Taps
Taps are tools used for creating screw threads (threading). A tap is used to form the female portion of a mating pair such as a nut in a process referred to as tapping. Taps can also be used for cleaning threads (chasing). In such a case, a tap with softer teeth is selected to avoid removing some materials from the screw. When picking a tap, you need to factor the expected thread type, head shape, point cut, flute, and shank.
In order to cut the right threads, the correct tap has to be used. Here are the two main types of taps:
1) Hand taps: In this category, the threads are cut using hands. They include single-cut hand taps, 2-piece hand tap sets, and 3-piece hand tap sets.
2) Machine taps: These are mainly single cut taps and are used to cut threads in a single work process. Because most drills are designed to operate vertically to the respective workpiece, machine taps help to simplify cutting of straight threads.
