Thread-Cutting Tools and

Procedures.
(TAP AND DIE)
 OBJECTIVES
Calculate the tap drill size for inch and
metric taps
Cut internal threads using a variety of taps
Cut external threads using a variety of dies
 INTRODUCTION
Threads – may be cut internally using a tap and
externally using a die. The proper selection
and use of these threading tools is an important
part of machine shop work.
Hand Taps
Taps are cutting tools used to cut internal
threads. They are made from high quality
tools steel, hardened and ground. Two,
three or four flutes are cut lengthwise
across the threads to form cutting edges,
provide room for the chips, and admit
cutting fluid to lubricate the tap. The end of
the shank is square so that a tap wrench
can be used to turn the tap into a hole.
 For inch taps, the major diameter, number of
threads per inch, and type of thread are usually
found stamped on the shank of a tap. For example,
½ in.-13 UNC represents:
½ in. = major diameter of the tap
= number of threads per inch
UNC = Unified National Coarse(a type of thread)
Hand taps are usually made in sets of
three: taper, plug, and bottoming taps.
A TAPER tap is tapered from the end
approximately six threads and is used
to start a thread easily. It can be used
for tapping a hole that goes through the
work, as well as for starting a blind hole
(one that does not go all the way
through).
 A PLUG tap is tapered for
approximately three threads. Sometimes
the plug tap is the only tap used to thread
a hole going a workpiece.
A BOTTOMING tap is not tapered but
chamfered at the end for one thread. It is
use for threading to the bottom of a blind
hole. When tapping a blind hole, first used
the taper tap, then the plug tap, and
complete the hole with a bottoming tap.
TAP DRILL SIZE
Before a tap is used, the hole must be
drilled to the correct tap drill size. This is
the drill size that would leave the proper
amount of material in the hole for a tap to
cut a thread. The tap drill is always smaller
than the tap and leaves enough material in
the hole for the tap to produce 75% of a
full thread.
 When a chart is not available, the tap drill
size for any American, National, or Unified
thread can be found easily by applying this
simple formula:
TSD = D-1/N
Where TSD = tap drill size
D = major diameter of tap
N = number of threads per inch
METRIC TAPS
Although there are several thread forms
and standards in the metric thread system,
the International Standards Organizations
(ISO) has adopted a standard metric
thread, which will be used in the United
States, Canada, and many other countries
throughout the world. This new series will
have only 25 thread sizes, ranging from
1.6 to 100 mm diameter
 Like inch taps, metric taps are available
in sets of three: taper, plug, and
bottoming taps. They are identified by
the letter M, followed by the nominal
diameter of the thread in millimeters times
the pitch in millimeters. Thus, a tap with
the markings M 4-0.7 indicates:
M – a metric thread
4 – the nominal diameter of the thread in millimeters
0.7 – the pitch of the thread in millimeters
TAP DRILL SIZES FOR METRIC TAPS
The tap drill size for metric taps is calculated in the same manner as
for U.S. Standard threads.
TDS = major diameter (mm) – pitch (mm)
 USING A HAND TAP

1.ALWAYS USE EYE PROTECTION

Clamp a steel plate (1)

securely in a vise (2). Drill
and ream a hole of desired
size
3. Select tap (3) and secure in tap wrench (4).
4. Apply cutting oil to the tap and the hole.
 Place point of the tap in hole (5) and rotate clockwise for
right-hand threads or rotate left-
handed tap counterclockwise for left-hand threads.
 Remove tap wrench and, using a square (6), check
tap for squareness. Check at least two different positions
on the tap.
 Replace the tap wrench and continue tapping oper-
ation. It is not necessary to apply pressure, as the
threads will be pulled through at all times
Remove tap by turning in the opposite direction. Wipe
excess oil and metal shavings from metal plate. Check
newly-cut threads with screw pitch gage before
inserting screw or stud.
THREADING DIES
Threading dies are used to cut external
threads on round work. The most
common threading dies are the solid,
the adjustable split, and the adjustable
screw plate die.
The solid die is used for chasing or re-
cutting damaged threads and may be
driven by a suitable wrench. It is not
adjustable.
The adjustable split die has an adjusting
screw that permits an adjustment over or
under the standard depth of thread. This
type of die fits into a die stock.
The adjustable screw plate is probably a
more efficient die, since it provides for
greater adjustment than the split die. Two
die halves are held securely in a collet by
means of a threaded plate, which also acts
as a guide when threading.
USING A HAND DIE

Work to be threaded must be clean and free of

burrs. 1 Secure the work (1) firmly in a vise (2)
Assemble die (3) and diestock (4). Tighten setscrew (5).
Loosen the two thumbscrews (6) to adjust diestock (4)
Apply cutting oil (7) to the die and to the work
 Position the diestock (4) over the work (1).
Tighten thumbscrews (6) securing diestock to work. Rotate
the diestock (4) clockwise, slowly but firmly, until the die
takes hold.
Use square (8) to check squareness after several
threads have been cut.
Turn the diestock (4) one turn forward and one-quarter
turn backward. Repeat this procedure until desired
thread length has been cut.
Carefully back the diestock (4) off the threads by
turning in a counterclockwise direction.
During the threading process, apply
cutting fluid frequently.