How to Build a Hand Tap for Turned Wooden Lamps

A quick instructable on how to build a simple tool to thread turned wooden lamps. This tool makes wiring wooden lamps very easy.

Step 1: Materials and Tools Needed

You will need following materials:

- 1 long screw, about 4 inches long
- 2 nuts that fit the screw
- 1 threaded nipple (snicker), about 4 inches long
- Plasti Dip

You will need the following tools:

- 2 pairs of pliers
- A drill and drill bit, the drill bit should be a little bit bigger than the screw's diameter
- A punch

And you will need a turned wooden lamp base as well.

Step 2: Drill Through the Threaded Nipple and Assemble

Use the punch to make a mark about 1/4 - 1/2 an inch from one end of the threaded nipple. Drill completely through.

Put one nut on the screw, then the threaded nipple, then the other screw. Use the pliers to tighten the two nuts. Try to center the threaded nipple on the screw.

Step 3: Dip the Tool Handles in Rubber

This is an optional step, but makes a big difference.

Dip the screw end into Plasti Dip and let it dry. This adds a comfortable rubber coating to the handles. You may need to dip multiple times to get the desired feel.

Step 4: Using the Tool

A 11/32" hole needs to be drilled completely through the turned wooden lamp base (preferable drilled with a drill press). Widen the top of the through hole with a 3/8" drill bit, about 1/8 inch deep. This will make the threading process easier.

Insert the tool (screw side up of course) into the hole and turn clockwise. The hardness of the wood will determine how easy this step is. Turn the tool to the desired depth and then remove. The tool will most likely be a little hot and covered in saw dust. Let it cool down and brush off the dust. Repeat the last two steps until the tool turns with ease in the lamp base.

Insert a new threaded nipple into the base and you're ready to wire the lamp.