Plug Taps for Fastening Specialists: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re in the market for a reliable and efficient way to create screw threads, you might want to consider using plug taps. These specialized tools are designed to cut threads of a predetermined depth in a drilled hole, ensuring proper engagement with mating components or fasteners. Unlike other types of taps, plug taps have a longer chamfer that allows them to start threads more easily, making them a popular choice for a wide range of applications.

We understand the importance of having the right tools for the job. As a trusted wholesale distributor for over 65 years, we have the expertise and experience to help you find the perfect plug tap for your needs. Whether you’re working on a small DIY project or a large-scale industrial application, we have the products and knowledge to help you get the job done right.

When it comes to creating threads, taper taps and bottoming taps are also popular options. However, plug taps are often the go-to choice because of their versatility and ease of use. By choosing the right plug tap for your needs, you can create threads quickly and accurately, ensuring a secure and reliable connection every time. So why not trust the experts at Fastening Specialists to help you find the perfect plug tap for your next project?

Types of Plug Taps

When it comes to threading holes, plug taps are an essential tool that can be used in a variety of applications. Plug taps are designed to cut threads of a predetermined depth in a drilled hole, ensuring proper engagement with mating components or fasteners. There are different types of plug taps, each with its own unique characteristics that make it suitable for specific applications. In this section, we will discuss the three main types of plug taps: taper tap, intermediate tap, and bottoming tap.

Taper Tap

The taper tap is the most commonly used type of plug tap. It has a longer chamfer than the other types and is used to start the threading process in a hole. The taper tap has 8-10 thread chamfers before the full cutting diameter, which makes it ideal for cutting out most of the material. This type of tap has a visible and pronounced tapering of the cutting edges, which provides a very gradual and less aggressive cutting action. The distinct feature of a taper tap is the 8 to 10 threads that taper from the tip to the full diameter of the tap.

Intermediate Tap

The intermediate tap is also known as a second tap. It is used to follow the taper tap and cut threads to a predetermined depth. This type of tap has a shorter chamfer than the taper tap, which makes it ideal for threading through holes. The intermediate tap has a 3-5 thread chamfer before the full cutting diameter. It is important to use the intermediate tap after the taper tap to ensure that the threads are cut to the correct depth.

Bottoming Tap

The bottoming tap is also known as a plug tap. It is used to finish threading a hole to the bottom. This type of tap has a longer chamfer than the intermediate tap and is ideal for threading blind holes. The bottoming tap has a 1.5 thread chamfer, which makes it easier to start the threading process. It is important to use the bottoming tap after the intermediate tap to ensure that the threads are cut to the correct depth.

We are a trusted wholesale distributor for over 65 years. We are specialists in this field and can help you with everything related to fastening. With so many sizes, applications, features, designs, materials, coatings, and SKU names available, we know that fastenings can be overwhelming. Serving a long list of industries, you can trust THE specialists for the best in product value, insight, code expertise, and order fulfillment.

Design Features of Plug Taps

When it comes to threading operations, plug taps are an essential tool. They are designed to create internal threads with precision and versatility. In this section, we will discuss the design features of plug taps, including flute types, chamfer designs, and thread standards.

Flute Types

The flute type of a plug tap plays a significant role in its performance. There are two main types of flute designs: spiral and straight. Spiral flute taps are designed to evacuate chips from the hole while tapping. They are ideal for tapping deep holes and work well in softer materials. On the other hand, straight flute taps are designed for use in harder materials and shallow holes. They are less effective at clearing chips, but they provide better control.

Chamfer Designs

Chamfers are the angled cuts at the tip of the plug tap. They help guide the tap into the hole and start the threading process. There are three main types of chamfer designs: taper, plug, and bottoming. The taper chamfer is the most common and is used to start the thread. The plug chamfer is used for through holes and provides a balance between the taper and bottoming chamfers. The bottoming chamfer is used for blind holes and has a shorter chamfer length.

Thread Standards

Plug taps come in different thread standards, including UNC, UNF, ACME, and Whitworth. UNC and UNF are the most common thread standards and are used in a wide range of applications. ACME threads are used for power transmission and are designed for heavy loads. Whitworth threads are used in the UK and are similar to UNC threads but have a different pitch.

We are a trusted wholesale distributor of fastenings, serving a long list of industries for over 65 years. As specialists in this field, we offer a wide range of fastening products, including plug taps. Our expertise in product value, insight, and code expertise makes us the best option for all your fastening needs. Trust the experts for the best in order fulfillment and customer service.

Material and Coatings

Common Tap Materials

When it comes to choosing the right tap material, there are several options available. Each material has its own unique properties, making it suitable for different applications. Some of the most common tap materials include:

  • High-speed steel (HSS): This is a versatile material that can be used to cut a wide range of materials, including steel, aluminum, and titanium. HSS taps are known for their toughness and durability, making them a popular choice for high-volume production environments.
  • Carbide: Carbide taps are made from a combination of tungsten carbide and cobalt. They are extremely hard and wear-resistant, making them ideal for cutting hard materials like stainless steel and cast iron.
  • Carbon steel: Carbon steel taps are a cost-effective option for cutting softer materials like aluminum and brass. They are not as durable as HSS or carbide taps, but they are still a good choice for low-volume production environments.
  • Powdered metal: Powdered metal taps are made by compressing metal powder into a solid form. They are known for their toughness and wear resistance, making them a good choice for cutting hard materials like stainless steel.

Surface Treatments and Coatings

In addition to the material, the surface treatment and coatings of a tap can also affect its performance. Some common surface treatments and coatings include:

  • Titanium nitride (TiN): TiN-coated taps are coated with a thin layer of titanium nitride. This coating increases the tool’s hardness and wear resistance, making it ideal for use on hard materials like stainless steel. TiN-coated taps are also known for their ability to retain their sharpness over time.
  • Cobalt: Cobalt is often used as a coating for carbide taps. It helps to improve the tap’s wear resistance and reduces the risk of chipping or cracking.
  • Solid carbide: Solid carbide taps are made entirely from carbide material. They are extremely hard and wear-resistant, making them ideal for cutting hard materials like stainless steel and cast iron.

Selecting the Right Plug Tap

When it comes to selecting the right plug tap, there are a few factors to consider. Matching the tap to the material you are threading is crucial for achieving the desired results.

Matching Tap to Material

Different materials require different types of taps. For example, a soft material like aluminum may require a tap with a sharper cutting edge, while a harder material like steel may require a tap with a more gradual cutting edge. It is important to match the tap to the material to ensure that the threads are cut cleanly and accurately.

Determining Tap Size and Pitch

Another important factor to consider when selecting a plug tap is the size and pitch of the threads. The tap size and pitch should match the size and pitch of the hole you are threading. It is important to choose the correct tap size and pitch to ensure that the threads are cut to the correct specifications.

We understand that selecting the right thread tap can be overwhelming. That’s why we offer a wide range of thread taps, including hand taps, forming taps, and thread forming taps, in both fine and coarse pitches. As a trusted wholesale distributor for over 65 years, we are specialists in the field of fastenings. Our expertise and code knowledge ensure that you receive the best product value and insight. With a long list of industries served, you can trust us for all your fastening needs.

Using Plug Taps

When it comes to tapping threads, plug taps are a popular choice. They are used to cut threads of a predetermined depth in a drilled hole, ensuring proper engagement with mating components or fasteners. In this section, we will discuss how to use plug taps effectively.

Setting Up for Tapping

Before you start tapping, you need to make sure you have the right tools. You will need a tap wrench to hold the tap, as well as cutting oil to lubricate the tap and the workpiece. It is also important to choose the right tap for the job. For example, a spiral fluted tap is ideal for tapping deep holes, while a bottom tap is designed for tapping blind holes.

Drilling and Tapping Techniques

To tap a hole, you first need to drill a hole of the correct size. The size of the hole will depend on the size of the screw thread you are tapping. Once you have drilled the hole, insert the tap into the hole and turn it clockwise. Make sure to apply steady pressure and use cutting oil to lubricate the tap.

It is important to choose the right cutting speed for the material you are tapping. For example, if you are tapping brass, you will need to use a slower cutting speed than if you were tapping steel. The helix angle of the tap also plays a role in the cutting speed.

When using a plug tap, it is important to pay attention to the chamfer length. The chamfered area on a plug tap is approximately four threads long, while a bottom tap has a chamfer length of only one or two cutting edges.

The team at fastening specialists provides advice and best use-cases, but always check with local building codes and engineers for correct usage instructions.