On 2011-03-03, wrote:
On Mar 2, 9:33*pm, "DoN. Nichols" wrote:

[ ... ]

* * * * Mine (decades old, with a recent acquisition of a very similar
one from Germany which handles larger tap shanks) has a domed top with a
center drilled hole.

* * * * I've got another by General (even older, I believe) which looks
more like the rigid T-handled tap wrenches, but has a two-piece jaw
chuck, and a ratchet in the handle. *That ratchet has as bit more torque
to the click, but I still use it by preference with 0-80 taps and
similar.

* * * * I wonder who made them for General? *Two different makers I have
to believe.

[ ... ]

One of the General ones I've seen is a very close copy of one of hte
Stanleys I have. Has the ratchet slider on the side and a dome with a
centering hole. One other has a dingus on the top you have to lift
and turn to change ratchet direction, Don't care for that one. Both
have separate jaws, not spring fingers.

The older one has a square notch in the head just below the
handle and on a side which has a lever with a spring loaded pin. Set it
pointing in one direction, it feeds that direction. Set it pointing in
the other direction, it turns in that direction. Set it pointing
straight out, and it is locked against ratcheting in either direction.

I really prefer that to the sliding direction changer on the
other two tap wrenches.

Of course -- then there is the two bar tap wrench which I made
to handle up to the Morse Taper #5 reamer (barely). Started with 3/4"
square steel stock for that one. Copied one of the much smaller cheap
tap wrenches which I have.

Enjoy,
DoN.

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