Tapped Holes vs Threaded Holes: Comprehensive Comparison

Components used in different industries have to be assembled; they may have threaded or tapped holes to help with the assembly process.

If you are looking forward to learning about tapped holes vs threaded holes, the guide below is a good choice. So, let's read.

What is a Tap Hole?

A tap hole is a type of hole that is drilled and threaded into the material, which is made using plastic or metal. This hole allows inserting ba olt, screw, or any fastener.

The tapping process consists of cutting internal threads in the hole which match the external threads of the fastener for the screw. It helps to have a secure fastening assembly.

Tools and Equipment Used in Tapping Holes

The different types of tools and equipment used in tapping holes are the following:

Taps: The main tool is the tap, which helps cut the internal threads, and there are two types of taps: hand tap and machine tap.

Drill Bits: These drill bits help in drilling the hole in the component before tapping.

Tap Wrench: It helps to turn the tap in the hole manually.

Tapping Machine: If the tapping process is done in an automated way, tapping machines are used to help with faster tapping.

Thread Gauges: Thread gauges are used for checking the thread quality and accuracy after tapping threads.

Process of Tapping

The process of tapping has the following steps:

• Drill a hole first using the right drill bit size based on the thread requirements.
• Apply lubrication to the hole so that friction can be reduced and smooth cuts are achieved.
• Place the tap on the drilled hole at the accurate position.
• Turn the tap and gradually cut the threads using manual taps or automated ones.
• Keep on turning the tap until the tap has reached the bottom part of the hole.
• Measure the threads with the thread gauges to inspect their accuracy.

Applications of Tapping Holes

The applications tapping holes are observed in various industries, and some of these are as follows:

Industrie automobile : Components with tapped holes are used in frames, engine components, and other such components that require fastening using bolts.

Construction : In construction, the tapping holes are used for securing components in metal frames.

Électronique : Tapped holes are used in assembling electronics, such as circuit boards and other electronic components.

Aérospatiale : In the aerospace industry, precision and reliability are crucial and these tapping holes help in securing components with reliability.

Plumbing: Tapped holes help to create a secure connection between valves and pipes.

What is a Threaded Hole?

Threaded holes are holes that are pre-drilled and have internal threads along the surface of the component. These threads help in fastening an external screw or bolt.

They help to join components in such a way that the material is not damaged when assembling and disassembling them.

Tools and Equipment Used for Threading

The different types of equipment and tools used in threading are the following:

Taps: A tap is a basic tool that helps in cutting the internal threads in a hole that is already drilled and can be either a hand tap or a machine tap.

Drill Bits: Drill bits help create holes before threading it.

Tap Wrench: It helps turn the tap in the form of a hole when using a hand tap.

Threading Machine: This is an automated machine that helps create internal threads accurately when there is a high production volume.

Thread Gauges: They measure the accuracy of the thread, ensuring it meets the given specifications.

Methods of Threading

There are different methods of threading the holes, and these are as follows:

Hand Tapping

Hand tapping is a manual method in which a tap with a tap wrench is used to create internal threads in a hole.

Machine Tapping

Machine tapping is an automated method of creating threads in components using CNC machines. It conducts the process of creating threads with high accuracy and is suitable for high volume.

Thread Milling

The thread milling process uses a milling machine that creates threads internally as well as externally. It helps create custom threads on the components.

Thread Rolling

The process of thread rolling deforms the material and creates threads without cutting them. It is suitable for external threads on the fasteners.

Application of Threading

The applications of threading can be observed in the following industries:

Automobile : Threaded holes help in assembling chassis, engine components, and suspension parts with high strength and precision.

Aérospatiale : The aircraft components are made of threaded holes that help assemble these components reliably.

Électronique : Threaded holes allow for secure fastening of components which are within the panels, housings and enclosures of the electric devices.

Médical : Medical instruments and implants are assembled with the help of threaded components for a precise connection.

Threading and Tapping: The Difference and Similarities

There are various differences and similarities between threading and tapping. Some of these are highlighted below:

Differences

The differences between threaded and tapped holes are as follows:

• Tapped holes are passed in the materials using screws and bolts. Threaded holes are used with the screws, which are threaded within the material directly.
• Tapped holes consist of such threads that cover the entire component internally. On the other hand, the threaded holes have threads that stop at the start of the surface.
• Tapped holes are created in a pre-drilled hole, whereas threaded holes are created without drilling beforehand.
• Tapped holes are suitable for such applications where a removable fastener is used. The threaded holes are used in such applications where the fastener is fixed permanently.

Similarities

The tapped holes and threaded holes can both accommodate the fixations and screws internally and can be blind holes. Tapping holes and threading holes are both compatible with a variety of materials and can work with screws, bolts, and fasteners.

A Quick Comparison Between Tapped Holes vs Threaded Holes

When it comes to having a comparison between tapped holes and threaded holes, some of these comparisons are as follows:

Précision

The tapping process offers high precision and creates internal threads, making it suitable for intricate and small designs.

The threading process creates threads outside the hole with the help of a die tool. The precision of threaded holes varies based on the equipment.

Vitesse

Threading takes a longer time for the precise holes. Tapping, on the other hand, is a faster process and can mill the threaded profiles quickly.

Strength and Durability

Threaded hoes are strong due to the method of threading used for them. Tapped holes are also durable but not as much as threaded ones, and care is required when used with applications involving high stress.

Lead Cost

Threaded holes have a lower cost compared to a tapped one. When it comes to threaded holes, using a single tool, multiple sizes of holes can be achieved, which reduces the tooling cost.

Meanwhile, in tapping holes, the cost of tooling is high because you need a different tool for a different size.

Volume

Tapping holes is a suitable option when a high volume of components is required. In comparison, the process of threading is suitable for low-volume or custom threaded hole components.

Matériaux

Tapping is mostly chosen for hard materials that create seamless internal threads. Threading, on the other hand, works well with softer materials.

Pros and Cons: Tapped Holes vs Threaded Holes

The pros and cons of the process of tapping and threading holes are as follows:

Tapping

Pour

• The process of tapping offers efficiency when creating threads in medium or small size holes.
• It offers precision oriented threads in the holes with high accuracy.
• The process of machine tapping helps to manufacture holes with high-volume internal threads.
• Tapping is an affordable method of creating internal threads in the holes.

Cons

• Tapping can only create internal threads.
• The process of tapping is prone to a risk of breaking in harder materials and requires careful processing.
• Tapping creates chips that require cleaning again and again to prevent damage and defects.
• The hole size must be correct; otherwise, poor-quality threads are created.

Filetage

Pour

• Threading is a versatile process that can be used to create threads on internal and external surfaces.
• Threading is a process that creates strong threads.
• The process is compatible with creating larger threads.
• The process offers threads that are smooth and have no sharp edges.

Cons

• Threading requires a complex setup compared to tapping.
• The process of threading holes is limited to certain materials which are ductile.
• The cost of threading is high compared to the other processes.

Work With DEK

The process of threading and tapping holes needs expertise, and if you are looking for expert services for these holes in your components, you can get in touch with DEK.

We have specialized tools and a team with experience in creating threaded holes using the process of threading and tapping.

En résumé

The processes of threading and tapping both create threaded holes, but there is a difference between them that impacts the selection of various applications.

Hence, understanding the differences and similarities between the two is crucial when using them in projects.

FAQ

How to tap a bolt hole?

To tap a bolt hole, first drill the hole to the correct size and insert the tap into it, rotating it clockwise to cut the threads.

How to tap a screw hole?

To tap a screw hole, the right size of the drill must be made, and the tap is placed and rotated to achieve the right cuts.

How to determine screw size from a hole?

In order to determine the screw size from the hole, you will need to measure the diameter of the hole and then refer to the size chart of the screw.

How to fix a cross-threaded hole?

You can fix a cross-threaded hole with the help of repairing it using a tool and die set.