Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
When using a tap and die set, it’s important to understand the terms. “Tapping” occurs when you cut, or recut threads into a hole or nut. Most auto mechanics and metalworkers have likely dealt with this issue. It may have occurred in the form of a stripped socket or cut-off bolt which needed re-threading. Learning how to use a tap and die set lets you fix serious problems in metal that would otherwise leave you high and dry.
You use a “die” to either cut or repair threads onto a bolt or piece of metal. The metal of these thread cutters exceeds the strength of most sheet metals. With the right amount of oil and care, you can quickly and consistently cut or repair threads for machined screws and bolts.
Before you can start threading, you first have to determine the number of threads per inch (TPI). You need this to grab the correct tap and/or die for the bolt, nut, or hole. Most tap and die systems, include some kind of gauge. These use a number of different “blades” that help you match the correct TPI of a bolt or nut. Some look a little like a small pocket knife. Many of these thread checkers exist on the market and you can find one that works well for you.
After determining the TPI of a bolt, you can then select the die that corresponds to it. Keep in mind that these sets come in both metric and SAE. Manufacturers also have very small small and very extensive kits. Taps and dies both feature tapered threads. This helps them ease into a bolt or nut and gently re-carve the threads as they were intended. Most dies fit into a special wrench that holds them fast. This gives you the required leverage to spin it around and guide it on its cutting path.
You may have seen some of the new drill and tap bits. These go into an impact driver or drill, letting you both drill and tap in one step. With how much caution you need with manually tapping holes, it’s a wonder how these work.
Provided you stick to the recommended materials and lubricate the bits during use, these provide super-quick hole tapping. We’ve tried them in various sheet metals and plate steel. Lining up your holes and keeping them straight and level presents the biggest challenge with these bits.
Using a die to fix the threads on a cross-threaded bolt takes just a few steps.
Start by securing the bolt in place using a vise. Since you don’t want to further damage the threads, we suggest clamping only the head of the hex bolt. If, however, you need to clamp the shaft of the bolt, try one of these methods to protect the bolt threads:
Once you have the bolt secured, carefully align the die so that you don’t go down on an angle, but straight down the bolt.
When you begin to rethread the bolt it may start to heat up. This is inevitable when tightly rubbing two metals together. It’s more apparent when you engage in longer thread lengths. We recommend using a little cutting oil to lubricate the die and keep it cool during use. Most tap and die wrenches have an open top. Use this advantage to add lubricant without removing the die. This also extends the life of your tap and die set.
As you thread the die down onto the bolt you will feel it quickly begin to catch. Every few turns you may have to back the die out a bit to clear the threads and allow it to cut better. This is to be expected and is akin to drilling into wood with a large bit. Once the die makes it far enough down that the bolt sticks through the top you will know you are finished.
Using a tap to thread (or re-thread) a nut is just as easy. Start by securing the nut in a vise.
If you don’t have a matching bolt, use a gauge to select the correct size for the nut or hole you want to thread. For those doing a nut on its own, you would want to use the actual matching bolt to set the size. This keeps you from needing to try and muscle the gauge into a worn-out bolt. Based on its location, this may even be impossible.
If you encounter completely damaged threads, don’t panic. You can always drill out the hole and re-tap it for a slightly larger bolt. You can even fill it and re-tap it.
To begin, place the tap into the provided wrench and secure it. Next, place the tap into the nut and begin turning it down by hand being cautious to keep it perfectly straight to the hole. As with using a die, adding oil is a must. Back the tap out frequently to get rid of debris that builds up in the threads.
That’s all there is to it. Using a tap and die set can really remedy some nasty situations and it’s the kind of tool that not everyone will need. When you do, however, there’s no other substitute! Knowing how to use a tap and die set well comes with time. Eventually, you begin to get a feel for the process. That speeds up your workflow.
When he's not remodeling part of his house or playing with the latest power tool, Clint enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader. He has a degree in recording engineering and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another since 1992.
Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films & television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years.
Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint dealt extensively with client management as well as film & video editing, color correction, and digital video & MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified.
After founding the CD Media, Inc. publishing company in 1996, he went on to help start or grow several successful online publications, including Audioholics (as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years), Audiogurus, and AV Gadgets. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. He also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades.
Crediting his excellent staff for the success of what is now the largest power tool review publication in the industry, Clint DeBoer hopes to see continued growth for the company as it rapidly expands its reach. Pro Tool Reviews critically reviews hundreds of hand tools, power tools, and accessories each year to help inform users about the best and newest products in the industry. Reaching everyone from the construction industry professional and tradesman to the serious DIYer, Pro Tool Reviews helps tool consumers shop better, work smarter, and stay aware of what tools and products can help put them at the top of their game.
Milwaukee Tool announced the opening of a new Engineering Design and Innovation Space or “Technology Office” in Chicago, Illinois. Which begged the question: What is this multi-billion dollar tool company planning for this downtown location? The Big Deal Behind Milwaukee’s Chicago Office Milwaukee Tool invested over $14 million dollars in this new facility. They renovated […]
ETANCO, a leader in the European construction market for fixing and fastening solutions, has been acquired by Simpson Strong-Tie. Founded in 1956, American company Simpson Strong-Tie has made it its goal to provide exceptional products and services. With ETANCO’s European reputation, they hope this company acquisition will give them a strong footing in the overseas […]
Fastening Tools Highlight Ridgid’s New Cordless Tools For Spring 2022 There’s a constant stream of new Ridgid tools and batteries coming to your local Home Depot and available online. Bookmark this page to stay up to date on the latest new products! New Ridgid Tools For 2022 | Cordless Impact Wrenches Ridgid 18V Brushless 1/2-Inch […]
Ridgid Has Released A New Diagnostic Inspection Tool– This Time With The More Advanced TruSense Technology Ridgid’s SeeSnake microReel APX now uses TruSense technology to ensure images are displayed upright. It also uses bright LED lights for a clearer, more detailed picture compared to previous models. This is important since it is often difficult to […]
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn income when you click on an Amazon link. Thanks for helping us do what we love.
See our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Pro Tool Reviews is a successful online publication that has been providing tool reviews and industry news since 2008. In today’s world of Internet news and online content, we found that more and more professionals researched a large majority of their major power tool purchases online. That piqued our interest.
There’s one key thing to note about Pro Tool Reviews: We’re all about the professional tool user and tradesman!
Copyright ©2008-2022 Pro Tool Reviews, LLC. All rights reserved.
Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Feel free to read our full privacy policy.
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
This website uses the following additional cookies:
Gleam.io - This lets us offer giveaways that collect anonymous user information such as the number of visitors to the site. No personal information is collected until or unless it is voluntarily submitted for purposes of manually entering a giveaway.
Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!