What is a machine tap?

What is a machine tap?

A machine tap is a cutting tool used to create threads in a hole in a workpiece. It is typically used in a machine such as a drill press or lathe and is powered by the machine's spindle. Machine taps are typically made from high-speed steel and come in a variety of sizes and styles, including taper, plug, and bottoming taps. They are used for cutting threads on a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and wood.

What are machine taps used for?

Machine taps are primarily used to create threads in a hole in a workpiece. These threads can be used to accept a mating threaded fastener, such as a bolt or screw. They are used in a wide range of applications, including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. Machine taps are used to thread a hole in materials such as metals (steel, aluminum, brass), thermoplastics, and sometimes even wood. They can also be used to repair or re-thread damaged threads, for example if a nut or bolt has been cross-threaded and damaged the threads in the hole.

What is the difference between a machine tap and a hand tap?

The main difference between a machine tap and a hand tap is the method of use. A machine tap is designed to be used in a machine such as a drill press or lathe and is powered by the machine's spindle. It is typically made from high-speed steel and is more durable than a hand tap.

On the other hand, a hand tap is designed to be used by hand and is not powered by a machine. It is typically made from carbon steel and is less durable than a machine tap. Hand taps come in a T-handle or a T-wrench handle which is used to turn the tap by hand.

Another difference between the two is that machine taps are generally more precise, and the threads they create tend to be more consistent than those created by hand taps. Machine taps are also capable of working on harder materials than hand taps, and can create threads in deeper, larger holes.

In summary, Machine taps are used in a machine and are more durable, precise and efficient than hand taps. On the other hand, hand taps are used by hand and are less durable, less precise and less efficient than machine taps.