I just bought a Ralmike Hand Tapper for $20 at a flea market. After removing some surface rust, it appears to be in good condition:
It came with one of the original adapters, for 3/8" taps. I'd like to get a full adapter set, and found a hand tapper similar to this one at MSC Direct. If that's really the same make/model, a full set of adapters costs $76, so I'm still ahead. My question is: does anyone know if the unit shown above and the one below from MSC Direct are the same? Or, do they just look the same? Here's a link to MSC's product page: http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT...01846&PMT4NO=0
One more question - at some time in the past, someone hammered an adapter onto the shaft which mushroomed the holder prongs slightly. The question is: should I try to squeeze the prongs together, or just remove the material so the adapters will fit again? The shaft's nominal size is .499", while the prongs are now .502".
Thanks for any information you can provide. There's no rush on this; that is, there is no project waiting for this tool.

One more question - at some time in the past, someone hammered an adapter onto the shaft which mushroomed the holder prongs slightly. The question is: should I try to squeeze the prongs together, or just remove the material so the adapters will fit again? The shaft's nominal size is .499", while the prongs are now .502".
Thanks for any information you can provide. There's no rush on this; that is, there is no project waiting for this tool.
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