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There are three basic types of taps used for cutting female threads.

A taper tap has a long taper that is easier to start in a hole. Because of this long taper, a more gradual cutting action is produced. This reduces tap breakage in smaller sizes or harder materials.

A plug tap has a shorter taper that allows starting in an unthreaded hole, but produces a more aggressive cut. This is the most common type of tap.

A bottoming tap does not have a tapered end. It is not possible to start this type of tap in an unthreaded hole. This tap is used to finish cutting threads in the bottom of a blind hole.

In this picture, a plug tap has hit the bottom of a blind hole. Because of the taper, the bottom few threads are only partly cut. This tap is backed out and a bottoming tap is used to finish the job.

The local hardware store probably isn’t going to stock a bottoming tap. In a pinch, I have cut the tapered tip off of a plug tap and used it for a bottoming tap. Use a cut off wheel and work slowly. Cool the tap frequently in cold water so you don’t change the temper.

In a previous article, I wrote about an iPhone tripod adapter I made from a plastic clamp…

iPhone Tripod Adapter

The adapter worked, but I decided to make something better.

I made my second version from welded steel. A 1/4″-20 nut is welded to the bottom to fit a standard tripod. The clamp nut is a #10-32.

I designed the adapter to clamp around my rubber iPhone case. Just place the iPhone in the adapter, squeeze it closed, and tighten the clamp lock nut.

I’ve been looking for an original Workmate for years. I want the vintage model with cast parts. I’ve only seen one in pictures, never in real life.

Used Workmates are usually severely beat. Today I came across an older model in great condition. While not the original with cast parts, I thought it was a good deal at $40.

It’s time for a new fence at my house. I broke my old fence post level, so I went looking for a new one.

I went to Lowes first and looked at a Swanson Wood Magnet. It looked liked it would fit a 2×4, but I was skeptical of how it would work with a 4×4 post.

My next stop was at the Home Depot. They had a Kapro post level that was marked with the Husky brand. This level has magnets, can fold, and has click locks at every 15°. It looked too fiddly to me.

I settled on an Empire post level. This tool is simple, well made, and low-cost. It works with wood posts or steel pipe. The included rubber band was old and brittle, so I hand stitched a new band from elastic.

Made in the USA and available on Amazon…

Empire Post Level

They really hit a home run with this new wrench. This 6 in x 150 mm wrench is the perfect gift for a homeowner with limited tools. One end is for standard fasteners and has a maximum opening of 15/16 in. The other end is for metric fasteners and has a maximum opening of 24 mm. Made in the USA.