How to make a threaded hole

[regal]

I want to tap my skimmer collecting cup and thread a 90 degree connector for easy emptying. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[NYreefNoob]

figure out the size hole you need and buy a tap for it once u drill it use the tap to get the threads, hd carries them as well as most car parts store
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...3&productId=100079502&N=10000003+90401+503441

 

[regal]

figure out the size hole you need and buy a tap for it once u drill it use the tap to get the threads, hd carries them as well as most car parts store
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...3&productId=100079502&N=10000003+90401+503441

I thought it was that easy until I went to homedepot and another hardware store trying to get the stuff. But apparently, it is not as easy as I thought. I need to get the right size drill to start the hole and then the tap to make the threads. And then something about how many threads per inch. I don't know if that particular tap that home depot sell is the right one for the John Guest fitting with the threads on one end and the connector on the other.

 

[FRY]

what size fitting are you going to use 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch

 

[Wes]

I thought it was that easy until I went to homedepot and another hardware store trying to get the stuff. But apparently, it is not as easy as I thought. I need to get the right size drill to start the hole and then the tap to make the threads. And then something about how many threads per inch. I don't know if that particular tap that home depot sell is the right one for the John Guest fitting with the threads on one end and the connector on the other.

you have to look at the type of thread the John Guest fitting has. It says it on the package. It's been along time since i did mine, but if i remember correctly, Home Depot didnt carry the tap i needed to fit the threading on the John Guest fitting. I had to order it from the internet. I believe the john guest uses NPT but it's been a long time, it says it on the package.

 

[regal]

what size fitting are you going to use 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch

Either the 1/4 or the 3/8 OD tubing is what I plan on using. I want to drain the skimmer cup of my H&S skimmer. If I use the 1/4", i can use a tee to connect it to my RO waste water line. Which one would you suggest?

 

[regal]

Thank you Wes for the info. I'll look into that.

 

[FRY]

1/4 od is to small for drain use 3/8 or 1/2 od

 

[emmanuel]

go with the 1/2 inch if you cant find the tap you can always buy a 1/2 inch nipple file 3 small grooves in it and use that as a tap

 

[regal]

Thank you all for the suggestions. Can I rent those tools from someone who has done it before?

 

[FRY]

i have 1/2 tap and drill bit

 

[regal]

i have 1/2 tap and drill bit

Would you be kind enough to help me with it if I bring the collecting cup to your place? :splitspin

 

[cali_reef]

You are better off emptying the cup every few days and CLEAN the neck to get optimum performance.

Having a remote drain cup is a bad idea for needle wheel skimmers, it does not auto shut off like beckett type skimmers.

 

[pecan2phat]

I would check for clearance on your skimmer cup, I don't think you have enough room for a 1/2" tap but i could be wrong. You have the 10" diameter model correct?

Don't listen to Cali
I have a tapped cup on my H&S

 

[cali_reef]

His cup is big enough for 1/2" drain, he's got the monster 12" :lol2:.

 

[regal]

His cup is big enough for 1/2" drain, he's got the monster 12" :lol2:.

I thought it was 10". I don't even know what I have. The A250 is 250mm=10", no? Who's the engineer here?:smash:

 

[cali_reef]

That was a joke :lol2: