Everyone knows that the tap cuts the thread inside the hole.
However, there are enough questions how to tap a hole, how to use the tap to repair damaged threads.
Now I will try to answer these questions once and for all.
How to Tap a Hole
To begin with, I suggest dividing the entire tapping a hole process into several steps. We’ll start with the simplest.
Determine The Size Of The Screw
What is the size of the screw in the hole?
Usually, for this task, there is a set of dies, which is used to cut threads into a bolt.
To use the tap, you need to determine the number of threads per inch.
You can use a calibration system for such calculations. Such a system has several pins.
When you determine the required bolt size, you need to select the appropriate matrix.
Bolt in Vise
This step requires a remark. In what material are you planning to tap a hole?
If it’s metal, you need to lubricate the bolt, as this will create heat.
So, you need to put the bolt in the vise to use the stamp. As a rule, the stamp is placed on the bolt in a horizontal position.
Turn the Key
And the cube will catch on the threads of the bolt.
All you need to do is turn the spanner, but even here you need to be careful.
Every two turns you need to turn the spanner half a turn. This is necessary to clean the thread, which was cut by the head.
After this task, you should apply lubricant. By the way, lubrication is necessary during the whole process, so do not forget to repeat it.
Further turn the key so that the bolt does not go past the top of the matrix.
Remember that the matrix should have two handles because so it will be convenient for you to fix the cranes from the side of the internal thread and keep the stamps outside.
In accordance with this, you need to choose one of the tap handles and unscrew it. It must be done until the tap has entered, after which the tap needs to be screwed back in again.
At this stage, I advise you to attach material, whether metal, steel, or wood. It is important due to the surface will move and interfere with the working process.
Tapping a Hole
You need to tap a hole of the required depth and diameter.
In this case, it is important to keep in mind that the tap is unable to cut the hole to the lowest part. What does it mean?
It means that you need to make a hole deeper (if you make a blind hole) than the required depth.
I Inserted the End of the Tap Into the Hole. Is It Right?
Look:
If you hold the tap perpendicular to the surface in which you make a hole, all is true.
You need to put pressure on the tap and slowly turn it clockwise.
To understand that you are doing everything is quite easy. If you hear a tap cut to the surface, you did it right.
The main thing is that the tap quickly went down. Because it can be shaky, and you should not give it value; the tap does not break.
To me, it is convenient to hold the tap handle closer to me and turn the valve like a body. In my opinion, it is the best technique to pressure the tap correctly.
As the tap goes into the surface, it loses the spiral inside the hole. It means that pieces of metal or any other surface will pop up and retract into the tap.
I advise you to eliminate the direction by half a turn so that these pieces do not become your problem.
At this rate, you should follow until the tap is completely gone. About a quarter of the lower part of the tap (chamfer) should stick out.
I See Metal Pieces, Should I Check It?
Yes, you should check it out.
But mind that you need to make a hole at a time, especially since it is not difficult.
You do not need to make a replacement, just screw in the bolt at the same time. It will be difficult, but you need to clean and lubricate the tap.
I Must Use Grease, But I Do Not Know What
Yes, you need to use a lubricant or oil. It can be WD-40 or a lube with a proprietary formula.
Choose the lubricant or oil you need based on the material in which you will make the hole.
Like WD-40 is suitable only for aluminum. It cannot be used for other coatings.
The reason is that the WD-40 contains kerosene and aviation oil (CAS). Now you understand it can be dangerous.
For other cases, you can use gentle lubricants, such as with a proprietary formula. But only if you do not work with cast iron.
The matter is that cast iron is not suitable for lubrication. If you have a water-based lubricant that will serve as a coolant, you can lubricate the cast iron, but only if you need to rinse the shavings.
What Else Do I Need to Know to Make Tapping Right?
- First, when screwing a tap, you should know that the pressure created by you should be minimal. It’s enough that you keep it tight, you’ll be focused.
- Look for a separate rod or handle in the set with cranes. If you have it, stand it up, since such rods are very useful in the work.
- You have to keep the tap straight at all times – when you turn it, and when you do not turn it, even though the tap is horizontal on the surface. It is necessary to experience this in the case of a metal rupture.
- Clean the tap thread from the loose coating material in which you make the hole. Do it every few turns. To do this, turn the tap anticlockwise and open it. It is important if you make a blind hole.
- At the end of the work, when you reach the required depth, return the tap and clean, and then smudge and stand up the bolt.
Conclusion
To tap a hole is not an easy act. All you need is to determine the type of hole, thread size, outer diameter, number of threads. These parameters will tell you what size to choose a tap.
Almost all screws and bolts work on the right side, and the hole is made to the left. So, you just need to turn the tap clockwise.
Perhaps it is all you need to know about how to tap a hole.
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