Taper Tap

Taps and dies are tools used to create screw threads, which is called threading. Many are cutting tools; others are forming tools. A tap is used to cut or form the female portion of the mating pair (e.g. a nut). A die is used to cut or form the male portion of the mating pair (e.g. a bolt). The process of cutting or forming threads using a tap is called tapping, whereas the process using a die is called threading.

Taper taps are the easiest taps to use by hand because the material removed is done with so many partial forms of the taps thread. Taper taps are normally used in through-hole applications or as a starter tap for blind holes.