Thanks. I'v now read their site, and understand the differences. Should have done that before asking in the above post.

There are a couple of types of tap handles one has about a 6 inch long 1/4 diameter rod through it for turning and the other has two handle on it the second might be better for you to help keep the tap straight another way to help you keep it straight is take a scrap piece of steel about 1' thick and drill a hole in it the od of the tap just put this over the hole and hold it down as you start the tap it will keep it straight
All good points lubrication 3/4 turn in 1/4 turn back to clear chips

Just curious. How thick are these backing plates, and what size holes do you plan to drill? You have to make sure you have enough meat to cut threads in.

Cord's got the right idea. Nutserts (Rivnuts), are the way to go. Especially if the metal is a little thin. http://www.bollhoff-rivnut.com/
They can be installed in a blind hole.

well lubed, slow with a lot of back and forth action...don't be in a hurry, if you snap the tap off....you'll need dynamite to get it out.
Good luck

lol
or a tap extractor

geez guys , he isnt building a space shuttle. an old beat up tap with missing teeth can handle this job. just make sure you drill the right size hole. if you dont know ask the guy at the hardware store to look at a chart........Chart

lol
I was wondering when some one would come clean
once you do it you will realize it is easier then starting this thread

Was that overkill?.......What is the atomic weight of salt, let me see................

I'd say its more tough than hard.Sharp tools and don't force tap if its dull.

Stainless is gummy, tough, and abrasive.

Need cutters with sharp tips. Need low rotational speed to keep heat down. Need constant chip thickness to keep cutter from chpping.

Thread cutting oil (or gear oil) is necessary when tapping stainless.

No biggie.