The tap is designed for internal thread cutting, so this would be used on the fastener hole or a nut, whereas a die is used for the external thread, like on a bolt. From time to time it is needful to screw something into something else, which may not yet accept a screw. The work piece (blank) to be threaded, which is usually slightly smaller in diameter than the die's major diameter, is given a slight taper (chamfer) at the end that is to be threaded.

To enable personalised advertising (like interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. Whether manual or automatic, the processing of tapping begins with forming (usually by drilling) and slightly countersinking a hole to a diameter somewhat smaller than the tap's major diameter.

For a short while the turning will be wobbly but as the tap progresses downward into the hole, it will stabilize.

Since there is no need to provide space for chips, these recesses are much more subtle than a cutting tap's flutes and the tap appears very nearly just like a plain thread. Threading taps are used in conjunction with a tap wrench so always consider the maximum side tap your wrench can hold when purchasing. A tap cuts or forms a thread on the inside surface of a hole, creating a female surface that functions like a nut. Tapping case studies with typical examples of tapping operations in various environments are shown on source machinetoolaid. Tapping stations are worktables with a tapping head attached to the end of a pantograph-style arm similar to that of a balanced-arm lamp.

Although in general machine tapping is more accurate, tapping operations have traditionally been very tricky to execute due to frequent tap breakage and inconsistent quality of tapping.