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Different tap types can cut different types of threads in holes. The following are the different taps for threads with their distinct feature

Yes, a thread tap can cut threads in an existing hole. Engineers and machinists across many construction industries have a tapping set in their toolbox to clean out and rethread holes as needed.

Flutes: Flutes are grooves on taps that accommodate and expel the chips during tapping. They come in different types and shapes based on the tap type. As a standard, a tap contains 2-4 flutes which can be angular, straight, or spiral.

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The internal threads in a drilled hole and the external threads on a bolt or nut makes up a pair of mating metal fastener. The die tool cuts external threads on a bolt or nut. Both thread types must accurately fit into each other.

The bolt used will determine the size of the hole. Ideally, the diameter of the hole should be smaller. This is because the threading process further expands the hole. However, there is a standard chart(in the below section) that matches the size of the bolt to the diameter of the hole.

Manufacturers use bottoming tap as the last tap for a project. This is because it has 1-2 thread chamfers and does not align with the hole when used to begin a threading process. Also, as bottoming tap cuts, it cleans the already-cut threads.

As the name implies, this taps type has threads throughout the body without flutes. Fluteless tap uses the pressure deformation technique to cut threads into holes without chip removal. This allows for faster-cutting speed and high-quality threads. However, it is only compatible with soft metals.

There are many types of taps in the market. Choosing the right tap for a project determines the outcome of the threading process. Consider the following when selecting a thread tap.

A thread tap accurately cuts internal threads in holes in parts to install fasteners where conventional bolts and nuts are not ideal. Manufacturers use different types of taps to thread drilled holes. One can thread using many tapping machining techniques to make custom parts.

Garmon Ashby, music director at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, holds a small flute pipe, which is one of thousands of pipes that the church hopes to install. (Rachel Leland/Community Impact)

Its distinct feature is a bent handle that extends from the tang. This allows for continuous tapping without stopping the drilling machine at intervals.

This tap type is like the hand taps. However, extension taps have a long shank above the body. Hence, it can reach holes that are considered inaccessible like the hub of a pulley.

Compared to conventional straight flutes, the flute in this tap is spiral-shaped. This feature aids in the easy removal of chips from the tapped hole. A spiral-fluted tap is perfect for soft metals and metals that produce short chips.

Body: This is the longest and most important part. The body of a tap is what does the cutting. It contains both the thread chamfers and the full threads. The number of these varies depending on the tap type.

Tang: This is the squared-shaped part above the shank. Based on the mode of operation (manual or automatic), manufacturers fix the tang on a holder to rotate the tap.

Also, threaded taps are typically made of hardened chrome steel, solid carbide, or high-speed steel. The external threads on the fasteners are made using a die. The threaded hole and the fastener serve as a connection mechanism for parts when the use of conventional bolts and nuts is not applicable.

Engineering materials have different levels of hardness. Hence, the tap type manufacturers use varies depending on how hard or soft the material is. Some taps have special features that make them more suitable for some materials. For instance, fluteless taps are ideal for soft metals while machine taps work better with harder materials because it is fully automated.

On the other hand, carbide steel taps are strong and cut threads faster in very hard materials like cast iron, titanium, brass, stainless steel, nickel, and other hard alloys. This is because they can withstand the friction and heat generated when tapping threads.

The depth of the drilled hole determines the tap one would use. Different tap types have a varying number of thread chamfers. The thread chamfers serve as a support system to guide the tap as it threads. Only the full threads produce the cutting effect. Considering this, taps having 1-3 thread chamfers make deeper holes. This is especially important for blind holes.

Before drilling and tapping threads, it is important to hold the workpiece in place using a vice or other workholding tools. This is because proper clamping eases the drilling process. Any slight movement during drilling can result in flawed final parts. To do this:

A thread tap is a specially designed tool that cuts and restores internal threads into drilled holes in metal parts. Many thread taps are manually operated using a tap handle while other automatic ones make use of drilling machines. The parts of the tap have characteristic shapes that differentiate them.

Different types of taps come in different sizes. The size of the drilled hole determines the size of the tap. If the size of the drilling tool is greater than the thread taps, the final threaded holes will be larger than the fastener. On the other hand, a smaller drill diameter will create holes too small for the tap tool. This can damage the thread tap and the workpiece.

In contrast to the tap types described above, machine tap is fully automated. It makes use of a tap drill machine, so lessens the occurrence of damage to the workpiece and the tap. Furthermore, this machine simplifies the threading process as the operation requires less human labor to complete a project.

This tap type is not fully automated. It is used with either a manual tap handle or a tap drill machine. Machine screw taps have 2-4 threads that taper from the tip. For this reason, they can thread deep holes manually in many material types. Manufacturers use machine screw taps for repairs, routine maintenance, and rethreading where accuracy and tight tolerance are not essential.

Note: One ought to be careful when drilling blind holes. The drilled hole should be a little deeper than the length of the bolt.

To prevent this, one can use the boring machining process to expand the drilled hole as needed. The standard formula for calculating the size of the drill is:

The master tap is like the taper tap. The difference lies in the number of flutes. The master tap has 7-10 flutes with more cutting faces. Master taps are applicable in cutting clean threads in hard and strong materials.

In general, taps are made of high-speed steel or carbide steel. The material one is working with determines which one to go for. Manufacturers use taps made from high-speed steel for soft metals like copper, lead, magnesium, aluminum, and related alloys. high-speed steel taps provide more controlled and slower cutting action.

Threading is an important processing method that involves using a thread tap to cut the threaded part of a pair of matching metal fasteners. It has many uses, for example, manufacturers in the automotive and medical industries use threaded holes to hold parts together as it makes parts more compact and eases transportation and usage.

There are many different types of tap machinists and engineers use and choosing the right thread tap determines the outcome of a project. In this article, there is a detailed explanation of what a thread tap is, how to use a tap for threading, and the considerations for choosing the right tap.

WayKen has made machining services easy. We are the right choice for your threading machining projects. Our engineers and machinists are experts in tapping techniques. With us, you will be sure to get high-quality and affordable machined parts. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about threading holes.

This tap has 8-10 thread chamfers before the full cutting diameter. Hence, manufacturers use it as a starter tap for blind holes in hard materials. A taper tap offers a more delicate and gradual cutting motion. It is not ideal as the only tap for a project because it cannot thread to the bottom.

Shank: The shank is located just above the body. It is smooth and has a cylindrical shape. The shank length differs according to tap type. This part has marks that indicate the distance between the threads.

This tap is 15-20 inches in length and is used in the locomotive-broiler application. The stay bolt taps threads holes that match the diameter of the stay bolt nut.

The use of a plug tap just after the taper tap is not uncommon. Plug taps give the desired depth and form to already drilled holes. It has 3-5 threads that taper from the tip. Hence, it gives a more forceful cutting action than the taper tap.

Gas tap deeply cuts gas-type threads for merging hydraulic fittings and pipes. It has 1-2 thread chamfers that work perfectly with both cylindrical and conical-shaped holes.

Some tap types are specially created for use in high-speed production. If speed is a determining factor, spiral pointed taps, fluteless taps, or taps that are automatically operated may be ideal. For spiral-fluted taps, the spiral or helical-shaped flute pulls the chips away from the tapping direction. This reduces the time spent to remove the chip build-up. This advantage applies to fluteless taps that produce no chips.

It is important to apply lubricants directly into the drilled hole and the tip of the tap before tapping a hole. This aids the easy removal of chips and helps to reduce friction.