14 best pipe taps

Pipe taps, also known as pipe threading taps or simply taps, are cutting tools used in industrial and plumbing applications to create internal threads in pipes and pipe fittings. These internal threads allow pipes and fittings to be joined together securely, typically using threaded connections.

Here are some key points about pipe taps:

  1. Purpose: Pipe taps are used to cut threads inside the bore of pipes or pipe fittings. These threads are essential for creating leak-proof connections in plumbing, gas lines, and other fluid-carrying systems.

  2. Types: There are several types of pipe taps, including taper taps, plug taps, and bottoming taps. Taper taps have a more gradual cutting action and are often used for starting threads. Plug taps are used for intermediate threading, and bottoming taps are used to finish the threading process, ensuring threads extend to the bottom of the hole.

  3. Material: Pipe taps are typically made from high-speed steel (HSS) or cobalt steel, which are known for their durability and resistance to wear. The choice of material depends on the specific requirements of the application.

  4. Thread Standards: Pipe taps follow specific thread standards, such as NPT (National Pipe Thread), BSP (British Standard Pipe), or metric pipe threads. These standards dictate the thread profile and pitch, ensuring compatibility between pipes and fittings.

  5. Size and Pitch: Pipe taps come in various sizes and thread pitches to accommodate different pipe diameters and requirements. Common sizes include 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1", and larger, with corresponding thread pitches.

  6. Use with Tapping Tools: Pipe taps are used in conjunction with tapping tools, such as tap wrenches or tapping machines. These tools hold the tap securely and facilitate the cutting process.

  7. Lubrication: When using pipe taps, it's essential to apply cutting oil or lubricant to the workpiece to reduce friction, heat, and wear on the tap. Proper lubrication helps prolong the life of the tap and ensures smoother threading.

  8. Safety: Users should exercise caution when working with pipe taps, as they involve sharp cutting edges. Wearing appropriate safety gear, such as safety glasses and gloves, is advisable. Additionally, maintaining proper technique and alignment while threading is crucial for safety and the quality of the threads.

Pipe taps are vital tools in industries such as plumbing, construction, and manufacturing, where threaded connections are commonly used to ensure the integrity and functionality of pipelines and systems. Proper selection and use of pipe taps are essential to achieving reliable and leak-free threaded connections.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best pipe taps on the market
  

Drill America - DWTPT1/8-1SET 6 Piece NPT Pipe Tap, Carbon Steel, DWTPT Series Set, 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" and 1" in Wooden Case

Drill America

Based on 200 reviews Check latest price

Product description

6 Piece Carbon Steel NPT Pipe Tap Set with Sizes 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" and 1" in Wood Case Carbon steel pipe taps are designed to clean and or re-thread damaged or jam pipe threads Also called 'pipe taps', National pipe taper taps are appropriate for Threading a wide variety of materials both ferrous and non-ferrous. The nominal size of a pipe Tap is that of the pipe fitting to be tapped, not the actual size of the Tap. The thread tapers 3/4 of an inch per foot. All pipe taps furnished with a 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 thread chamfer. Not threads require the use of a “sealer” like Teflon tape or pipe compound.

  • Carbon steel pipe taps are designed to clean and or re-thread damaged or jam pipe threads
  • Also called 'pipe taps', National Pipe Taper (NPT) taps are appropriate for threading a wide variety of materials both ferrous and non-ferrous.
  • The nominal size of a Pipe Tap is that of the pipe fitting to be tapped, not the actual size of the tap.
  • The thread tapers 3/4 of an inch per foot. All Pipe Taps furnished with a 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 thread chamfer.
  • 6 Piece Set of Carbon Steel NPT Pipe Taps, Sizes 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" and 1" in Wood Case

User questions & answers

Question: So are these ok to use for making new threads in steel & aluminium? The list says good in one spot and not good in another
Answer: Hello Yes this comes in a wooden case.
Question: Does this come with any type of case
Answer: It comes with a case to hold all the blades nice. The quality is really good. Use mine every day and the first blade is still sharp. Cant go wrong with this item .

Product features

About National Pipe Taper (NPT) Taps

  • The nominal size of a Pipe Tap is that of the pipe fitting to be tapped, not the actual size of the tap.
  • The thread tapers 3/4 of an inch per foot. All Pipe Taps furnished with a 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 thread chamfer.
  • NPT threads require the use of a “sealer” like teflon tape or pipe compound.

Drill America - POUCSNPT5 5 Piece NPT Pipe Tap Set (1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and 3/4"), Plastic Pouch Case, POU Series

Drill America

Based on 600 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Drill America dwtpt Series Qualtech carbon steel pipe Tap is designed to clean and/or re-thread damaged or jam pipe threads. It is appropriate for Threading a wide variety of materials both ferrous and non-ferrous. The nominal size of a pipe Tap is that of the pipe fitting to be tapped, not the actual size of the Tap. The thread tapers 3/4 of an inch per foot. All pipe taps furnished with a 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 thread chamfer. Npt threads require the use of a sealer like Teflon tape or pipe compound. Uncoated tools feature just the base substrate without any additional treatment or coatings and are suitable for a wide range of applications. Round with square end shank. Straight flute tools allow chips to collect in the flutes as they cut and are well suited for most applications in Shallow cuts. Right-Hand cut tools have a cutting action that engages when they are run in a clockwise direction.

  • Carbon steel Pipe taps are designed to clean and or re-thread damaged or Jam Pipe threads
  • Uncoated tools feature just the base substrate without any additional treatment or coatings and are suitable for a wide range of applications
  • Round Shank with square end. Straight flute tools allow chips to collect in the Flutes as they cut and are well suited for most applications in shallow cuts
  • Right-hand cut tools have a cutting action that engages when they are run in a clockwise direction
  • NPT Pipe taps, sizes 1/4"-18 NPT, 3/8"-18 NPT, 1/2"-14 NPT, 3/4"-14 NPT carbon steel Pipe taps in plastic pouch case

User questions & answers

Question: can you recommend the handle or wrench that goes well with this set
Answer: probably china..but it doesn't matter they work great i have them in my work shop and they are awesome..specially at the price you cant lose...
Question: Where are these manufactured
Answer: This tap is recommended for making new threads in soft materials (plastic, soft metal etc.) and re-threading only in harder materials like steel. If you need to make new threads in harder material we recommend using a high speed steel tap not a carbon steel tap.

Product features

About National Pipe Taper (NPT) Taps

  • The nominal size of a Pipe Tap is that of the pipe fitting to be tapped, not the actual size of the tap.
  • The thread tapers 3/4 of an inch per foot. All Pipe Taps furnished with a 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 thread chamfer.
  • NPT threads require the use of a “sealer” like teflon tape or pipe compound.

5 Piece NPT Thread Forming Taps, Pipe taps are designed to clean or re-thread damaged or Jam Pipe threads, size: 1/8" - 27 npt, 1/4" - 18 npt, 3/8" - 18 npt, 1/2" - 14 npt, 3/4" - 14 npt

Based on 30 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Includes teach size of: 1/8" - 27 npt, 1/4" - 18 npt, 3/8" - 18 npt, 1/2" - 14 npt, 3/4" - 14 npt

  • Different from the traditional carbon steel material. Our pipe taps is made of composite steel (GCR15) material, which is more durable and Higher hardness, (The traditional hardness of 45# carbon steel is 44; the hardness of combined steel is 61), uses forclean and or re-thread damaged or jam pipe threads.
  • 5 pcs NPT Pipe taps used for clean and or re-thread damaged or jam pipe threads, Cuts internal threads in pipes. Ideal for pipe fittings.Available in National Pipe Taper (NPT) and British Standard Pipe Taper (BSP). Includes teach size of: 1/8" - 27 npt, 1/4" - 18 npt, 3/8" - 18 npt, 1/2" - 14 npt, 3/4" - 14 npt.
  • Nominal size of the tap is that of the pipe fitting being tapped.
  • Uncoated tools feature just the base substrate without any additional treatment or coatings and are suitable for a wide range of applications.
  • Round shank with square end, Straight flute tools allow chips to collect in the flutes as they cut and are well suited for most applications in shallow cuts.

User questions & answers

Question: who made this tap
Answer: yes, and we suggested used 1mm~3.175mm, and more lightly when work on plexiglass

XtremeAmazing Set of 5 HSS NPT Pipe Tap Set 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and 3/4 Inch

XtremeAmazing

Based on 71 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Package Contents: 5 x NPT Pipe Tap Set

  • Taps Size: 1/8''-27 NPT, 1/4"-18 NPT, 3/8"-18 NPT, 1/2"-14 NPT, 3/4"-14 NPT
  • Package Contents: 5 x NPT Pipe Tap Set

User questions & answers

Question: is a storage case included
Answer: I just used a generic pipe wrench. Worked really well.

HHIP 1011-3312 12 Piece 1/8-1" NPT Taper Pipe Tap and Hex Die Set

HHIP

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

HHIP 12 Piece 1/8-1" NPT Taper Pipe Tap and Hex Die set includes one of each of 1/8-27, 1/4-18, 3/8-18, 1/2-14, 3/4-14 and 1-11-1/2 NPT tap and dies Thread ground high speed steel. Right hand. Supplied with solid wooden case.

  • Thread ground high speed steel
  • Right hand
  • Supplied with solid wooden case
  • Includes one of each of 1/8-27, 1/4-18, 3/8-18, 1/2-14, 3/4-14 and 1-11-1/2 NPT tap and dies

User questions & answers

Question: Is this made in usa
Answer: It would have been nice if a case was included. However, they came in a plastic bag instead.

Product features

1011-3312 - Taper Pipe Tap and Hex Die Set - WC

HHIP 1/8-1" NPT Taper Pipe Tap and Hex Die set. includes one of each of 1/8-27, 1/4-18, 3/8-18, 1/2-14, 3/4-14 and 1-11-1/2 NPT tap and dies. Thread ground high speed steel. Right hand.

Drill America - DWTPT1/2 1/2"-14 NPT Pipe Tap, Carbon Steel, DWTPT Series

Drill America

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Drill America DWTPT series Qualtech carbon steel pipe tap is designed to clean and/or re-thread damaged or jam pipe threads. It is appropriate for threading a wide variety of materials both ferrous and non-ferrous. The nominal size of a pipe tap is that of the pipe fitting to be tapped, not the actual size of the tap. The thread tapers 3/4 of an inch per foot. All pipe taps furnished with a 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 thread chamfer. NPT threads require the use of a sealer like Teflon tape or pipe compound. Uncoated tools feature just the base substrate without any additional treatment or coatings and are suitable for a wide range of applications. Round with square end shank. Straight flute tools allow chips to collect in the flutes as they cut and are well suited for most applications in shallow cuts. Right-Hand cut tools have a cutting action that engages when they are run in a clockwise direction.

  • Carbon steel pipe taps are designed to clean and or re-thread damaged or jam pipe threads
  • Uncoated tools feature just the base substrate without any additional treatment or coatings and are suitable for a wide range of applications
  • Round shank with square end
  • Straight flute tools allow chips to collect in the flutes as they cut and are well suited for most applications in shallow cuts
  • Right-Hand cut tools have a cutting action that engages when they are run in a clockwise direction

User questions & answers

Question: I have a 1/4in mip nipple and need appropriate tap for pipe threads
Answer: Just took delivery, and yes it does come in a protective case : a tough plastic two-part case more than suitable for use as its permanent home when not in use.(this answer is for the 2"-11.5 tap)
Question: Does this come in a protective case of any kind
Answer: Hello, if you want to know the dimension across the flats for th e1"-11-1/2 NPT Pipe Tap on the square drive on the end of the shank then is is .840”. In other words it has a .840 square drive. Thanks
Question: Does anyone know what the face width is for the 1 inch 11-1/2 tap? I have a 3/4 14 tap whose square shank is 1/2 inch, so I'm guessing 3/4 in
Answer: Hello the 1/2" NPT tap is 3-1/8" long. Thanks
Question: How long is the tap
Answer: Hello, This is not made in the USA. It is made in China. Thank You, HHIP

Product features

About National Pipe Taper (NPT) Taps

  • The nominal size of a Pipe Tap is that of the pipe fitting to be tapped, not the actual size of the tap.
  • The thread tapers 3/4 of an inch per foot. All Pipe Taps furnished with a 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 thread chamfer.
  • NPT threads require the use of a “sealer” like teflon tape or pipe compound.

Alfa Tools TDS66006NPT 6 Pc Carbon Steel Npt Pipe Tap Set,

Alfa Tools

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Alfa Tools tap and die sets. 6 -piece carbon steel NPT pipe tap set. Includes: 6 NPT pipe taps. Size and threads per inch (NPT sizes): 1/4-18, 3/8-18, 1/2-14, 3/4-14, 1-11-1/2, 1-1/4-1-1/2

  • Pipe tap 6-Piece set in wood case
  • Sizes and threads per inch (NPT sizes): 1/4-18, 3/8-18, 1/2-14, 3/4-14, 1-11-1/2, 1-1/4-1-1/2
  • Contains 6 national pipe thread pipe taps
  • Made of high carbon steel
  • Quantity: 1 set in wooden case

Drill America - POU1/8NPTW/DRILL 1/8" Carbon Steel NPT Pipe Tap and R High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set, POU Series

Drill America

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Carbon steel pipe taps are designed to clean and or re-thread damaged or Jam pipe threads Black oxide drill bit is ideal for production, maintenance or portable drilling jobs 1/8" carbon steel NPT tap and "R" HSS drill bit Set comes in plastic pouch Set contains matching NPT pipe tap and high speed steel drill bit

  • Carbon steel pipe taps are designed to clean and or re-thread damaged or Jam pipe threads
  • Black oxide drill bit is ideal for production, maintenance or portable drilling jobs
  • 1/8" carbon steel NPT tap and "R" HSS drill bit
  • Set comes in plastic pouch
  • Set contains matching NPT pipe tap and high speed steel drill bit

User questions & answers

Question: What handle fits this tap
Answer: Hello the tap is standard 3/4"-14 NPT Pipe Size. Thanks
Question: is the tap 3/4" specifically 3/4-18 npt
Answer: Doesn't say on the package
Question: Where are they made
Answer: Hello This is 1/4-18 NPT Thanks
Question: Is it 1/4-18 NPt, or
Answer: Is this a trick question? Assuming your pipe nipple is an NPT (National Pipe Thread) 1/4" iron pipe nipple with 18 tapered threads per inch, it would require a 1/4" National Pipe Thread tap with 18 threads per inch.

Product features

General Purpose Black Oxide Drill Bit

Drill America black oxide high-speed steel drill bits are good for most general purpose applications, offering a combination of hardness and toughness for wear resistance. Black oxide treatment adds lubricity and creates small pockets on the surface of the tool that act to hold coolant near the cutting edge.

NPT Pipe Tap and Drill Sets

Each National Pipe Taper (NPT) Pipe Tap and Drill Sets comes in an easy to maintain plastic pouch. The set contains one Drill America Carbon Steel National Pipe Taper (NPT) Pipe Tap and the matching size Drill America Black Oxide High Speed Steel Drill Bit.

HHIP 1011-3215 1/4-18 NPT HSS Taper Pipe Tap

HHIP

Based on 22 reviews Check latest price

Product description

1/4-18 NPT High Speed Steel Taper Pipe Tap ~ Thread ground. ~ Number of flutes is 4. ~ Thread length is 1-1/16". ~ Overall length is 2-1/8". ~ High speed steel. ~ Cuts internal threads in pipes. ~ Ideal for pipe fitting. ~ Tapered at a rate of 3/4" per foot.

  • Size 1/418; No. of Flute 4
  • Thread Length 1-1/16; Overall Length 2-1/8
  • Overall Length 2-1/8
  • High speed steel; Thread Ground

User questions & answers

Question: What is the measurement across the flats at the shank end
Answer: Hello, This handle fits the 1" NPT Tap: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FXMI0G6/ref=biss_dp_t_asn Thanks

Drill America - DWT64012 1-1/2"-11-1/2" NPT High Speed Steel 7 Flute Pipe Tap, DWT Series

Drill America

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Drill America DWT Series Qualtech pipe tap is appropriate for threading a wide variety of materials both ferrous and non-ferrous. The nominal size of a pipe tap is that of the pipe fitting to be tapped, not the actual size of the tap. The thread tapers 3/4 of an inch per foot. All pipe taps furnished with a 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 thread chamfer. NPT threads require the use of a "sealer" like Teflon tape or pipe compound. High-speed steel tool is good for most general purpose applications, offering a combination of hardness and toughness for wear resistance. Uncoated tools feature just the base substrate without any additional treatment or coatings and are suitable for a wide range of applications. Round with square end shank. Straight flute tools allow chips to collect in the flutes as they cut and are well suited for most applications in shallow cuts. Right-Hand cut tools have a cutting action that engages when they are run in a clockwise direction.

  • High-speed steel tools are good for most general purpose applications, offering a combination of hardness and toughness for wear resistance
  • Uncoated tools feature just the base substrate without any additional treatment or coatings and are suitable for a wide range of applications
  • Round shank with square end
  • Straight flute tools allow chips to collect in the flutes as they cut and are well suited for most applications in shallow cuts
  • Right-Hand cut tools have a cutting action that engages when they are run in a clockwise direction

Product features

About National Pipe Taper (NPT) Taps

  • The nominal size of a Pipe Tap is that of the pipe fitting to be tapped, not the actual size of the tap.
  • The thread tapers 3/4 of an inch per foot. All Pipe Taps furnished with a 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 thread chamfer.
  • NPT threads require the use of a “sealer” like teflon tape or pipe compound.

IRWIN NPT Tap, 2"-11 1/2" (1910ZR)

Based on 47 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tap 2"-11 1/2Npt Pipe".

  • 1910Zr - Tap 2"-11 1/2Npt Pipe"
  • Made in the United States
  • Threading taps 

User questions & answers

Question: Will this clean out threads for a 2-1/2" npt pipe to thread into
Answer: Wow I forgot all about this crazy thing I used it once. It is 4.5 inches end to end. Tapping threads are approximately 1.75 inches. The square end is 1.1 inches tall and 1.4 inches square. Hope that helps.
Question: How long is a 2 inch pipe tap
Answer: Yes.
Question: Will this produce a female npt threading that will fit onto a 2" male npt nipple like the one linked below? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/b
Answer: 4.70 mm//.185" measured halfway up the "shank" where the tap inserts into the handle.

WANXIANG 1/2" Carbon Steel NPT Pipe Taps and 1/2" Broken Water Pipe Extractor,Home Water Pipe Repair Kit

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The nominal size of a Pipe Tap is that of the pipe fitting to be tapped, not the actual size of the tap.

NPT threads require the use of a “sealer” like teflon tape or pipe compound.

  • Set contains 1/2" High Speed Steel Pipe Tap and 1/2" Water Pipe Extractor.Use together to make your water pipe look new.
  • The Carbon Steel Pipe Taps are designed to clean and or re-thread damaged or jam pipe threads.
  • The Water Pipe Extractors are designed to take out the broken water pipe.Rotate counterclockwise to take out the broken water pipe.
  • The size of a Pipe Tap is that of the pipe fitting to be tapped, not the actual size of the tap.
  • Plastic barrel packaging, easy to store.They are important part of each toolbox.

OBPSFY 5PCS NPT Pipe Tap Set,Bearing Steel Threading Taps Tool for clean/re-thread damaged/Jam Pipe threads(1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" ,3/4")

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description



Description:



NPT Taper Pipe Taps are applied to produce internal NPT pipe thread. Our NPT taps are made of Bearing Steel and recommended for tapping various ferrous and nonferrous materials when working with proper lubricants. They are applied widely on threading, rethreading in metal cutting, home improvement, thread repairing and construction etc.



- Carbon steel Pipe taps are designed to clean and or re-thread damaged or Jam Pipe threads.

- Uncoated tools feature just the base substrate without any additional treatment or coatings and are suitable for a wide range of applications.

- Made of high quality material, durable and practical to use.

- High quality and exquisite workmanship.



Specification:

Material: Bearing Steel

NPT Pipe taps sizes includes:1/4"-18 NPT, 3/8"-18 NPT, 1/2"-14 NPT, 3/4"-14 NPT. 1/8"-27 NPT





Package Content:

1 x 1/4"-18 NPT Pipe tap

1 x 3/8"-18 NPT Pipe tap

1 x 1/2"-14 NPT Pipe tap

1 x 3/4"-14 NPT Pipe tap

1 x 1/8"-27 NPT Pipe tap

  • * Round shank with square end, Straight flute tools allow chips to collect in the flutes as they cut and are well suited for most applications in shallow cuts.5 Different Sizes ,great for tapping various threads, meet your different needs.
  • * NPT Pipe taps are used to cut new threads or repair damaged threads / jam pipe threads and have excellent results,it is the best choice for your toolbox.
  • * In accordance with National Pipe Taper (NPT) and British Standard Pipe Taper (BSP). Includes teach size of: 1/8" - 27 npt, 1/4" - 18 npt, 3/8" - 18 npt, 1/2" - 14 npt, 3/4" - 14 npt.
  • * Made of high quality bearing steel for high hardness, sturdy and durable.
  • * Package includes 5Pcs NPT Pipe taps Tool(1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" ,3/4")

IRWIN NPT Tap for Tap Die Extraction, 1/4-Inch, 18 NPT(1903ZR)

IRWIN

Based on 261 reviews Check latest price

Product description

These IRWIN HANSON Pipe Taper Taps cut internal threads in pipes. Each taper tap is great for pipe fittings and is tapered at a rate of 3/4 inches per foot.

  • Each taper tap is used to cut internal threads in pipes
  • This taper tap is ideal for pipe fittings
  • Taps are tapered at a rate of 3/4 inches per foot
  • Nominal size of the tap is that of the pipe fitting being tapped
  • 1/4" size with 18 NPT (National Pipe Taper)

User questions & answers

Question: What is the dimension across the flats on the shank
Answer: No
Question: Do you have pipe thread tap cs3/8"-19 bspf
Answer: Use an 8 point socket, 3/8 if I remember correctly. That and a ratchet and or a 3/8 drive slide bar handle work well.
Question: I have been unable to find a tap wrench that will fit this tap. Can anyone suggest one that will fit
Answer: A tap die extractor means a tap which is used to "chase' the threads in a pre-existing threaded hole. Conversely, a die extractor, is essentially a die which is used to chase, or to re-thread. I have tried using this tool to make brand new threads in a hole. Believe me ... it is doable ... but extremely difficult to do.
Question: What does "for tap die extraction" mean in the title? Maybe I'm having a mental block but that makes no sense to me
Answer: Yes,exactly what I used it for.needed to restore an existing connection. And it did. Mine was a 2” connection though,2”ridged is 2 1/2”od hope this will help answer your question..

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