15 Types of Taps for Threading

Components of various materials may need threads over them for fixation. Threaded components are achieved with the help of a thread tap, and it offers various applications.

If you are inclined to learn more about the different types of taps for threading and their purposes, you can read this guide.

What is a Thread Tap?

A thread tap is a processing tool that helps cut internal threads of metal components. Thread taps can work either manually or in an automated way.

These threaded taps are manufactured using chrome steel, high-speed steel, or solid carbide. The external threads present on the fasteners are created using a die.

The threaded fastener and hole create a connection on the components where nuts and bolts cannot be used.

Components of a Tap

A tap has various components, and each component plays a significant role. These components of a tap are as follows:

Body: It is the longest component in the tap, which carries out cutting. It has full threads as well as thread chamfers. Based on the type of tap, the number of thread chamfers and fill threads vary.

Shank: It is present right above the body; it has a cylindrical shape with a smooth finish. The shank length varies based on the type of tap, and it has marks that specify thread distance.

Tang: It is a component in a square shape above the shank. It is fixed on the holder of the tap for rotation.

Flutes: Flutes are present on the taps as grooves; they expel chips during the process of tapping. There are different shapes and types of flutes.

Land: The threaded area between flutes is called land.

Heel: At the back of the threads is a slanted area called the heel.

Cutting Face: It is the surface that is in contact with the component.

15 Types of Taps

There are 15 types of taps which are used as a tapping tool; these are as follows:

1. Hand Taps

Hand taps generally have two or three, respectively called a cone, two cone and three cone, usually only two. The material of hand taps is usually alloy tool steel or carbon tool steel. And the end has a square tenon. The cutting part of the first taper is ground down to six edges, and the cutting part of the second taper is ground down to two edges. When used, they are usually cut with a special wrench.

The plug tap, taper tap, and bottoming tap create a complete set of hand taps. It helps in cutting the internal thread. Suitable for manual operation, often used for small batch production or maintenance work

1.1 Taper Tap

Taper tap has a count of 8 to 10 thread chamfers. It is used as a starter tap to create blind holes in materials that are hard. It ensures a very gradual motion of cutting but cannot thread the bottom part.

1.2 Plug Tap

The plug tap is usually used after the taper tap. It helps to achieve the required depth in the holes that have already been drilled. It has 3 to 5 threads and offers forceful cutting pressure.

1.3 Bottoming Tap

A bottoming tap is usually used at the end of a tapping project. It has 1 to 2 thread chamfers and cannot be used at the start of the project. It is meant to clean the threads that have already been cut.

2. Pipe Tap

Pipe taps help carve the internal threads so that they can help fit a tight connection. These taps are of wide varieties and are used in hose couplings, mechanical joints, and gas applications.

3. Spiral Flute Taps or Gun Taps

A spiral flute tap has flutes that are wound around the axis of the tap in the form of a spiral. These are used for tapping threads in blind holes and then taking the chippings out from the other side.

4. Gas Tap

A gas tap is a kind of pipe tap that helps in cutting deep threads. It allows for complying with accurate dimensions for the hydraulic and gas systems. These can be used in cylindrical as well as conical holes.

5. Machine Tap

Machine taps are quite popular in the production of different components. These are mostly used in the CNC machining process and work well with through and blind holes.

They are suitable for hard materials and have a coating of titanium nitride on their cutting end.

6. Thread-Forming Tap (Form or Roll Taps)

A thread-forming tap is not meant to cut the threads; it forms these threads. During the process, the metal is pushed out and compressed in a given position.

It doesn't produce any chips, and the taps are not prone to breaking down. It helps create strong threads.

7. Master Tap

Master taps are diverse taps that are used for creating clean threads in hard and strong materials. These taps have more cutting faces with 7-10 flutes.

8. Combined Drill and Tap

Combined drill and tap allow drilling a hole and tapping the threads in one go without changing the tools. It helps to save money and is used for multiple materials.

9. Solid Carbide Tap

Solid carbide taps are made using materials that have sintered tungsten carbides. These are suitable for hard materials due to their wear resistance.

The solid carbide taps have a long life span and can work in challenging environments.

10. Extension Tap (Long Shank Taps)

Extension taps are used as an alternative to thread taps. They have a long shank on the top of their body and are suitable for reaching holes that are inaccessible.

11. Spiral Point Tap

Spiral point tap cuts the material to create taps at a high speed. It has a shallow flute passage and hence can tap a larger area.

12. Stay Bolt Tap

The stay bolt tap has a length of 15 to 20 inches and can cut threads in holes that are drilled.

It is meant to allow threaded machine bolts and screws to be screwed. These taps are most commonly used in steam locomotives.

13. Interrupted Thread Tap

Interrupted thread taps have a tooth for each end of the thread. It improves extraction by breaking it.

14. Bent Shank Tap

A bent shank tap has a bent handle that comes from the tang. It ensures consistent tapping without allowing the drilling machine to stop.

15. Fluteless Tap

Fluteless tap has threaded through its entire body, and flutes are absent. It uses a deformation method with pressure to cut the threads into holes without removing the chip.

It offers quick and high-quality threads but works with soft metals.

How To Use a Tap for Threading?

The process of using tap for the process of threading has different stages, and these are discussed below:

1. Clamping is the first stage in which the workpiece is held properly for the purpose of tapping. Even the slightest movement during the process can end up with a flawed component. You have to clean the workpiece and fix it with the jaw.
2. The second step is drilling. You will first mark the area that is to be drilled with a pencil and apply some lubricant to the tool. Keep the drilling pressure and speed consistent and create a hole.
3. Tapping is the final stage in which the desired type of tap is attached to the tap drill or tap handle. Lubricant is applied in the hole or tap tip, and it is forced into the hole to create taps by rotating it.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Tap Type

When choosing the right type of tap, some of the considerations that are essential to have are as follows:

Workpiece Type

Every type of material has different hardness levels, and the selection of tap depends on the nature of the workpiece.

Some taps are suitable for harder materials, while some are for the softer ones. For instance, machine taps work with hard materials and fluteless with soft metals.

Material of Tap

The material used for manufacturing the tap is also a matter of consideration. Taps are mostly made with carbide or high-speed steel.

The ones made with high-speed steel may offer a slow and controlled cutting process. Carbide taps, on the other hand, are fast and suitable for harder materials.

Hole Types

The depth of the holes that are drilled is also a consideration when looking for the right tap.

Every tap has a different range of thread chamfers; taps that have around 1 to 3 thread chamfers may work with deeper holes.

Speed of Cutting

Some types of taps are meant for use with high speed and some with low. So, based on the speed of taping, you will choose the type of tap.

Find Thread Tap Size with a Chart

The selection of tap requires considering the size, and this chart below features all the suitable thread tap sizes for you to choose from.

Conclusion

Tapping threads is a very simple one. All you need is choosing the right tap and this guide must have helped you learn about the different types of taps.

If you are looking forward to having the custom components manufactured with the tapped threads, DEK can offer you this service.