A tapping head configured to hold and drive different size taps with a slip joint that introduces a small amount of play bet ween the tap head and the tap to compensate for excessive lead that may damage the tap or the workpiece. The tapping head includes a base, a drive coupler, a drive sleeve, a driver, a clutch pack, a pressure ring, a clutch cover, a drive cover and a lock nut. The driver and drive sleeve are longitudinally coupled by splines that form a slip joint. The clutch pact includes discs that against the inside surface of the base and lower surface of the pressure ring. Mounted on the lower surface of the pressure ring are a plurality of clutch springs that force the pressure ring upward against the clutch pack. Disposed between the drive couple and the driver are thrust springs that exert downward forces on the driver. The clutch cover includes internal threads configured to attach to external threads formed on the base. By tightening the clutch cover on the base, the force exerted by the thrust springs on the pressure ring can be adjusted to change the amount of frictional forces exerted by the clutch pack.