Tapping

Tapping is the process of cutting the thread inside a hole for a cap screw or bolt to then be threaded into the hole. It can also be used to make a thread on nuts.

The cutting tool used to create the thread in a hole is called a tap, which has cutting edges in the shape of threads. The tap will remove the unwanted metal and cut internal threads when it is screwed into the hole.

Tapping can be carried out on lathe machines, milling machines, tapping machines, or by hand.

With multiple types of tapping tools available, the tool of choice will depend on the type of hole and material you want to thread.

• Hand taps: These include a taper tap, plug tap, and bottoming tap. The taper tap is the most common tapping tool with 7 to 10 thread chamfered, a plug tap allows for a gradual cutting action with 3 to 5 thread chamfered, and the bottoming tap has 1 to 2 thread chamfered for use after the initial thread has been cut.

• Spiral flute taps: The preferred tool for cutting through soft metals.

• Straight flute taps: A strong cutting tool with flutes and a large cross-section for cutting a thread into harder materials.

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