What are the different types of thread taps and their specific uses?

Thread taps are essential tools used for cutting internal threads in various materials. They come in different types, each designed for specific applications. Here are the main types of thread taps and their uses:  

1. Hand Taps  

- Taper Tap – Has a gradual cutting action, ideal for starting threads in a hole.  

- Plug Tap (Intermediate Tap) – Has fewer tapered threads, used for cutting deeper into a hole after a taper tap.  

- Bottoming Tap – Has almost no taper, used for finishing threads to the bottom of a blind hole.  

2. Machine Taps  

- Spiral Point Tap (Gun Tap) – Designed for through holes, pushes chips forward for better chip evacuation.  

- Spiral Flute Tap – Ideal for blind holes, lifts chips out of the hole to prevent clogging.  

3. Specialty Taps  

- Roll Forming Tap (Fluteless Tap) – Used for thread forming instead of cutting, ideal for soft materials like aluminum and brass.  

- Pipe Taps – Used for cutting threads in pipes for fluid and gas sealing (NPT, BSPT, etc.).  

- Acme Tap – Used for cutting Acme threads, which are often found in lead screws and industrial applications.  

- Thread Repair Tap – Designed for restoring damaged threads rather than cutting new ones.  

Each type of thread tap serves a unique purpose, and selecting the right one depends on the material, hole type (through or blind), and threading requirements.