I would never use a wire brush on a tap or die.
Any sharp edge will be dulled.

Use a fiber brush. Use a part washer or transmission fluid or
the like to clean.

These cut strong iron pipe. If really nasty - parts washer or a
container with sink dish washing soap - and a fiber brush.

Martin

On 7/17/2011 6:37 PM, Ignoramus26063 wrote:
I have a few pipe taps for pipes ranging from 2 inch NPT to 5 inch
NPT. They are big, very heavy, and grimy, slightly rusted and very
dirty.

My question is, can I clean them with a motor mounted wire brush, or
will it be somehow deleterious to the cutting edges.

i