Taps & Dies
Tap and Die Set | 20-Piece Kit | M3-M12 Mechanical Threading
CMP-04526TAPS-00001
£46.99
Taps & Dies
3 products available
Taps and dies are threading tools used to cut or form screw threads. Taps create internal threads in a hole, while dies cut external threads on a cylindrical rod. These tools are fundamental for manufacturing, assembly, and repair in professional metalworking and mechanical trades.
Compel supplies a focused range of tap and die sets for industrial use. Our selection includes common metric sizes in materials like High-Speed Steel, Alloy Steel, and Carbide to match your application's demands. Find the correct thread cutting tools for creating new threads or performing precise thread repairs in your facility.
Material Selection: Carbide, HSS, or Alloy Steel?
The material of your threading tools directly impacts performance and lifespan. Your choice depends on the workpiece material and the production volume.
High-Speed Steel (HSS) offers a good balance of hardness and toughness for general-purpose threading in most ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Alloy steel is a durable option often found in sets intended for general maintenance and thread repair. For the most demanding applications, such as cutting threads in hardened steel or for high-volume production runs, Carbide is the superior choice. It offers the best wear resistance but is more brittle and requires a rigid setup.
Choosing the Right Tap and Die Set Size
Our tap sets are available in standard metric thread sizes, typically ranging from M2 to M22. A set labeled 'M3-M12' will contain taps and dies for various common sizes within that diameter range. Before purchasing, verify that the set includes the specific metric diameters your project requires.
Also consider thread direction. Most fasteners use a standard right-hand thread. However, some applications require a left-hand thread, which tightens counter-clockwise. We offer specific left-hand metric tap & die sets for these specialized mechanical needs.
Understanding Tap Types for Your Application
Hand tap kits often include taper, plug, and bottoming taps. A taper tap has a pronounced chamfer to start a thread easily in a new hole. A plug tap has less taper and is used to cut threads deeper. A bottoming tap has almost no taper and is used to cut threads to the bottom of a blind hole.
The sets we provide are primarily hand screw tap kits. These are designed for manual operation with a tap wrench, giving the operator full control for repair work or low-volume cutting.
Buying guide
Choosing Taps & Dies
- When should I choose a Carbide tap set over High-Speed Steel (HSS)?
- Choose Carbide for high-volume production threading or when working with hard, abrasive materials like cast iron or hardened steels. For general-purpose work, maintenance, and threading softer metals, HSS provides a better combination of toughness and cost-effectiveness.
- What does the 'M' number mean on a metric tap and die set?
- The 'M' designates the thread as metric. The number that follows indicates the nominal major diameter of the thread in millimeters. A tap with a given 'M' number is used to create an internal thread of that corresponding diameter.
- Are these threading tools suitable for repairing damaged threads?
- Yes, tap and die sets are standard tools for chasing or re-cutting damaged threads on bolts and in holes. To do this, you must select a tool that exactly matches the size and thread pitch of the original, undamaged thread.
- What is the most common reason for tap breakage?
- The leading causes of tap breakage are poor alignment, using insufficient cutting fluid, and failing to clear chips. Always ensure the tap is perfectly perpendicular to the workpiece and use a suitable lubricant. Periodically reverse the tap's rotation to break and clear chips from the flutes.
- Are these tap sets for hand use or machine tapping?
- The kits listed are primarily hand tap kits intended for manual use with a tap wrench. While some straight-flute taps can be used in a machine with the correct holder and a slow speed, they are not designed for high-speed CNC production.