Okay, so, I’ve been messing around with this thing called “fred taps,” and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. I wouldn’t say I’m an expert, but I’ve definitely learned a few things along the way, and I figured I’d share my experiences.

First off, I started by gathering all the stuff I needed. Now, I’m not one for fancy tools, but you do need a few basics. I grabbed my trusty tap and die set. I ensured I had the right size tap for the job, which is super important, by the way. Don’t want to mess that up!
Then, I got the piece I was working on ready. I drilled a hole, making sure it was the correct size for the tap I was using. There are charts and stuff you can look up online to figure out the right size, but I usually just eyeball it and hope for the best. So far, so good!
Next, I took a deep breath. Seriously, this helps. You gotta be relaxed when you’re doing this kind of thing. I started tapping, slowly turning the tap into the hole. The key here is to go slow and steady. I backed it out every couple of turns to clear out the metal shavings. And I repeated this untill I finished my work.
I’ve heard some folks use fancy cutting fluid or oil, but I usually just spit on it. Works like a charm! Just kidding, you should use oil.
Honestly, the first few times I tried this, it was a disaster. I broke a couple of taps, stripped some threads, the whole nine yards. But I kept at it, and eventually, I got the hang of it. Now, I can tap a hole like nobody’s business. I find that it is really useful.

I even tried out different types of taps – taper taps, plug taps, bottoming taps. They all have their uses, but I mostly stick with the basic ones.
- Started by gathering tools and materials.
- Prepared the workpiece by drilling a hole.
- Began tapping slowly and steadily, clearing shavings regularly.
- Persisted through initial failures and eventually succeeded.
- Experimented with different tap types.
So yeah, that’s my story about fred taps. It’s not rocket science, but it does take some practice. If I can do it, anyone can. Just remember to go slow, be patient, and don’t be afraid to mess up a few times. It’s all part of the learning process!