When you’re working on a project that requires threading, the first step is to choose the right tap. Now, people often get confused between form taps and cut taps.
It is tricky to choose one of them because they both look the same but work differently. In this article, we’ll cover these two types of taps and see which one is right for your next project.
What are form taps and cut taps?
Form taps and cut taps are both tools used to create threads inside a hole. These threads enable fasteners like bolts or screws to fit securely, which is crucial for holding materials together. While both taps serve the same basic purpose, the way they work is quite different.
Form taps do not cut into the material. Instead, they push the material aside to form the threads. This makes the process smoother and provides stronger and cleaner threads.
Cut taps, on the other hand, actually cut the material to create the threads. This method is more versatile and able to handle a wide range of materials.
How do form taps work?
Form taps are great for materials that are softer, such as aluminum, copper, or plastics. When you use a form tap, the tool doesn’t remove the material as much as it displaces it. It forms the threads by pushing the material outward. This results in smooth, consistent threads without the mess of chips or debris that come with cutting.
Form tap offers several advantages. First, they usually last longer because there’s less wear on the tool. They also work faster, as they don’t need to remove material. Additionally, the threads they create are stronger since the material is compressed rather than cut.
These taps are ideal for applications where a clean, precise thread is needed. They are commonly used in high-speed, mass-production environments because they produce threads faster and with more consistency.
How do cut taps work?
Cut taps work differently. They actually cut into the material to create the threads. These taps remove material, so they leave behind chips, which slows down the process and creates more mess. However, this method makes cut taps more resourceful, especially when working with harder materials.
Cut taps are commonly used on metals like steel, stainless steel, or other tough materials. Because they remove material as they work, they are also good for tapping deeper holes or for creating threads in blind holes. Cut taps also allow for finer threads when needed in harder materials.
While cut taps are comparatively slower and wear out faster than form taps, they are still crucial in many situations, like when you need to thread hard, brittle, or tough materials.
Key differences between form taps and cut taps
When to use form taps
Form taps are your go-to tool for certain types of projects. They’re perfect for softer metals like aluminum, copper, and brass, as well as plastics. If you need to create threads quickly and without waste, form taps are the way to go. They also work well in high-speed production environments where efficiency is important.
If you’re working with a material that is not too hard and you need clean, strong threads, form taps will deliver the best results.
When to use cut taps?
Cut taps shine when you’re working with harder materials, like stainless steel or hardened steel. These materials are tough to tap with form taps, as they may not form threads as easily. In these cases, cut taps are better because they cut through the material and create precise threads.
Since they remove material, they can create threads in deeper holes where form taps might struggle. If you need to tap a material that is very tough, a cut tap is the right tool for the job.
Conclusion
Choosing between form taps and cut taps will make a big difference in the outcome of your project. Form taps are ideal for softer materials and when you need fast, clean threading. Cut taps, however, are more adaptable and work best with harder materials or deeper holes.
Knowing the difference between the two will save you a lot of time and money. For example, if you’re working on stainless steel and use a form tap by mistake, the tap will wear easily, will give poor thread quality, and may even fail the entire project. So, the next time you start a new project, consider the material and your specific needs to determine which tap to use. And don’t forget to use the lubricant, as it reduces friction.