Taps and dies are two tools that are used to create screw threads, more commonly referred to as just a thread. It is a common misconception to think that these two cutting tools are alike, seeing as they are two different tools with two different purposes, although a die set is hardly ever seen with a tap as well.
The basic point of taps and dies is to create the threads on nuts and bolts. Here are their specific actions:
A tap looks a lot like a drill, and this is because its purpose is to make the female thread, otherwise referred to as a nut. Using a tap can be quite difficult because it needs to be used with care, as if one of the threads of the taps comes off in the middle of its drilling, it is next to impossible to remove.
The upside though is that a tap will almost always come with a T handle that will allow for easier use. All you need to make sure is that you have the tap size and you should have no problem whatsoever.
A die, on the other hand, looks a lot like a nut, and it is used to create threads on otherwise smooth metallic rods. The size of the die that you must use must be a size smaller than that of the rod, because if it fits too perfectly, the threads will be of no use, if they get made at all.
It is recommended that you use a drop or two of a lubricant when using these taps and dies, simply because you do not want the friction to be too much that will cause it to break.
Of course, the type of lubricant that you use will depend on the material that your taps and dies are made of. Carbon steel is paired with a synthetic cutting oil, alloy steel is paired with petroleum based cutting oil, aluminum and brass can be paired with kerosene or mineral spirits, and bronze can be paired with kerosene or mineral spirits paired with a little bit of petroleum based cutting oil.
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