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07 Thread Cutting PDF
07 Thread Cutting PDF
07 Thread Cutting PDF
2. They are made from high quality tool steel, hardened and ground.
3. Two, three, or four flutes are cut lengthwise across the threads to form
cutting edges, provide room for the chips, and admit fluid to lubricate
the tap (Fig.1).
Fig.1
Thread Cutting
1. The end of the shank is square so that a tap wrench can be used to turn the
tap into a hole (Fig.2).
Fig.2
Thread Cutting
1. 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 ,
2. Hand taps are usually made in sets of three, called taper, plug, and bottoming
(Fig.3).
Fig.3
Thread Cutting
1. A taper tap is tapered from the end approximately six threads and used to
start thread easily.
2. It can be used for tapping a hole which goes through the work, as well for
starting a blind hole ( one that does not go through the work) (Fig.4)
2. Sometimes the plug tap is the only tap used to thread a hole going through
a piece of work ( Fig.5).
1. A bottoming tap is not tapered but chamfered at the end for one thread.
3. When tapping a blind hole, first use the taper tap, then the plug tap, and
complete the hole with a bottoming tap (Fig.6)
1. Before a tap is used, the hole must be drilled to the correct tap drill size
(Fig.7).
2. This is the drill size that would leave the proper amount of material in the
hole for a tap to cut a thread.
Example: .125 X 64 = 8
= 8 reduced to 1
64 8
Example: 1 = 0.125
8
Thread Cutting
TDS = D – 1
N
TDS = tap drill size
D = major diameter of tap
N = number of threads per inch
EXAMPLE : Find the tap drill size for a 7/8 in. 9 NC tap.
TDS = 7/8 - 1/9
TDS = 0.875 - 0.111
TDS = 0.764 in.
3. Therefore, 49/64 in. is the tap drill size for a 7/8 in. – 9 NC tap.
Thread Cutting
2. They are identified with the letter M followed by the nominal diameter of
the thread in millimetres times the pitch in millimetres.
4. 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)
Tapping a Hole
1. Tapping is the operation of cutting an internal thread using a tap and tap
wrench( Fig.8).
).
Note: Taps are hard and brittle, they are easily broken. Extreme care
must be used when tapping a hole to prevent breakage. A broken
tap in a hole is difficult to remove and often results in scrapping the
work.
3. Place the tap in the hole as vertically as possible, press downward on the
wrench applying equal pressure on both handles, and turn clockwise (for
right-hand thread) for about two turns (Fig.9).
). Note: Be careful not to exert too much pressure in the straightening process.
6. When a tap has been properly started, feed it into the hole by turning the
tap wrench.
7. Turn the tap clockwise one-quarter turn, and then turn it backward about
one-half turn to break the chip.
Note: This must be done with a steady motion to prevent the tap from
breaking.
8. Remember when tapping blind holes, use all three taps in order: taper, plug,
and then the bottoming tap.
Note: Before using the bottoming tap, remove all the chips from the hole
and be careful not to hit the bottom of the hole with the tap.
Thread Cutting
3. When threading with an NPT tap, thread the tap in the hole no more than
3/8 of the thread length, before checking the thread fit.
4. check the thread fit often, use the fitting to be used in the threaded hole.
5. Turn the pipe fitting in by hand, it should turn in about two turns before
tightening (hand tight).
6. Finish the fitting tightening with a wrench, the fitting should turn an
additional two to three turns.
2. ). The tap may break in the hole and considerable work will be required to
remove it.
3. In many cases, it may not be possible and another piece of work must be
started.
2. Slide collar A, to which the fingers are attached, down body B so that the
). fingers project well below the end of the body (Fig. 11)
4. ). Slide the body down until it rests on top of the broken tap.This will give the
maximum support to the fingers.
5. Slide the collar C down until it rests on top of the work. This also provides
support for the fingers.
Note: Do not force the extractor, as this will damage the fingers. It may
be necessary to turn the wrench back and forth carefully to free
the tap sufficiently to back it out.
Thread Cutting
2. Heat the broken tap to a bright red colour, and allow it to cool slowly.
).
4. Using a drill considerably smaller than the distance between opposite flutes,
proceed carefully to drill a hole through the broken tap.
5. Enlarge this hole to remove as much of the metal between the flutes as
possible.
6. Collapse the remaining part with a punch and remove the pieces.
Thread Cutting
2. Common types of dies are solid , adjustable split, and the adjustable (Fig.12).
).
4. Lubricate the tapered end of the die with a suitable cutting lubricant.
5. Place the tapered end of the die squarely· on the work (Fig.13 A & B).
7. Check the die to see that it has started squarely with the work.
).
8. If it is not square, remove the die from the work and restart it squarely.
9. Turn the die forward one turn and then reverse it approximately one-half of a
turn to break the chip.
CAUTION: When cutting a long thread, keep the arms and hands clear
of the sharp threads coming through the die.
11. If the thread must be cut to a shoulder, remove the die and restart it with the
tapered side of the die facing up.
12. Complete the thread, being careful not to hit the shoulder; otherwise the
work may be bent and the die broken.