Patent ID: 8052360
Filing Date: 2011-11-08
Classification: B23G,B23P,F16B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An improvement to a thread tap, the thread tap comprising a shank having a first end adapted for engagement by a rotation means, and a second end for introduction into a smooth bore of a work piece, wherein a longitudinal axis is defined between the first end and the second end, the thread tap further comprising between the first end and the second end a plurality of generally axially aligned and outwardly extending lobe members, each lobe member comprising a face comprising cutting threads, wherein each pair of adjacent lobe members is divided by a flute section, the second end of the thread tap comprising a shaft terminus comprising a flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the improvement comprising: a removable pilot member comprising a substantially cylindrical body, the removable pilot member comprising a top, a bottom, and an exterior portion, where a central axis is defined by the cylindrical body, the removable pilot member further comprising a threaded stem axially extending from the top of the removable pilot member for attaching the removable pilot member to the thread tap and detaching the removable pilot member to the thread tap, wherein the central axis of the removable pilot member coincides with the longitudinal axis of the thread tap when the removable pilot member is attached to the thread tap; and the thread tap comprising a threaded aperture in the shaft terminus for accepting the threaded stem of the removable pilot member; wherein the cutting threads have a direction opposite to the direction of the threads of the threaded stem.