Self aligning tap

Abstract

A tap for forming threads in a workpiece is provided. The tap includes a shank having a first end adapted for insertion in a hand tool and a second end. The tap also includes a threaded shaft portion extending from the second end of the shank, the shaft portion includes a substantially uniform diameter and threads. The tap further includes a substantially cylindrical tip extending from the shaft portion. The tip has a diameter less than the diameter of the shaft portion and a length sufficient to co-axially align the tap with an sized opening of a workpiece to be tapped.

1 . A tap for forming threads in a workpiece, the tap comprising:
 (a) a shank having a first end adapted for insertion in a hand tool and a second end;   (b) a threaded shaft portion extending from the second end of the shank, the shaft portion having a substantially uniform diameter and threads; and   (c) a substantially cylindrical tip extending from the shaft portion, the tip having a diameter less than the diameter of the shaft portion and a length sufficient to co-axially align the tap with an sized opening of a workpiece to be tapped.   
   
   
       2 . The tap of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one flute alternating with the threads. 
   
   
       3 . The tap of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one flute is a helical flute. 
   
   
       4 . The tap of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of flutes alternating with the threads. 
   
   
       5 . The tap of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of flutes are helical in shape. 
   
   
       6 . A self-aligning tap for forming threads in a suitably-sized opening, the tap comprising:
 (a) a shank having a first end and a second end;   (b) a tang extending from the first end of the shank;   (c) a substantially cylindrical shaft portion having a substantially uniform diameter and including a threaded portion extending from the second end of the shank; and   (d) a substantially cylindrical tip extending from the shaft, the tip having a diameter less than the diameter of the shaft portion and a tip length less than a length of the shaft portion.   
   
   
       7 . The tap of  claim 6 , further comprising at least one flute alternating with threads of the threaded portion. 
   
   
       8 . The tap of  claim 6 , further comprising a plurality of flutes alternating with threads of the threaded portion. 
   
   
       9 . The tap of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one flute is a helical flute. 
   
   
       10 . A self-aligning tap for forming threads in a suitably-sized opening, the tap comprising:
 (a) a shank having a first end adapted for insertion in a hand tool capable of producing a rotational motion and a second end;   (b) a substantially cylindrical shaft extending from the second end of the shank, the shaft having a substantially uniform diameter and threads; and   (c) means for aligning the tap with an opening in a workpiece.   
   
   
       11 . The tap of  claim 11 , further comprising at least one flute alternating with the threads. 
   
   
       12 . The tap of  claim 12 , wherein at least one flute is a helical flute.