TAPMATE
™
XL 424 OPERATING MANUAL
27
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
The TapMate XL‑424, will provide a long life if it is properly cleaned and maintained
between uses.
With many external moving parts, it is necessary to keep the Machine as clean as possi‑
ble, particularly the threaded sections of the Machine. These areas should be cleaned,
lubricated and inspected for damage before and after each use. Damaged threads are
very rare if kept clean, and the Machine is properly handled. If threads become dam‑
aged, they are easily repaired with a File if the damage is caught before becoming
wedged in its mating part.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE: The following steps should be performed after each use.
It's important to lubricate the external threads with penetrating type oil (WD40 is an
example). This will allow the Brake Tube and Lead Nut to smoothly rotate.
When assembling to do a tap, inspect the Hub Adapter O‑Ring and the Adapter Bell
Flat Gasket. Replace as needed.
Examine the Retention Ball System. It should require firm pressure to depress the balls,
and they should snap back into place smoothly. If the balls are sticking, disassemble and
clean the Hole, Ball and Spring. Reassemble and re‑examine to ensure that the Reten‑
tion Balls are functioning properly.
Check to see that the Spade Bit is sharp and that it is held securely in the slot. If the
Spade Bit is chipped or damaged, it should be replaced or repaired. For PVC Pilots,
check that the teeth are sharp and not damaged; repair or replace if so.
It is important to keep the Jam Nuts tight. Keeping them tight will hold the Cutter
securely in place, and will also simplify their removal. Use only sharp Hex Wrenches to
tighten Set Screws when securing Jam Nuts.
ANNUAL MAINTENANCE: The following steps should be performed yearly.
Lubricate the Shaft as it moves through the inside of the Lead Tube:
To do this, remove both 1/8”‑ 27 NPTF Set Screws located in the scale of the Lead Tube.
In one hole, install the provided 1/8”-27 NPTF Zirc fitting. Use the other Set Screw hole
as a vent for the incoming Grease. Attach a Grease Gun to the Zirc fitting and pump
in non‑water soluble Grease, (such as water pump Grease*), until the Grease begins
to come out the Vent Hole. If at any time the Grease appears white, this indicated that
water has gotten inside, and in this case, the grease should be removed and replaced.
When finished, remove the Zirc fitting, and replace both Set Screws. Once tightened,
make sure the Set Screws are below the surface of the Scale.
Lubricate the Lead Nut bearings:
To do this, remove the 1/8”‑27 NPTF Set Screw that is located in the scale of the Thrust
Tube near the Lead Nut Handles. Replace with the same 1/8” ‑27 NPTF Zirc Fitting.
Pump 5 shots of Grease into the Lead Nut Bearings. When done take out the Zirc Fitting
and replace the Set Screw, making sure that it is below the surface of the Scale.
Lubricate the Back Bearings:
To do this, remove the Set Screw located in the Back Plate of the Machine (where the
square end of the Shaft extends out of the Machine). With the 1/8”‑27 NPTF Zirc Fitting
in place, pump five (5) shots of Grease into the Back Bearings.
*Note: Romac uses Fuchs Lubricants "FM 2", any equivalent food-grade grease conforming to NSF-H1 may be used.
