Tip of the Week
Tips for taps and dies
An integral part of metalworking is cutting threads for, and onto, bolts and machine screws. For this we use taps and dies. A tap is a screw-like tool that makes internal threads in a smooth hole, while a die makes external threads on a smooth shaft. There is a plethora of these tools available on the market. As with any work, success depends on the proper use of these tools and setting up the job correctly.
Types of taps: There are three types of taps: Starter, Plug and Bottoming. The most common, Plug tap, is good for both starting and finishing the threads in a through hole and a blind hole. The Starter tap has the longest taper point for easier, straighter starting. The Bottoming tap has a slight taper and the cutters start closer to the point. It works best for threading blind holes that are shallow. All three types of taps are handy to have for threading with precision and ease.
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