What Is a Tap & Die Set?
A tap and die set is a series of metal tools for cutting internal threads in holes or external threads on shafts. They come in different sizes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Taps
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Taps are essentially hard bolts with cutting edges. When a tap is screwed into a hole, it cuts threads in the hole. The proper size hole for each tap can be found on the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) tap and drill chart.
Tap Wrenches
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Taps are usually mounted in a handle that gives them leverage so they can be turned like a crank.
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Dies
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A die is essentially a hard threaded nut with cutting edges. A die can make a bolt out of a plain steel shaft.
Die Stock
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When in use, a die is mounted in a handle called a die stock.
Sizes
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Taps and dies come in sizes from small to large, with fine threads, coarse treads and metric threads.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Photos by Gene Tencza
