IRWIN 1008ZR Tap 3-48Nc Taper

This is a hard to find size (3-48), as a matter of fact I can say you won't be able to find it at your local hardware store. So yeah, internet is your best option (Amazon)! Be aware of other sites and vendors; this tool, specially small sizes under 4-40 must be new or near perfect condition, with no rust, in other to do its job and not fail. Be extremely careful working with this size, start always with a "taper" and 2 or 3 drops of cutting fluid or wd-40 and a combination of light motor oil, turn tool just 1/8 and back-off then forward on same 1/8 travel for 3 or 4 times, then proced 1/8 of new travel, back off and repeat the same process. After the first 2 or 3 threads back-off completely clean with wd-40 and apply oil (every time a new thread or "travel") is created. After 4 or 5 new travels change the tap for a "plug tap" or "bottoming tap", then repeat same process like with the "taper" ,then with "plug" and back and forth with all taps. Procedure is the same with all 3 type of taps that you need to use. It is a tedious work but the only way, not rush, not anxiety, but nerves of steel! You will break at least one, inside the job.. Most likely ruining it, guaranteed! And not it's not the tool fault! It's the way it is!

End of tap is improperly ground, making it unusable junk. I'd say this seller is passing off factory rejects as "new."

Little tap cuts fine.

Easy to use