Sap leaking from taps

[Mr. Red Maple]

Hey I was just wondering if anyone knew how to reduce the amount off so that leaks from the tree. I have always had the problem of sap leaking between the tap and the tree and I was wondering if you guys had any tips to stop that. Thanks Mr. red Maple

[Sunday Rock Maple]

What size and type are your taps, what type and size bit, what do you use for a drill and how do you drive the bit in?

[BreezyHill]

If you are using the correct size drill bit and the hole is straight and round there should be no sap leaking around the hole.

The price of a sap tapping bit is well worth every penny. They cut a clean hole and take the majority of the sawdust out the hole.

The other possibility is you are splitting he tree when you are seating the tap.

You want to hear a solid seat sound but not one strike more or the tree will split.

[Mr. Red Maple]

I am using a 5/16 bit with 5/16 taps and it's just the bit you would get at a hardware store. Should I scrape the bark around the area if where I want to tap if it is really un even?

[unc23win]

It is not uncommon for some taps to leak when you first tap them they should quit once they seal, which I am pretty sure happens when the wood gets wet around them. Some spouts seat a little different, but as long as you drill straight and don't split the wood they most likely will be fine. your not the only one who has experienced this same issue. There actually is a very good video by Glenn Goodrich on the Lapierre here http://www.sugaringequipment.elapier...p?no=113#video

[mellondome]

What are you tapping with? Gas drill? Cordless?
Any wobble of the drill will egg shape the hole and cause leaks as well

[morningstarfarm]

Spend the extra few bucks for a tapping bit...will be the best money you spend...then make sure your holes are straight

[BreezyHill]

I am using a 5/16 bit with 5/16 taps and it's just the bit you would get at a hardware store. Should I scrape the bark around the area if where I want to tap if it is really un even?

No, If you scrape to much and get down past the outer bark you can have a weep from that.

I use a 12 Volt drill gun for tapping. The weight is perfect to balance and use low speed not high.

Use the hardware bit for dry wood. You wil notice a difference on the first hole. Then you will treat that bit as if it were gold.

And if you find your son using it for a school project you will spin a bearing ...Been There Done That! Not my finest moment but he bough me a new bit to replace it.

Now they never leave the sugar house.

[Moser's Maple]

use low speed not high. .

I thought it was recommended to tap on high speed to prevent less wobble when drilling the hole? Trying to put my fingers on the source

[spud]

I tap high speed with new bits every year. A quick in and out and make it straight. The more time you spend going in and out of a tap hole the more problems you will have. I have found that Red Maples split more often so just seat your spout gently. No sap should be dripping around your tap holes ever.

Spud