Beginner’s Guide to Using a Tap and Die Set

Having an excellent tap and die set is beneficial and vital to individuals working in a garage or repair business. Owning a tap and die set is also a great inclusion in many home tool kits.

Before you learn how to use a tap and die set, it is essential to know which one to purchase even if you’re using it for minor home repairs. The set has got to be of good quality, and it needs to be durable if you’re to enjoy using it.

Before we dive into how to use a tap and die set I want to give thanks to right to rise blog for sharing this article in our website.

So, What Is a Tap and Die Set?

A tap and die set is a two-in-one tool used to chop threads around a hole and into a thread. You use the tap to cut threads on the holes where threads fasteners are positioned and use the die to cut threads on rods that are mainly from steel.

Dies are also for creating a fresh thread on newly formed bolts and repairing existing threads on bolts and screws.

Before learning how to use it, it is essential to know the different types of taps and dies. It consists of the following:

  • Taper Tap

Taper tap is utilized to initiate a thread or cut. They are tapered from the bottom all the way to the thread at the top.

  • Second tap

It is used for deepening threads cut by taper tap. The angles are similar to the taper tap but only until the level of the sixth thread.

  • Plug tap

It is far much distinct from second tap and taper tap. It is mainly used for producing neat outcomes at the end of the bolts.

  • Circular dies

The function of the circular die is to develop entire threads in one operation. You tap only threads from the side to enable easy initiations.

  • Two piece adjustable dies

You use this die to make a long thread. The process involves multiple cutting operations which need the die to close after every thread.

Steps for Using a Tap and Die Set

  1. Define the thread number for each inch

When you are making threads, you have to decide the number of threads that you will use per inch. It will depend on the choice of the bolt and object. You can use a bolt gauge to measure and calculate the number of threads in the lock. After determining the amount, select the die that you need to fit into the thread.

A tapered die will tell you which side to work on it first. Before you select the die to use, you need to fit into the wrench to guide and hold it.

  1. Make new threads

You need to fix the lock on the vise to prevent the object or bolt from moving before creating threads. If the object or bolt is sufficiently attached, it will be simple to have whole threads from the dies.

While developing threads, the metal you use for cutting may produce heat; ensure that you apply oil to lubricate it. Place the die on an object or bolt horizontally. This step is the time that you can use your die.

Use a wrench to hold the die and bolt and position the die at the top of the bolt. Moving the wrench will create new threads on the bolt.

Ensure that you reverse the operation by about a half turn after multiple turns of the die. Each revolution will create transparent threads. The revolution will clean all the thread and make die slice easily.

Turn over the wrench where you can check the bolt go through the die. Continue turning the wrench until you get your desired threads.

  1. Transform a metal rod into a bolt

It is possible to use a die in turning ordinary steel into a bolt. For you to do this, the rod should have a beveled end. The die will not work best when the provided rod has flat ends. You can use a grinder to make a beveled end from a flat-end rod.

Do not forget to use oil as a lubricant while creating threads. Move the die steadily and slowly. If you’re impatient, you will ruin the whole process.

  1. Tap a hole

For starters, set the tap in the special wrench. Be sure to tighten it to avoid moving. For you to create a hole using a tap and die set, you got to know this: size of the tap drill, number of threads on the bolt or screw (per inch), the size of the tap and screw size, and the object size.

Reverse the tap per several turns and be sure to lube as you make the hole.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

  1. How do you know the tap size?

Tap or drill diameter is equal to the standard width minus the thread pitch. You calculate the tap diameter using the usual and simple formula.

For instance, if the diameter of the tap is 0.375 and thread pitch is 0.0625, the tap size will be 0.312 inches.

  1. What is the tap starter?

Starter tap is also called taper chamfer. Starter tap is used to rough a heat-treated metal. You can use a plug for various applications of tapping.

Starter chamfers are used when there is an insufficient hole for the plug or tapper.

  1. What is the difference between a tap and die?

A tap is used to cut or form threads, and the process is called tapping. A die is used to for cutting the pair of materials, for example, bolts and the process is called threading. Both sets are used for cleaning up the threads, and the method is called chasing.

  1. What is the meaning of a hex die?

Hexagon die is a threading die that is designed to cut hard application of external threads. As the name suggests, all holes should be of the same size and equal thread size.

When working with taps and dies sets, there are potential hazards. Wear safety glasses before you start working. Taps and dies are sharp, so you should be keen not to cut yourself during the operation.