Pipe Threading Taps can help you execute the pipe threading job with total precision. This cutting tool can create threads in the inside of a hole.
Though tapping jobs are carried out manually, you can also use electrically driven power taps like spiral point plug taps. Tapping is also done with the help of a lathe machine, a radial drilling machine, and a bench-type drill machine.
According to a report published recently by Verified Market Reports, the global demand for pipe-tapping tools is growing year-on-year. To quote the report: Cutting pipe and perforating pipe drilling tools Market size was valued at USD 7.44 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 10.08 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.48% during the forecasted period of 2024 to 2030.
As per experts at SOSSUSA, the importance of ensuring precision emanates from the fact that if the quality of threaded holes is perfect, the lifespan of the tap can be extended by several years.
Best Ways to Ensure Precision Job with Pipe Threading Taps
There are some specific ways that you should adopt to achieve total perfection in threading jobs using pipe threading taps. To achieve this perfection, you have to follow certain technical and mechanical guidelines.
Here are eight ways to ensure precision jobs with pipe threading taps:
Perfect Assessment of Drill Size: You cannot achieve total precision unless you have done the exact measurement. This means that the assessment of the drill size is extremely important in achieving precision in the drilling job. This factor mandates that you consult the tap drill chart to ensure that you are measuring the drill size perfectly.
Right Positioning of the Tap: When you are cutting threads, position the tap straight. This position will ensure uniformity of the threads you have cut. You can make use of a holder or tap wrench to maintain the position at a right angle. If the positioning is not right, the threads cut can prove to be a hazard, foiling the very purpose for which you have cut threads.
Cutting Speed: This matters a lot to achieve perfection. If the cutting or threading speed is not uniform, the threads cannot be cut properly. It is very important to note that various metals—steel, iron, copper, and bronze—have different thread-cutting speeds. If the speed is not exact, the metal may break.
Selection of Tap: The selection of the tap depends on several factors like metal or material, thread pitch, thread type, tap size, and threading direction. You should select a purpose-built tap to ensure that the tool is absolutely right for the purpose you are going to use. For example, all taps are not fit for all types of materials. To clarify, if you are thinking of creating threads on stainless steel, which is very hard, you have to select the tap that is meant for steel threading.
Size Selection: The size of the tap matters a lot for perfect work. Pipe threading taps are available in various sizes, subject to the purpose for which they are going to be used. When you need to exert moderate or less force for tapping, you should use a smaller ratchet. But your tap should be large if you have to use more force. Thus, it is the nature of the force on which the selection of the tap depends.
Selection of Type of Tap: There are different project- or job-centric taps. For example, there are taper taps, plug taps, bottoming taps, spiral flute taps, and spiral point taps. They are all meant for specific threading purposes. This mandates that you first examine the nature of the job and then go for the type of tap that is meant for this specific purpose.
Use of the Right Lubricating Agent: This is very important. You must use high-quality lubricant or oil after you have created some threads. This process of application of lubricating agent should be repeated to make the surface smooth and allow the tap to move freely.
Cleaning of the Tap: The tap should be regularly cleaned as the operational process continues. When the tapping operation is on, it is likely to generate chips cut out of the pipe. Often, these broken chips create problems for ensuring the right tapping. Due to this reason, the tap should be cleaned regularly.
Conclusion
Pipe tapping is a precision job. If the threads are not cut properly or if the pipe is not threaded properly, it cannot serve any purpose. Due to this reason, the ways to cut the pipe are very important to achieve total perfection in the threading job.