Tool Spotlight: Taps and Dies – What is it, How to use it, Benefits, Maintenance Tips and more

At Alok Tools, we offer a full range of taps and die sets to meet all industrial requirements. Our product range includes:

• Carbon taps and dies, B.A/M.E
• Carbon taps UNC/UNF
• Carbon taps and dies, metric sizes
• Carbon dies UNC/UNF

As leading tap and die-cutting tools suppliers in India, we can help you find the right size tap and die sets to meet your specific requirements. If you’re looking for custom sizes, get in touch with our team to fulfill your requirements.

Here, in today’s guide, we take a closer look at this popular cutting tool – what is it, why is it used, how to use it, and more.

First things first,

What are Taps and Dies?

Taps and dies are a pair of tools that are used to create screw threads. The process is also known as threading. While most taps and dies are cutting tools, it can also be used as forming tools. There are two major components of the tool:

• The tap – This is referred to as the male portion of the toolset and is used to form or cut the female portion.
• The die – This is the other portion of the tool and is referred to as the female part of the tool. It is used to cut the male portion.

Before you start using the tap and die set, you must understand the various terms associated with the tool. Here are the common terminologies of this toolset:

Tapping – This is the process of cutting or recutting threads into a nut or hole. If you have worked with heavy machinery, vehicles, or other industrial tools, then you would know that over time, the threads in nut or hole are worn off and have to be re-threaded. The tap and die set is what helps in re-threading.

At Alok Tools, leading tap and die suppliers in India, we stock the full range of various tap types including:

• Bottoming Tap – It’s also known as plug tap. It has a continuous edge at the bottom with almost no taper – between the end threads. It is mostly used to cut threads in holes that have been partially threaded.
• Intermediate Tap – The other name for it is second It has tapered cutting edges, making it ideal for starting taps in an untapped hole. It usually has 3 to 5 tapered threads. It’s the most common type of tap and dies.
• Taper Tap – Though it looks similar to the intermediate tap, it has a more pronounced cutting edge. It has a less aggressive cutting action compared to the intermediate tap. It usually has 8 to 10 tapered threads. It’s mostly used to work with hard materials like alloy steel.
• Power Taps – The taps mentioned above are generally hand taps as it can be manually operated. Power-driven taps, on the other hand, are motor operated. Some of the common power taps are gun tap, spiral point plug tap, spiral flute tap, etc.
• Forming Tap – It’s also known as roll tap or fluteless Unlike the other cutting taps on this list, the forming tap forcefully changes the metal into a thread shape. These taps work only with soft materials like aluminium and mild steel.

How to use a Tap and Die Set?

The “die” part of the tap and die set is used to cut or repair the threads on a bolt. The first step is to determine the TPI – Number of Threads per Inch. The TPI can be fixed on either the nut or bolt. Most tap and die sets come with a gauge that helps you calculate the TPI. The gauge has several blades and looks similar to a Swiss knife.

Once you fix the TPI, the next step is to choose the die that matches it. Tap and die sets from Alok Tools are available in both metric and SAE units. Taps and dies are tapered so that it can fit easily into a nut or bolt and re-carve the threads. Once done, the threads will be closely similar to the original. The dies are fit into a special wrench that makes it easy to hold it and guide it along its cutting path.

Uses of Tap and Die Sets

1. To Fix Threads
2. To Rethread

How to maintain tap and die sets?

We recommend that you use cutting oil to lubricate the die to keep it well-oiled. Most tap and die sets have an open top. Hence, you can lubricate it easily without having to dismantle it. Keeping it well-oiled helps to extend the life of the tap and die set. Also, make sure to clean out any debris from the tool before storing it to keep it in perfect condition for years to come.

Wrapping Up – Alok Tools your Go-To Industrial Tools Supplier in India

Initially, you may find it difficult to use the tap and die set. But, with regular use, you’ll get a feel for the tool quickly. As the leading tools supplier in India, Alok Tools offers a wide range of hand tools, cutting tools, industrial tools, precision tools, OZAR Toku tools, and more. We also have an attractive distributor partnership program and are on the constant lookout for overseas partners for our tools. If interested, fill up this form to become our partner.