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Taps & Tapping Tools

 (9 product groups)

In manufacturing, taps are crucial cutting tools for creating internal threads, with various specialized types for different applications. Hand taps are for general use, pipe taps for pipe fittings, pulley taps for recessed areas, spiral flute taps for blind holes (efficient chip removal), spiral point taps for through holes (fast, forward chip ejection), and thread forming taps for chipless threading in ductile materials. To use taps, tapping wrenches provide leverage for turning. If a tap breaks, tap extractors are used for removal. The selection of the appropriate tap and tapping wrench optimizes threading, while tap extractors are vital for recovering from breakage.

Dies and Accessories

Dies are used to create the male component of an assembly by cutting a thread on the external surface of a metal rod, such as a screw or bolt. Our selection of dies includes round adjustable dies and die stocks.

Pulley Taps

A pulley tap is a specialized tap with a long shank designed for threading holes in pulley hubs. These threads are primarily for installing oil cups for lubrication or set screws for securing the pulley to a shaft. The long shank allows the tap to reach through the pulley's rim to the inner hub.

Spiral Flute Taps

A spiral flute tap is a type of tap with helical grooves designed to pull chips upwards and out of the hole during tapping, especially in blind holes and ductile materials. This prevents chip buildup, leading to better thread quality, reduced tap breakage, and improved cutting efficiency. Different helix angles are available for various materials.

Spiral Point Taps

A spiral point tap (or gun tap) is designed for tapping through holes. Its key feature is an angled cutting face that pushes chips forward and out of the hole. This allows for faster tapping, better thread quality, and reduced tap breakage compared to other taps in through-hole applications.

Tap Extractors

A tap extractor is a specialized tool with hardened prongs that fit into the flutes of a broken tap inside a threaded hole. By carefully turning the extractor (usually with a wrench), the broken tap can be unscrewed and removed, helping to salvage the workpiece. It requires gentle force and sometimes lubrication to work effectively.

Tap Wrenchs

A tap wrench is a hand tool designed to securely hold and turn a tap for cutting internal threads. It provides leverage for turning the tap and helps maintain alignment. Common types include T-handle, adjustable (bar), and ratcheting wrenches, each suited for different tap sizes and working conditions. Choosing the right tap wrench ensures efficient and accurate thread cutting.

Tapping Tools

We carry an assortment of tapping tools, such as hand tappers, tap extractors, and tap wrenches.

Taps

Taps are used to cut a thread on the internal surface of a hole, creating the female component of an assembly, such as a nut or socket. We offer an extensive line of high-quality taps that includes the following types: extension, pulley, hand, pipe, spiral flute, spiral point, straight flute, screw thread insert, and thread forming taps.

Thread Forming Taps

A thread forming tap (or roll tap) creates internal threads by displacing material instead of cutting, resulting in no chips, stronger threads, better surface finish, longer tool life, and faster tapping speeds. However, they require more torque, precise hole sizes, and are best for ductile materials.