Any one want enfield taps?

[scout7]

Could be interested if cost is reasonable. Mainly interested in the small screw threads.

[tomjw3]

I would be interested if the price is reasonable.

[Peter Laidler]

Just order what you want from Tracey tools. You won't (?) find quality taps and dies anywhere cheaper in England.

They stock EVERYTHING. I even got some Thompson gun SAE size taps and they even got me Enfield bolt head size too

GREAT firm to deal with. Just tell 'em what you want

[Edward Horton]

Not to step on RJWT32 or Mr. Laidlers British source BUT for the Americans who bought British sports cars and Enfield Rifles………………….


British Tools & Fasteners: TAPS

[Big Ball Bag]

Very good site, best info I have seen for a long time.

[Andyg009]

Ha s any one any idea where I can get Enfield tread taps and dies, particularly those for the treads used on the SMLE Mk III.

Regards

Andy G

[Alan de Enfield]

Ha s any one any idea where I can get Enfield tread taps and dies, particularly those for the treads used on the SMLE Mk III.

Regards

Andy G

This has been asked on numerous occasions over the years and the general consensus is "not available".

The No1 threads were an in-house 'Enfield Special'

Examples :
Rear Trigger Guard Screw No1 Mk3 = 0.144" dia x 37 TPI
Front Trigger Guard Screw No1 Mk3 = 0.25" dia x 30 TPI

Rear Trigger Guard Screw No4 = 4BA (0.142" dia x 38.5 TPI)
Front Trigger Guard Screw No4 = 1/4" BSF x 26 TPI

Close but not the same

[Bruce_in_Oz]

Alan is spot on!

The only thing approaching a "standard" thread on a SMLE is the stock bolt: 0.4375 x 14 TPI. This is close enough to 7/16 Whitworth, apart from the "Enfield" thread form.

Enfield did its own "thing" with thread forms until the No4 came along. Lots of odd pitches: 33 and 37 TPI being popular. How many forumers have a lathe that will cut 37 TPI? Let alone the 26 1/3 TPI of the bayonet catch and nut and dial sight screw, or the 42 TPI on the extractor screw. With custom screw making machinery, it's a walk in the park, however, I suspect that the enormous problems of providing custom tooling to a myriad manufacturers in the peddled scheme of WW1 provided an interesting lesson. Hence the change to Whitworth, BSF and BA on the No4.

As near as I can understand it, Enfield thread form is 49deg 40min included angle, with radiused roots and crests similar to BA form. but I stand to be corrected.

Over on the Enfield Apprentices website there is a table of Enfield threads. See here:

Threads for Lee Enfield Rifle

Interestingly, this site lists the stock bolt as 7/16 Whitworth, but A. I. D. 1319 lists it as .4375 x 14 RH (Enfield Standard).

Hope everyone has had a good Christmas and best wishes for the new year.

[Warren]

If anyone is going to get taps and dies made for anyone...GET THE MONEY UP FRONT !!!!!
As previously stated, the Enfield taps and dies were done in the UK some years ago and it took 4 or 5 years to sell off the 10 sets. Almost with out exception, those who ordered them got REAL scarce. I've had the same thing happen as well, so now, no money up front, no deal.

[Enfieldlock]

The present economic climate does not encourage speculative ventures and the manufacture of this tooling is very speculative.

The front trigger guard screw is 1/4-in x 30tpi. Taps and dies for this can be obtained from UK as it is a standard in the model making business. The stockbolt thread can be dressed using a 7/16 BSW.