![]() How can that be? Well, it’s actually pretty simple. Anytime you see just one size being recommended, you know you can do better–one size does not fit all when it comes to tapping. The same is true of the size recommended on the tap and even the recommended size from the tap manufacturer. Moreover, the size recommended in most drill bit size charts is very often not the best size to use. Let’s start with an important fact–there isn’t just one drill bit size to use for a given tap size. ![]() Newsflash: There Isn’t Just One Drill Bit Size for a Tap But in this age of computers and the Internet, you can do better. If it has information on which twist drill size to use for tapping, so much the better. Make no mistake: having a good drill bit size chart (sometimes called a “drill index”) is a very handy thing indeed to have around. What’s better than a drill bit size chart? Let us help, and BTW, it’s completely free too! If you just want a simple tap drill chart in Metric and Imperial sizes, or a pdf you can print and post in your workshop, scroll on down.īut, before you do, wouldn’t you like to hear about something that’s much better in every way? Something that’ll make it much less likely you’ll break a tap? Something a little more modern than a simple chart? Pssst: G-Wizard Even Does the Drill Bit Size Chart Better!.How About a Drill Bit Size Chart with Metric Tap Drills in PDF?.Hey, What About that Free Drill Bit Size Chart?.Bonus: Depth Clearance When Tapping Blind Holes.How Do I Go From Thread Percentages to Tap Drill Size?.Tapping Drill Size Problem #2: Form Taps vs Cut Taps.General Guidelines for Choosing Thread Percentage.Newsflash: There Isn’t Just One Drill Bit Size for a Tap.Tap Drill Chart: Metric & Imperial Size.If your tap keeps breaking, change it up with different speeds, coolant, or a different tap. Sometimes you just have to experiment until you find out what works the best. Other than that, there really isn’t much else to say about form taps. Also, if your countersink isn’t big enough, the first thread will be pushed up above the material’s surface and will cause interference if it’s a mating part. You need something with better lubricity that will reduce the load on the tool. This is especially true on small form taps such as an M3 (Metric), as there just isn’t enough space for the average coolant to lube the tap. If your coolant isn’t good enough, the tap will be have to work harder to form the threaded hole and eventually will break. With all of these advantages, there’s gotta be some downfall, right?! Well, due to the higher pressure on the tool and part hole, it will require some better coolant or oil with high lubricity. ![]() Not only will everything be stronger, but you can run at faster speeds, greatly reducing cycle times. This will save you time and money in the long run, as you won’t have as many taps breaking in your parts. If you need strong threads in your parts, form taps are the way to go.įorm taps are stronger and will last longer than cut taps. That brings us to the next advantage the threads are much stronger because they are “formed” into place. A form tap does just that, it “forms” the threads in the hole with pressure, as opposed to “cutting” threads. What’s better about form taps? Well, they have several advantages over cut taps that will make you want to use them more often. Since this type of tap “cuts” threads into the hole, you can get away with using various coolants and mixtures without breaking tools, especially on soft materials like aluminum. You also won’t have to worry about running into anything unless your table or fixture is under the hole. This equates to much faster tapping cycle times.Ī cutting tap is great for thru-holes, as you won’t have to dig into the hole to pull out the chips. ![]() It allows you to tap at higher RPM without putting so much load on your spindle. Rigid tapping is a very useful option on newer CNC Mills such as a Haas. Depending on your machine’s capabilities and what material you’re running, you may only be able to run it at 200-300 RPM. They are easy to use just drill the hole with the correct tap drill size, making sure you go deep enough so that the tap will get enough threads, then run the tap into the hole. ![]() Tapping with cut taps has been the most popular for decades because that’s what there was available. A cut tap also has clearance cut around the tool so that chips will move out of the way and not break it. A cut tap doesn’t have a full thread until about the third time around, while a form tap looks the same from bottom to top. After using both kind of taps for a while, you’ll see the difference in looks right away. ![]()
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