Taps

Taps - a professional tool for cutting internal threads

PROFI-INSTRUMENT offers to buy taps from leading European manufacturers Völkel and Profitool. For over 10 years we have been providing locksmiths and mechanics with high-quality taps for cutting threads in Kiev with an official guarantee.

What is a tap and what is it for?

A tap is a cutting tool for cutting internal threads in holes. Taps are used to create threaded holes for bolts, screws and studs in metal, plastic and other parts.

Tap applications

• Threading in holes in metal parts
• Repair of damaged internal threads
• Production of threaded parts
• Locksmith and mechanical work
• Repair of automotive equipment
• Production of machine-building parts
• Assembly work
• Equipment modernization

Types of taps by design

Hand taps (complete)

• Set of 2-3 taps of the same size
• Rough (No. 1) - removal of the main volume of metal, cone 6-8 threads
• Medium (No. 2) - intermediate processing, cone 3-4 threads
• Finish (No. 3) - finish cutting, cone 1-2 threads
• Consistent use for high-quality thread
• For manual threading in locksmith conditions

Machine taps

• For threading on machine tools
• Increased productivity
• Reinforced shank design
• For mass production

Nut taps

• Extended taps for through holes
• For threading nuts
• Straight chip channel
• High performance

Tap for blind holes

• Spiral chip channel
• Chip discharge outside the hole
• No chip clogging
• For holes without a through exit

Taps with metric thread

Metric thread is the most common thread standard in Europe, Ukraine and most countries of the world. It is indicated by the letter M and the diameter in millimeters.

Popular metric thread sizes

• M3 - M6 - small parts, electronics, instrument making
• M8 - M12 - the most popular sizes, automotive
• M14 - M20 - heavy engineering, structures
• M24+ - large connections, industrial equipment

Metric thread characteristics

• Designation: M6, M8, M10, M12, etc.
• Thread pitch standard or fine (M10×1.5, M10×1.0)
• Thread profile angle 60°
• Diameter and pitch in millimeters
• Application of taps with metric thread
• Automotive and car repair
• General mechanical engineering
• Mechanism manufacturing
• Locksmithing
• Assembly operations

Taps with BSW, BSF, BA, UNC, UNF, UNEF threads

Inch threads are used mainly in plumbing, pipelines and equipment of British and American origin.

BSW (British Standard Whitworth)

• British coarse thread
• 55° profile angle
• Inch designation (1/4", 3/8", 1/2")
• For general connections

BSF (British Standard Fine)

• British fine thread
• Finer pitch for precision connections
• For critical components
• Automotive and aerospace

BA (British Association)

• British thread for precision instrumentation
• Very small dimensions
• For optical and precision instruments
• Electronics and precision mechanics

UNC (Unified Coarse)

• American coarse thread
• BSW equivalent for the USA
• 60° profile angle
• American engineering standard

UNF (Unified Fine)

• American fine thread
• For precision connections
• US automotive industry
• Aviation and instrumentation

UNEF (Unified Extra Fine)

• American extra-fine thread
• The smallest step
• For the most critical components
• Aerospace industry
• Application of inch thread taps
• Repair of imported equipment (USA, Great Britain)
• American-made cars
• Pipe fittings
• Old British equipment
• Aviation equipment

Tap brands

Völkel (Germany) - a world standard of quality since 1862

• 160+ years of experience in the production of thread-cutting tools
• The highest quality of alloyed tool steel
• Thread accuracy class 6H according to DIN/ISO
• Special TiN or TiAlN coating for durability
• Perfect geometry of cutting edges
• Long service life
• Professional choice of craftsmen around the world
• German precision and reliability

Profitool - quality taps at an affordable price

• European production quality
• Reliable for professional use
• Wide range of sizes
• Optimal price-quality ratio
• For daily work in workshops
• Affordable alternative to premium brand

Materials and coatings of taps

HSS (High Speed Steel) - high-speed steel

• Base material for taps
• Hardness 62-65 HRC
• For steel, cast iron, aluminum
• Universal application

HSS-E (HSS with cobalt)

• Increased cobalt content 5-8%
• Higher wear resistance
• For stainless steels
• For heavy cutting conditions

TiN coating (titanium nitride)

• Golden color
• Hardness up to 2400 HV
• Friction reduction by 40%
• Service life extension by 3-5 times
• Ability to work without lubrication

TiAlN coating (nitride titanium-aluminum)

• Purple-gray color
• Even higher hardness up to 3000 HV
• For stainless and hardened steels
• Maximum wear resistance

How to choose the drill diameter for a tap?

The correct hole diameter is critical for high-quality threading.

Calculation formula

Drill diameter = Thread diameter - Thread pitch

Examples for metric threads

• M6×1.0: 5.0 mm drill
• M8×1.25: 6.75 mm drill (6.7 or 6.8 mm)
• M10×1.5: 8.5 mm drill
• M12×1.75: 10.25 mm drill (10.2 or 10.3 mm)

Compatibility tables

Völkel and Profitool taps usually come with tables of recommended drill diameters.

Rules for working with taps

Hole preparation

• Drill a hole of the correct diameter
• Chamfer the entrance for easy gripping
• Clean the hole from chips
• Securely fix the part

The tapping process

1. Install the rough tap in the chuck
2. Lubricate the tap with special grease or oil
3. Insert the tap strictly perpendicular to the surface
4. Rotate with periodic backlash to break the chips
5. 1-2 turns forward, 1/2 turn back
6. Sequentially go through the rough, medium and finish tap

Lubricants for different materials

• Steel: mineral oil, sulfofresol
• Stainless steel: special grease for stainless steel
• Aluminum: kerosene, alcohol, special greases
• Cast iron: no grease or minimal amount
• Copper and brass: oil or no oil

Causes of tap failures and how to avoid them

Most common causes

• Incorrect hole diameter (too small)
• Tap skew when cutting
• Working without oil
• Excessive force when rotating
• Chip clogging of blind holes
• Using worn taps

How to avoid failures

• Accurately follow the drill diameter
• Use high-quality Völkel or Profitool taps
• Be sure to lubricate during operation
• Periodically remove chips by reverse rotation
• Do not apply excessive force
• Replace blunt taps in a timely manner

Why is it worth buying taps at the PROFI-INSTRUMENT store?

• Official distributor of Völkel and Profitool in Ukraine
• The lowest prices for taps in Kiev
• Völkel — a German standard with a 160-year history
• Metric and inch threads — the entire range
• BSW, BSF, BA, UNC, UNF, UNEF — inch standards available
• Complete sets — rough, medium, finishing
• Machine and hand taps for various tasks
• Official manufacturer warranty
• Drill diameter tables included
• Expert consultation — we will help you choose the size
• Store in Kiev — you can inspect the quality
• Fast delivery throughout Ukraine

Tap from PROFI-INSTRUMENT — German precision for your metalworking work. Buying Völkel or Profitool taps in our store means providing yourself with a high-quality tool with a long service life.

Metric thread taps for standard tasks and BSW, BSF, BA, UNC, UNF, UNEF thread taps for repairing imported equipment - a professional tool for professionals.

Choose taps in the catalog by thread type or contact us to select the optimal size for your tasks.