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Tool Tap handle Starrett 91B or Greenfield #4?

Tool
slow-poke

slow-poke

Ultra Member
I'm looking for a quality tap handle about 9" long.
This style.....
91a.webp


From what I have read:


+ The old Starrett handles are really good and hold the tap very tightly and the handle does not loosen up while using.
+ The new Starrett handles have heat-treat and other issues and are simply not a quality tool anymore since the company was sold

+ Greenfield (vintage) highly rated, not sure if the handle stays tight (really don't want a tool that constantly needs to be re-tightened while using.

Anyone use the Greenfield #4?
Anyone tried both?

Comments please.
 
I purchased a new Starrett 91B tap handle from ITM last year. I've only used it 20 times or so, but I am a big fan. It does an incredible job of staying tight which was the main reason I got it as that is my biggest gripe from all the cheap tap handles. I've not used the greenfield model.
 
I'll add that I was also going to try and buy a second hand one, and I'm sure I could have eventually found a cheaper one, but all the second hand ones on ebay were more expensive than new from ITM
 
Xyphota said:
I purchased a new Starrett 91B tap handle from ITM last year. I've only used it 20 times or so, but I am a big fan. It does an incredible job of staying tight which was the main reason I got it as that is my biggest gripe from all the cheap tap handles. I've not used the greenfield model.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that, yes some of the eBay sellers are out of control . I just placed an order with ITM, Free shipping, I hope I get a good one.
 
I might have a Greenfield. Sure looks like the Amazon pic. Its 'OK' but Starrett is nicer (although also nutty expensive these days). I could post a pic if you're interested.
I'm wondering if they used to be nicer & subsequently sold their soul (ebay pic looks different)


www.worthpoint.com

Lot 2 Greenfield No 6 and 7 TAP WRENCH HANDLE MACHINIST TOOLMAKER TOOL | #372638474

_ 2 hand tap Greenfield No. 0 and No.5.used, working. you pay shipping $ 10 .00 in 50 states. bid with your confidence, and thank you for watching.
www.worthpoint.com www.worthpoint.com
 
Starrett 91B on the way.

Does look very similar to Moore & Wright, when I searched M&R I find quite a few small "Engineer" handles (3-4" long) did M&R make them a bit larger ~9" long?
 
There must be something about the way a tap handle is used that makes them come loose. ALL of mine do that. Both big and small. I hate it!
 
Susquatch said:
What do you think the chances are that this 91B is genuine? They also have a 91A.

Starrett 91B Tap Wrench, 3/16" - 1/2" Tap Size, 5/32" - 9/32" Square Shank Diameter, 9" Body Length : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement

Starrett 91B Tap Wrench, 3/16" - 1/2" Tap Size, 5/32" - 9/32" Square Shank Diameter, 9" Body Length : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement
a.co
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Gee I thought the previous Amazon link to the Greenfield wrench was even more suspect!

 
Canadium said:
Gee I thought the previous Amazon link to the Greenfield wrench was even more suspect!
Click to expand...

Ya, but at least that one ships from Amazon direct. The Starretts ship from someplace outside of Canada....... :oops:
 
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Susquatch said:
Ya, but at least that one ships from Amazon direct. The Starretts ship from someplace outside of Canada.......
Click to expand...
Ya but the price doesn't seem to be even in the right ball park and close examination of the picture looks to me like the Amazon version is made cheaply from cast parts like a Canadian Tire model whereas pics of the genuine article show parts with more angular edges that are clearly carefully machined.
 
What do you think the chances are that this 91B is genuine?
Click to expand...

Step right up, spin the wheel, everybody's a winner!

I wouldn't buy from Amazon if there was an alternative, you don't know what you'll get. Starrett has an office and warehouse in Canada, in Mississauga. Not sure if they sell direct, but if you call KBC I believe they will price match. otoh you're left paying for shipping.....I'd ask what KBC can do for you....they have to be feeling the pressure from Amazon and I believe there are very large margins on the stuff.

The other thing to try is find some little local industrial supply place. They're all over. If you find an intelligent one, because they don't stock it, bringing one in for you at a discount to get your sale is still like found money
 
I'm thinking the cat's meow would be to make my own. But before I did that I would need to experience the genuine top models to understand why they have the reputation.
 
before I did that I would need to experience the genuine top models to understand why they have the reputation.
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It would be a good project. You're welcome to drop by and test tap a few lol. Aside from the mechanical function, the Starretts are so nice because of the feel, they've got the shape and finish right. It'll be a lot of filing and polishing, which can be rewarding in its own right.

I've been fortunate to get a few over the years as part of complete tool kit purchases, but I can't believe what they want for them now. For a tradesman, the 91C + HST is going to be over a days work after tax, cripes even before tax....I can't imagine they are a big seller.
 
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Mcgyver said:
if you call KBC I believe they will price match. otoh you're left paying for shipping.....
Click to expand...

Good idea. I will give them a call. I am an hour away from their store in Oldcastle. I get over that way fairly often cuz 3 of my kids live that direction. I'd prolly try to get all 3 Starretts and then sell (or give away) my other handles of that size. Not the 3/4 or 1 inch though - they are crap too but nothing to replace them with that I can afford.
 
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