ust get some 6-32 machine screws?

do you want to go standard or metric?

if you dont want to use 6-32 i suggest 8-32 or m4 which is alittle larger then 6-32

your not using these screws right?

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-65556269779593_1994_86308657

I am currently using the style in the above picutre.

I think self tapping sheet metal screws and machine screws have different thread spacing. I am worried that by tapping a hole where I already used self tapping screws would result in bad tap where I couldn't use machine screws.

[evil-98]

since your using those screws just go with a larger screw to avoid complications

8-32 or m4

[Waterlogged]

since your using those screws just go with a larger screw to avoid complications

8-32 or m4

+1 :up:

[FuriousSalesman]

Do you mean larger screw or larger tap? To use 8-32 screws, would I need to drill out the hole?

I am having a terrible time using any sort of power tool. Just the other day I ruined a Mountain Mods drive bay trying to modify it. I am trying to keep it simple.

[evil-98]

Do you mean larger screw or larger tap? To use 8-32 screws, would I need to drill out the hole?

I am having a terrible time using any sort of power tool. Just the other day I ruined a Mountain Mods drive bay trying to modify it. I am trying to keep it simple.

well judging by the size of those screws that your using. you could probably get away with just tapping the holes with out drilling them larger, just use some WD40 or some tapping oil to help the tap a bit

but if you want to drill it out youll need a #29 drill bit. i believe that the screw that your using is has about the same diameter of a #29 drill bit so you should be ok just taping.

sthe hole should be something like 1/8" large

hope that helps :up:

edit:

oh and practice makes perfect especially when a rads life is on the line :)

[Kilyin]

I tapped my Thermochills with regular 6-32 machine screws and a screwdriver. I'd imagine if the hole is big enough (from using those tapping screws), you can do the same with 8-32.

[FuriousSalesman]

Thanks!