Starrett Tap Wrench for No. 0-14 Taps - Firm Grip on Round/Square Shanks, Heat-Treated Surface, 1/4" Square Shank, 3-5/8" Body Length - 174

I purchased this tap holder after seeing it mentioned by Adam from Mythbusters. I was about to embark on tapping an 8-32 hole at a 90 degree angle in a very expensive piece of hardware. And anyone who has tapped a hole that small can appreciate what bulkier tap holders are like to use on something delicate.Once you have it in your hand, you can tell it is well built. And being small and lightweight made it very easy to feel the tap position and any resistance. I guess you get what you pay for. But paying $54 for a tap holder was about my max level of consumer pain.

This is just a lovely tool. As many Starrett products, it is beautiful and feels good in your hand.It is a very small wrench, only about 3.5 inches long. This gives you a real fingertip feel for small taps like 4-40s. Because of the small size, the clamp is not a traditional slider with a triangular notch. Instead, it is just a hardened plunger rod that turns as you tighten it. I have not found this to be a problem; my taps stayed tight and the plunger shows absolutely no wear at all.The capacity of the wrench is up to 1/4. If you want to drive larger taps, you'll need the leverage of a longer wrench anyway.

Debated if I should spend $30 for this tap wrench after I wasted $13 on a T style tap wrench from a big box store. The T style was made by a different company and felt rough to use and would not hold the tap without wobbles. This Starrett wrench is beautifully finished, holds the tap tightly and has a little hole in the tightening screw if you want to give the tap that extra bit of tightening. Like others have said this wrench is small so be sure it fits the taps you want to use it for. I use it for a M5 tap perfect fit. Good that Starrett still makes a quality product. Take good care of it should last a lifetime.

Very well made just as expected. Replacing a 30 plus year old handle that has seen better days and the new one is as well made as the original.

Finally a tap holder that fits tiny tap sizes like #8 and #10. Used it with 10-32 and it worked good. Only downside is $54 is way too much for it.

Starrett quality item and easy to use

It's everything you expect from Starrett.

Don't cheap out. You only get one chance to tap it right. This tool cost for a reason. Cheap copies will only leave you frustrated and you will end up buying this anyway. If the hole is important, buy high quality taps and tools. Ask me how I know.