Tap Guide FAQs

That would be us! Big Gator Tools is the direct manufacturer of the V-DrillGuides and V-TapGuides.

We carry 4 tap guides. 3 Standard/Imperial V-TapGuides and 1 Metric V-TapGuide.

The "v-groove" is a 90° design that runs through the entire guide. The "v-groove" is found on the bottom of the guide and ensures perpendicular alignment on round and cornered material.

A V-TapGuide is a tap guide that answers the call to accurately guide hand-tapped threads on the inside of a hole to accept a machine screw or bolt. If you start every hole straight, it will help prevent tap breakage and increase the tap life. 

The tap guide can also be used to restore an internal thread that has been damaged or to cut a new, larger thread in case of severe damage or stripping.

The V-TapGuide is made to guide common used ground threaded taps for their called-out bolt size. STI (Screw Thread Inserts) V-TapGuide is made to guide oversized ground threaded taps made for the outside diameter for the screw threaded inserts needed for the called-out bolt size. Standard taps will not work with the STI V-TapGuides.       

The tap guide is offered in Standard or Metric sizes. The STI V-TapGuide is offered in Coarse or Fine Thread Sizes.

The V-TapGuide is easy to use: place the tap guide on the work surface, with the "v-groove" side resting on the surface. Insert the tap through the guide into the pre-drilled hole and turn it clockwise. The tap will then be aligned perpendicularly using the guide as the base; this will ensure a straight and accurately tapped hole. Every few turns, back the tap out counterclockwise to clear the chips. It's beneficial to hand tap because the tap resistance can be felt and that feel helps prevent tap breakage. Tap straight - every time!