Fun with Whitworth Bolts, Custom Bicycle Part
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 พ.ค. 2019
- A bit longer of a video, but had a few interesting things happen in the shop over the last week. Got some new tools, a couple more parts disassembled on the shaper, and my friend Matt needed some small custom parts made for his mountain bike.
As always, thanks for watching! - บันเทิง
Yes Everett, that WAS most interesting, it is small little one off jobs that attract most people onto the machinists channels, please keep on keeping me entertained and many thanks for your hard work in filming, editing and posting, it is very much appreciated....10/10.
Thanks Rich, it's cool to know that others are interested in this sort of stuff too. I'm just doing as I would be doing anyway, and bringing the camera along for who's up for joining in!
I have a full set of Withworth tools that my father had for working on his English cars back in the 40's.
Yeah, they're handy for working on anything old and British, that's for sure. It's not a horrible system once a person figures out what the conventions are for it, and lots of very cool stuff has been built using Whitworth and BA systems.
I am British and a Draughtsman Mechanical engineering in the 1970s we had B.S.Whitworth. Some had the per-war and post-war heads to contend with plus US screws for export as well as changing to Metric sizes as joining European I.S.O. system requirements lots of costly things.
Wow, that must have been a headache and a half - I bet you were glad when the affordable electronic calculators came out at about that time so you could do the conversions quicker. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate the Whitworth system. I am happy to work within a system as long as it works, it's up to me to learn the system. Whitworth worked for making all sorts of cool stuff for almost 150 years, it can't be that bad!
I was a fabricator for 25 years and switched back and forth between metric and imperial on a weekly basis depending on who ordered the job. I feel your pain.
Lol, yeah, here in Canada, like pretty much most of the former Commonwealth, have to be bilingual in measurement systems. I can see merits and weaknesses in both systems, to be honest. Thanks for popping by!
Everetts custom bicycle shop. Well done. Back in the 60's I experienced the frustration of some Whitworth bolts on British motorcycles.
Thanks Harold, Matt was happy with it. It's cool that Joseph Whitworth came up with a standardized thread when he did, just too bad his standard was not compatible with the new systems that came later.
We use those l/h socket sets down under as well , AKA a shifter !!! I grew up on Whitworth threads from when i was about 10 years old in my Dads shop . You can use your mag base indicator to back up the metric movements on the cross slide . I do the conversions when in metric as well , it's a pain in the ass ! . Cheers .
Well, I've got a 0-2" indicator, but no 0-50mm one, so this is as good as it gets for now. For the $150 a 50mm indicator would run me, I can use an $8 calculator, lol
sweet part! and a fun to make part!
Thanks Vince! It's the most fun when you make parts for friends and see them light up with a smile.
@@EverettsWorkshop for sure everette---a smile and its warmth is worth mnore than any amount of money!
Of course now you know everyone is gonna want a set of whitworth wrenches, just to say they got a set!
Well, if they're going to be working on old stuff from the UK, they'll need them, for sure!
I haven’t had to work with Whitworth fasteners since the 70’s. They didn’t make sense then and I see now they still don’t make sense. Nice job on the spacers.
Thanks, my buddy Matt seemed happy enough with the spacers. The Whitworth system, and its variants through the years, is definitely not intuitive for any of us in the former colonies, that's for darn sure, but lots of really cool stuff was built using that system of fastener. Still prefer UNC/UNF and Metric due to availability though.
Very nice!
Thanks, glad you liked it! The Society there does a lot of interesting work on old machinery.
When I did my apprenticeship in the 60’s in New Zealand we were predominantly Whitworth with a bit of metric and UNC thrown in for good measure. A good trick for the majority of threading is to use a tool ground for Whitworth. As you are cutting on the left side of the tool you only have to line up the one side of the tool so the one tool cuts all. It will do for the majority of workshop jobs. I don’t bother with insert tooling for threading, I use HSS, a piece of 3/8 is going to outlive me and only cost a few dollars.
Oh man, that sounds like what I heard Canada was like for a while in the 60's as well, given the British connection until 1982. I will admit to using insert thread tools more out of laziness, but I do have a couple HSS tools ground for the odd time when I want to use steel. It seems to leave a better finish in some materials.
I just got back from a short vacation. I'm glad I don't have to deal with whitworth. I have enough trouble with metric and standard. Looks good Everett
Thanks Randy. Yeah, Whitworth is a different animal from what we're used to now. Not a big deal, just needing to learn the tricks and standards involved so I don't screw up the machine long term. Hopefully the previous owners haven't screwed too much up before I came along . . . Not sure if there's such a thing as a Whitworth thread coil kit . . .
Left handed saskatchewan socket set. You learn something new every day.
I've always referred to this implement as a nut f**ker because of the inevitable result when poorly adjusted.
Cheers Eric
Lol, haven't heard that name for them yet, but it is very apropos! I'm just thankful my friends and family in Saskatchewan have a sense of humor . . .
I grew calling a Japanese speed wrench.
Nicely done!
Thanks George!
Good video. You did your homework on Whitworth stuff. I try to use metric all the time but have an Imperial lathe. So it want to turn 8mm on an Imperial lathe. I set the calipers to 8.00 mm. Zero the calipers . Press the inch button. Measure the work. The reading is what has to come off (in inches), so plan your cuts accordingly. Calipers read zero, you're done. Z axis more complicated. I made a micrometer stop for that axis. Pain in the a*** to make but now I now do not worry about Z precision.
Thanks Juan, the history of how machinery standards came to be what we have now is interesting to me. Using a pair of digital calipers is handy in how they can instantly convert between systems, so how you're doing it is a good method too!
Thanks for this video. How about including your "little man" for a few seconds in a future video? As a grandpa, I love seeing little kids and their parents.
Thanks Jeff, Little Man has made a couple appearances from the back, but we just generally don't show his face for his own privacy - maybe when he's older and wants to be in then we'll bring him in more fully. I'm just looking forward to getting him out there when he can truly help, that will be fun.
Good job on the spacers, just make sure you get paid before your friend breaks his neck coming down a mountain...... lol
Funny hear you having to put the 2 babies to bed to get some quiet time in the shop....
The day you scrap the shaper, with all the bronze used to repair it, you'll have to choose either the iron or the bronze door at the scrap yard, a hint, the bronze door will make you richer than the iron one... But try to get the most of it before getting there... ;)
Brithish threads, Ooooooh, my......!!!!
Thanks Pierre, Matt was happy with his parts. I just find time in the shop when I can, usually it's in the evenings. As for the shaper, I hope it outlasts me and one of my kids or potential grandkids can still use it. We'll see.
Ahh - dear old Whitworth! I still use them now and again - all harks back to my old UK days. 55 degree thread form and also rather coarse for some applications.
Interestingly - the 1/4x20 thread used for camera mounts can also be replaced by 1/4 Whit. BA threads too are yet another animal!
Look forward to seeing the shaper in use.
Nice job on the spacers - one very pleased Matt. :)
Thanks Chris, Matt was indeed happy with his parts. As for the shaper, it will take some time yet. As for the small screws, I need to look into BA threads a bit more - David Taylor sent me some interesting information on them, will need to do more reading. It's been a lot of fun so far, as I've been learning a lot about the BSW and BA systems over the last while.
Well done Everett, nice little update on the shaper, interesting project that is!. If I am working metric, I find it easier to convert everything on the drawing with the ole 25.4 factor otherwise, I am prone to too much numerical confusion. I have a couple of Whitworth artifacts from dads tool box, a 19/32" SK socket and a rusty old open ender. I am a bit attached to both of them, but never use them. Cheers and keep up the great vids!
Thanks Howie, I just thought the whole Whitworth story was fascinating, so figured someone else might find it interesting too. As for measuring, I'm not scared of Metric, just need something that can reliably measure in it.
As others have mentioned, Whitworth, British Std. Cycle thread, British Assn. thread taps, dies, heli-coil thread repair kits, are all still available. So there is no excuse for mucking up equipment or parts by using the wrong tools.
I would make a plexiglass enclosure for the switch gear (or go to the big-box store and get a plastic switch box for a couple of bucks and modify it to fit). Drum switches are very robust and can be disassembled for cleaning and repair. It would be a good idea to make an external label warning that the switch is controlling full line voltage.
If you wanted to meet current electrical code, I would imagine that you will have to install low voltage relays at the switch to control the line current.
Cheers from NC/USA
Even though this is primarily a 'functional restoration,' not one for an equipment museum, I would still like to stick with the types of fasteners it came with if possible (within reason). Another fellow made mention of using the old school switch to control a low-voltage signal current which would close a contactor for the motor, making it the control switch yet again. I like that idea as it is an electrically safe option.
Great little turning job Everett them spacers. Metric/Imperial.....Imperial/Metric Whitworth, Metric Fine, Metric Course, BA, BSF, UNC, UNF, BSP, Brass,BSC plus others. It isn't amusing when you when your looking for the correct size spanner/wrench. That's why you'll often see me using one of those left handed socket sets. It made me laugh.
Thanks Tony, I admit to using the left handed socket set on a regular basis, depending on what I'm up to. I've only had limited experience with the Whitworth system up till this point, and once one gets an idea of how the system works it's not that bad, really. Got a couple small parts to make in British Association but now that I have taps and dies for them it won't be so bad. Glad you got a chuckle, I can't take myself too seriously either, lol
Hi Everett.....I've got a English Boxford lathe (SB clone) from the 70's which has Whitworth threads. Luckily I a complete set of Metric and SAE got me through the disassembly and reassembly.
John Mills used to have a Boxford, they look like decent little machines. I got the shaper apart with Metric, SAE, and a Left-handed Saskatchewan Socket Set (adjustable wrench) but really didn't feel right reassembling it without using Whitworth tools. Nice thing is that I now have a basic set of Whitworth and BA stuff, including taps and dies, so any other British equipment that comes by won't be as much of challenge, lol.
@@EverettsWorkshop The Saskatchewan wrenches can save one a lot of trips back and forth to the tool box! I bought a GTD tap/die set from a ebay seller here in BC that turned out to be a Whitworth pitch....might come in useful with an English lathe. I'm enjoying watching your videos!
Everett !! it is very inspiring and uplifting to watch your videos. in an every day sense most people don't know what a person can do with a lathe and milling machine. we have to provide an awareness to the general public, that so many things are in fact doable and fixable. perhaps you should advertise that you can tackle jobs you have never done, but you know are doable. your downtown machine shop wouldn't mess around with bicycle parts . Keep up the good work. I am sure the little man will get the picture as soon as he is out of diapers.
Thanks! I still believe that the 3 R's - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - should be 4 R's, as they missed out on 'repair.' Keeping a product running for a longer service life lessens resource demands as that product does not need replacement at that time, and also lessens the load on the waste stream. Besides, there's a satisfaction in repairing broken stuff and making oddball pieces to allow square pegs to work with round holes, lol
Great work and nice tools!
Thanks Yuchol, the shaper project is slow going. At least now I have proper tools to reassemble it.
Those Whitworth bolts are a pain
Yeah, they can be a bit of a pain when trying to find the right wrench for a bolt, and not damaging threads by running a UNC bolt into a hole. After working on this machine though, I've gotten more comfortable with them and now have tools to work on old British stuff, lol!
Matt is a happy camper Everett .. Great job man .. Never ran into whitworth , But I am learning ..ENJOYED !
Thanks Shawn, if you ever run into old British equipment you're likely to come across Whitworth and British Association threads. Kind of interesting histories to them, which is why I mentioned them.
I've got three separate sets of spanners and sockets: A/F for the Farmall tractor, Whitworth/BSF for old British equipment and metric for modern stuff, however I need all three if I'm working on the Land Rover. Don't forget back in the day we had pounds, shillings and pence as currency plus a mix of metric and imperial weights. So, so easy now 😂 .... Good entertainment Everett.
Thanks David, like I mentioned before I got the shaper, it seemed likely that the information and gear regarding British thread systems was going to be useful! I too now have Metric, SAE and Whitworth tools, so at least the shaper can be reassembled with proper tools!
The war time whitworth is shown on spanners as BSW, being British Standard Whitworth. Some spanners had both sizes on them
Honestly, I have just come to the habit of looking at the bolt and grabbing the spanner from the sleeve that says one size smaller. It works :)
Nice lesson today never heard of Whitworth. Proprietary items that are not standard are not new to us but these bolts sure are, maybe one thing (guess here) was to prevent the war time anime from messing with war machine aircraft bolts too easily? Otherwise it is just the greed thing beta VHS type thing in our minds.
Hey your friend draws circles about as round as Lance does here.
Thank you, we love our metric here in California, nice you share that you are ok with metric as well. :)
Really critical part for your friends bike came out great.
Lance & Patrick.
Thanks Guys, Matt liked his part, so that was a good thing. The Whitworth system was standardized in 1841 by Joseph Whitworth, very fascinating reading when you get into it - just a bit of a pain when you don't have the correct wrench!
nice job everett. this job you did reminds me of a simular job i had a week ago where a gye needed two bushings made for a jeep extention steering threaded arm that he could not get anymore not available from the people he bought the lift kit from. he could get them from mexico but it would have taken 6 weeks. so it was very satisfying to be able to help the gye out and make the 2 bushings. take care ---- jamie b.
Thanks Jamie, I agree, the oddball things a person makes for a buddies to help them out of binds are some of the most satisfying. And it seems like Jeep buddies are always looking for custom parts, lol
Left-handed Saskatchewan wrench? Very interesting tool you have. I am sure with your mechanical skills you have been instructed as I have been that the proper torque direction for the tool is opposite of what you did at the 10:10 mark. That is, use the wrench so that the movable jaw is pressed into the body, not pulled away. This reduces jaw stress and flex that might lead to bolt head rounding. No, not important for low stress situations, but I try to practice the correct method all the time just in case I come across something stubborn.
Lol, you got me Bob, I have no excuse for that one, it was sloppy style. You are correct, I should have flipped it over. I generally don't use adjustable wrenches a lot but wound up using them to disassemble this machine as I didn't have proper tools. Good catch though, mea culpa :)
Well done. I would need a crane to set that part from my shaper, on the work bench.
Thanks Doug, Matt liked his parts, so that was the important part. The shaper project is going to take a while, just trying to share the interesting bits along the way. Your unit is definitely larger, so a crane would be necessary for sure!
Nice job. JB San Diego
Thanks Jim, Matt was happy with his stuff. Now I just want more time to actually get the shaper stripped and painted, but that has to get worked in around family and community commitments.
Let me know if you are stuck for anything Whitworth and if I haven't got it myself I'll source it for you here in England. Mike
Thanks Mike, I appreciate the offer - still need to get everything stripped and start reassembly before I'll know what is needed. Appreciate the offer, we'll see how it goes!
great job on the spacer - happy customers all round :)
Thanks! Matt was happy with them, that's what counts.
Noice job on the spacer Everett
Thanks! Matt was happy, thankfully.
Gday Everrett, I had to laugh when you were talking about metric people over the pond, I’m in Australia as you know and funny enough I have being doing all me work on the lathe in imperial, mate it is so much easier well to me it is anyway, I’ve even be buying imperial dial indicators and micrometers, I find metric a pain in the butt especially when you only need to take off a very tiny amount, my old lathe is imperial but I just ordered a new one which will be interesting, thanks for another top quality video mate, very enjoyable to watch, Cheers Matty 🇦🇺
Thanks Matty, I know Australia has some similar cultural history to Canada, both being Commonwealth countries, we do use both systems here, depending on the industry and which measurement system is used for the supplies. I'm comfortable in both, but until the machines have DRO I have to default to inches because that's the gear I have.
Well done
Thanks Bill!
Internet been down most of the week just now getting caught up with videos still can't up load anything. Nice job on the bike parts.
👍👏👏👏👏
Watching in Alabama
Thanks Anthony, hope you've gotten some shop time this week too and that your connection gets fixed soon
Wish I'd known Everett, could have sent you a bucket full of whitworth sockets and spanners.
Well, I appreciate the offer but postage would have been brutal for you. These had free delivery through amazon, so it wasn't bad. Good excuse for more tools, and now if I ever find an old Land Rover I can work on it too, lol
the older Land Rovers used Whitworfh. Try Paddock Spares or John Craddock out of England. I have a 1980 L/R with SAE, metric , and Whitworth BS fasteners.
My Grandpa had a Land Rover as well, and it was a challenge for him to work on as where he lived there wasn't a lot of support for Whitworth-based machinery 40 years ago. He sold it when I was a teenager, but looking back it would have been cool to buy it off of him. Hindsight, I guess, lol!
I have a set of metrinch wrenches that do well on these
Never tried the Metrinch tools, as I've usually had my sets of tools from being a mechanic. Wound up getting a set of Whitworth spanners and sockets to just make sure the bolts don't get wrecked but it would be interesting to try the Metrinch ones.
Question did Canada ever use withworth or did they use SAE like the states? I do appriciate your attention to detail, knowing me I'd rethreaded the ones I need to do to SAE and be done with it. The bike part turned out well no need to apogize for the lack of metric measuring instruments again most of in the states don't use them unless your in a metric shop. I remember years ago we contracted some work out a Eaton to another plant down the road that made german textile machinery who worked in metric, the did the opposite they converted the drawings to metric so they could program and run the parts. Later on all our blueprints were dual dimensions but our process drawings were standard. I know that they trained and had the Mexico plant in standard, not sure witch way the Chinese plant were dimensions they ran on.
We still use both inch and metric measuring systems in Canada, depending on the industry and what sizes stock is in. As for Whitworth-based machinery in Canada, we've always had machinery come in from all over the world, including (moreso formerly) the UK. The machinery manufactured in Canada was primarily in inch measurements until metrification in the 70's, but as far as I know the fastener thread pitches used for stuff made here was 60 degrees like US equipment, due to the proximity of US trading partners and available machinery. Canada was part of the UNC/UNF standards development way back when so we used that until metric took over. That was all before my time for the most part but this is what I understand from reading about metrology history.
Ok just wondering. We’re just stubborn here in the US.
Hey Everett...the shaper project is progressing nicely. It's most commendable, and I enjoy watching you do repair/fabrication for friends and family. You've got a great heart and are most generous. Kudos to you!
Can you explain the process at 24:21. I don't think I've seen that before. Is the tool one you made or are they readily available, and how do they work in truing up a part? I'm most interested and of course curious. Forgive me if I've asked a dumb question...I just want to learn.
Cheers from Ontario
Brian
Not a dumb question Brian. It's a home made tool. The bearing is used so the part will not get marred. Not always needed. You chuck up the part tight enough to get a good grip but loose enough to move under pressure be careful. There are also backing plates that are cut out to fit around the jaws called spiders I think. Some people use screws held on sliding blocks take a look at Stefan Gotteswinter for that one. Joe Pieczynski has a brilliant video on using packing posts on his channel. Joe's is simple and accurate. You can use parallels just make sure you take them out before starting the lathe. Good luck keep asking questions!
Hey Brian, it's just enjoyable to help out family and buddies witg stuff they're doing, as well as my own puttering. The tool with the bearing on the end is a 'pushy tool,' which I first heard of from John Mills (doubleboost). Very handy for lining up the face of a piece of material with lightly snugged chuck jaws, and once the part's straight you tighten up the jaws and go to town with your cutting. I made this one, they're easy to do, John has a few videos on them.
Thanks @ A Z and Everett. I appreciate your kind replies! Cheers.
How I cope with a metric part is I make a cad drawing of the part in metric dims then convert to imperial and print off
That would definitely work, haven't tried that trick yet - so far I've just converted the numbers straight from the metric plans to use my inch-based tooling. If a DRO ever happens then running in metric will be easier at that point.
Here in OZ we call that a "Shifting Spanner" or "Shifter"...
Ok, that makes sense, as the one jaw "shifts" position. Thanks for sharing that, I like bits of information like that!
Everett's Workshop, hence the South African expression "shifting sixteenths of an inch" used to describe an unknown fastener head.
@@industry65 Cool, I've never heard that expression before - it's cool having shop talk with people from around the world as one learns all sorts of cool tricks and turns of phrase!
just a idea mr everette just dont mess up any bolts and youre ok--not messing fasteners dont seem to hard??
The thing is that I wanted the correct tools so it can be assembled properly - the bolt head sizes don't fit metric or SAE wrenches. It needs a few fasteners replaced from its life before me and I don't want to wreck any more by using tools that don't quite fit.
Apps I only work in metric now
Hi Everett. I think it should be easier to convert first all the measurements on paper, and then make the part with immperial system.
For the shaper it's possible to use the original switch with 12 or 24 volt, and work with relais. Just an idea.
That is an awesome idea to use low-voltage control of mains voltage to the motor, I really like that - will have to look into Canadian Standards Association-approved low-voltage controlled contactors because using the original switch would add a cool factor but I want it to be safe to operate.
Eh metric or imperial it doesn't matter. 0.1 shmegoos will be the same length as 2.54 legums. Actually now the length standards are in metric only, and are converted into imperial using a set conversion. So in actuality you're using metric, just with the conversion factor applied.
Yeah, I had to laugh when I learned that the inch standard is now a Metric measurement. Like I say, I just have to run with my equipment as it sits, if a DRO ever made it to the lathe and mill it would make things easier for sure!
When I was a boy. I mean mm I sill am a boy. In 1970 every thing was witworth imperial and some metric. Spaners never fit! Drove me almost crazy! Wat am I saying it bid drive me crazy. Like your videos. M
Thanks Mark, I too now have Metric, SAE and Whitworth tools just to find SOMETHING that will fit whatever bolt at hand. I figured you were from the UK, and from hearing comments from Ade at Ade's Workshop it sounds like it's tricky to find anything but Metric hardware there anymore.
Inches? Whats that?
Lol, yeah, I know most of the world is metric, but I can work easily in both and most of my measuring stuff is used or cheap (or both) out of the States. As I get more metric gear there can be more done in millimeters but just running with what I have for now.
Hey who doesn't need an excuse to buy more tools. LOL.
Exactly! I have to keep it under control, but by definition a tool is an object with a practical use to it. Thankfully my wife appreciates practical.
Another enjoyable video. Thanks for going into the detail of things. The ww11 info on the Whitworth system was very interesting. If anyone is into history check out THE HISTORY GUY on TH-cam, he could of made school interesting. Thanks
Thanks, I sometimes wonder about how much I talk about stuff vs action shots - heard feedback both ways, it's a challenge finding the right balance between dialogue and action. Glad you enjoyed it though!
@@EverettsWorkshop it must be hard too now what to do and how to edit. I certainly don't have any useful advice. I like the channels that teach, nobody ever stops leaning. I just lately found your channel Subscribed and became a fan. I say go with the teaching style. You have the smarts and the personality for it. Thanks for all the time you spend Andy.
"Downhill mountain-biking" ?
So... a barely controlled fall on wheels?
Strange blokes, them Kanucks!
Paddy
Yep, that's about it for the sport, not for me but it is fascinating to see what these guys can do on bikes. Some of them are nuts!
you should build a box to wrap around the original on/off switch so that you cAN ACTUALLY KEEP IT ALL ORIGINAL..WOULD BE HARD--PLASTIC/METAL BOX WRAPPED IN FELT OR SOMETHING--KEEP IT ALL o/g ??!!
I like the idea given by another couple viewers, to use the original switch to control a low voltage signal that closes a contactor for the motor itself. That way it is still functional but it doesn't matter if the wires are exposed inside. I think it will be cool to use the original switch to turn it on and off.
@@EverettsWorkshop correct einstien my point was 2 plus 2 be nice to use the original switch--which is basically what youre telling me other people said--books are great bro--read--read--read -use those brain cells--dont waste them away
Ps I'm British
It's no surprise the adjustable spanner was invented by a scotsman is it?
That's cool to know, I wasn't aware of that! I just like the fact that they're Imperial, Metric and Whitworth all at once!
Your comments on the switch are a little misplaced. It is working on AC, so the polarity changes 50 or 60 times a second. Hence, sparking is not an issue.
If you are poking around inside the machine changing belts when it is not isolated from the supply, you are not following good practice. No code can legislate against your own stupidity. Check the wording of your code very carefully. In essence, it requires that no live parts should be exposed when the machine is in normal operation. In this respect, it complies.
If you are really worried you might open it while it is still plugged in, fit a non-conducting shield for the switch (perhaps made of PVC pipe) so any live parts are covered.
Fair enough, you are correct in that the arcing on AC systems is less than that of DC systems in the switchgear, but there is a small amount. And believe me I TOTALLY agree that no amount of code and regulations will get around people intent on hurting themselves by acting foolishly. One idea that was presented was using a lower voltage through that front switch to control a contactor for the motor control, and I think that's the way I'll go as it will allow me to use the cool old school switch to operate the machine but not have to run mains voltage to the switch. I do agree with you though!
Those "Tool Zone" tools are Chinese and kinda crappy quality - ok, but not great. Talking about unusual threads, my son bought a vacuum pump, made in China of course, and couldn't find a matching thread for the port - I measured it and it turned out to be British pipe thread.
Yeah, I hadn't expected the tools to be top notch, especially for the price, but as long as they work they'll be fine for my purposes. As for the BSP thread from a Chinese made part, I've seen a number of Asian machines and pieces of machinery using BSP instead of NPT. One that comes to mind is the "World Engine" series Chrysler used a few years ago, where the pipe threaded holes on the block and head were in BSP and not NPT.
Guns. Yuck.