Uses of hand tap wrenches

 Uses of threading hand taps

. features of hand taps

. distinguish between different taps in a set

. name the different types of tape wrenches

.uses of different types of wrenches

. use of threading hand taps

Use of Hand Taps

Hand taps are used for internal threading of components.

Features

They are made from high carbon steel or high speed steel, hardened and ground.

Threads are cut on the surface, and are accurately finished.

To form the cutting edges, the flutes are cut across the thread.

For holding and turning the taps while cutting threads, the ends of the shanks are squared.

The ends of the taps are chamfered (taper lead) for assisting, aligning and starting of the thread.The size of the taps and the type of the thread are usually marked on the shank. In certain cases, the pitch of the tread will also be marked.

Marking arw also made to indicate the type of tap i.e first, second or plug.

Types of Taps in a set

Hand taps for a particular thread are available as a set consisting of three pieces.

There are

First tap or taper tap

Second tap or intermediate tap

Plug or bottoming tap.

These tapes are indentical in all features except in the taper lead.

The taper tap is to start the thread. It is possible to form full threads by the taper tap in through holes  which are not deep.

The bottoming tap (plug) is used to finish the threads of a blind hole to the correct depth.

For identifying the type of taps quickly-the taps are either numbered as 1,2 and 3 or rings are marked on the shank. The taper tap has one ring, the intermediate tap has two rings and the bottoming tap has three rings.

Tap wrenches

Tap wrenches are used to align and drive the hand taps correctly into the hole to be threaded.

Tap wrenches are of different types

Double ended adjustable wrench, T- handle tap wrench, solid type tap wrench.

Double ended adjustable tap wrench or bar type tap wrench

This is the most commonly used type of tap wrench. It is available in various size. These tap wrenches are more suitable for large diameter taps, and can be used in open places where there is no obstruction to turn the tap. It is important to select the correct size of wrench.

T-handle tap wrench

These are small adjustable chucks with two jaws and a handle to turn the wrench.

This tap wrench is useful to work in restricted places, and is turned with one hand only. This wrench is not available for holding large diameter taps.

Solid type tap wrench

These wrenches are not adjustable. They can take only certain sizes of taps. This eliminates the use of wrong length of the tap wrenches, and thus prevents damage to the taps.