Free Shipping on All Orders Over $50 Shop Now!
TMT Toolbox Logo
Phone: 865-724-2516
Call 865-724-2516
  • Contact
  • Sign In
  • Cart
Phone: 865-724-2516 Sign In/Register
TMT Toolbox Logo
0

TMT Toolbox

  • Shop Now
    • Grinding Abrasives
    • Machine Tool Accessories
    • Machine Tools
    • Power Tools
    • Tools For Composite Materials
    • Metal Cutting Fluids & Lubricants
    • Metal Cutting Tools
    • Precision Measurement Tools
    • Safety
    • Tool Storage and Organization
  • Manufacturers
    • EXCLUSIVE & FEATURED BRANDS
    • CimCool Fluid Technology
    • Qualichem Inc
    • M A Ford
    • Melin Tool
    • Niagara Cutters
    • OSG Inc
    • Seco Tools
    • Sowa Tool & Machine
    • Techniks Inc.
    • Huot Manufacturing
    • Bison
    • Asimeto Tools
    • Safe House Signs
    • Rex-Cut Abrasives
    • Dormer Pramet
    • Allied Machine & Engineering
    • Norton Abrasives
    • Union Butterfield 
    • Precision Twist Drill
  • Quick Order
  • ProBuyer
  • Home
  • Shop Now
    • Grinding Abrasives
    • Machine Tools
    • Machine Tool Accessories
    • Tool Storage and Organization
    • Metal Cutting Tools
    • Metal Cutting Fluids & Lubricants
    • Precision Measurement Tools
    • Safety
  • Manufacturers
    • CimCool Fluid Technology
    • Qualichem Inc
    • M A Ford
    • Melin Tool
    • Niagara Cutters
    • OSG Inc
    • Seco Tools
    • Sowa Tool & Machine
    • Techniks Inc.
    • Huot Manufacturing
    • Bison
    • Asimeto Tools
    • Safe House Signs
    • Rex-Cut Abrasives
    • Dormer Pramet
    • Allied Machine & Engineering
    • Norton Abrasives
    • Union Butterfield 
    • Precision Twist Drill
  • Quick Order
  • Dashboard
    • My ToolBox
    • Order History
    • Settings
  • My Cart
  • Contact
  • Sign In/Register

Metal Thread Tapping Techniques for Beginners

post image

Tapping tools allow metalworkers to create threads within holes in a workpiece. This is necessary for screws and other types of fasteners that help complete the product. Metal thread tapping is a relatively straightforward process, but there are still several tips and best practices that can help ensure efficiency and success in your workflow. Hone your skills with these metal thread tapping techniques for beginners.

Drill the Hole and Select Your Tap

Every tapping procedure begins with drilling a hole for the tap to fit into. While this step is simple, you still need to pay close attention to the size of the hole and the type of tap you need to create the thread you want. You can use a thread gauge to measure and match pre-existing threads. If you’re creating your thread from scratch, use a tap chart to help you pick the right thread tapping tools for the job.

Remember that the chamfer of the tap—which drills into the hole to cut the thread—will be slightly longer than the length of the thread itself. Because of this, you need to make sure you drill your holes to be slightly deeper than your thread length. This gives you space to fully cut the thread.

Clear Threads With Reverse Turns

Once you’ve drilled the pilot hole and aligned your tap, it’s time to start cutting the thread. As you spin the tap to cut the thread, be sure to intersperse short reverse turns. This backs the tap up and helps clear chips and other material flecks that gather inside the cutter as you work. By clearing the cutting teeth, you create a smooth path for the tap so you can continue cutting your thread safely and efficiently.

Use Cutting Fluid

As with many metalworking processes, tapping is much easier—and more successful—when you use cutting fluid. Using metal cutting fluid is one of the most important thread tapping techniques for beginners because it lubricates the tap and helps wash away flecks of material as you work. This creates a smoother, faster cut, improving efficiency and creating higher-quality results. Cutting fluid also helps the tap spin without resistance, which reduces your risk of breaking the tap and ruining the workpiece.

⇦ Previous Article Next Article ⇨

Recent Posts

  • Best Practices for Hand Protection in Metalworking
  • The Role of Measurement Tools in Quality Control
  • Maximizing Productivity With the Right Machinist Tools
  • Abrasive Grit Size: How To Choose the Right Coarseness
  • Metal Thread Tapping Techniques for Beginners
  • Metal Lathe Turning Tips for Improved Accuracy
  • Drill Bit Materials: Understanding the Different Options
  • The Importance of Proper Metal Cutting Tool Storage
  • Understanding the Different Types of End Mills
  • Drill Bit Selection for Machining: Tips and Techniques
We accept all major credit cards

Company

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Returns & Refunds
  • Blog

Customer Account

  • Sign In
  • Reset Password
{"cimcool":"CimCool Fluid Technology","qualichem inc.":"Qualichem Inc","m.a. ford":"M A Ford","melin":"Melin Tool","niagara cutter":"Niagara Cutters","osg":"OSG Inc","seco tools":"Seco Tools","sowa tools":"Sowa Tool & Machine","techniks":"Techniks Inc.","huot":"Huot Manufacturing","bison":"Bison","asimeto":"Asimeto Tools","safe house signs":"Safe House Signs","rex-cut abrasives":"Rex-Cut Abrasives","dormer pramet":"Dormer Pramet","allied machine & engineering":"Allied Machine & Engineering","norton":"Norton Abrasives","union butterfield":"Union Butterfield\u00a0","precision twist drill":"Precision Twist Drill"}