Trick for Cleaner Threads

The next time you have to tap a hole in metal—perhaps when building a jig with an aluminum part or two­—try this simple trick for starting the tap square with the hole. Into a small block of wood, use your drill press to make a hole that snugly fits the tap. Place the block over the hole in the metal and let the block guide the tap at 90°. Remember to use cutting oil.

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