12 best thread forming taps

Thread forming taps, also known as cold forming taps or fluteless taps, are a type of cutting tool used in the manufacturing and machining industry. They are primarily designed for creating threads in materials, such as metals, plastics, and composites. Here's what you need to know about thread forming taps:

Thread Formation: Unlike traditional threading taps (cutting taps) that remove material to create threads, thread forming taps work by displacing the material to form threads.They use a specific design and geometry to compress and deform the material rather than cutting it. This process is also known as cold forming.
Material Compatibility: Thread forming taps are commonly used with ductile materials like aluminum, brass, copper, and some plastics. They are less suitable for hard or brittle materials because those materials may not deform as easily.
Benefits:
- Thread forming taps offer several advantages, including increased thread strength and improved thread quality.
- They are less likely to produce chips or swarf, which can be beneficial in reducing cleanup and tool wear.
- Thread forming taps can often be used at higher speeds compared to cutting taps.
Applications: Thread forming taps are widely used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing. They are commonly employed in applications where high thread quality and thread strength are essential.
Design and Geometry: Thread forming taps have a unique design with special flute profiles and thread geometries that facilitate the cold forming process. The design may vary depending on the specific application and material.
Tool Material: These taps are typically made from high-speed steel (HSS), cobalt, or carbide, depending on the material being threaded and the required tool life.
Operation: When using a thread forming tap, it's important to ensure proper lubrication to reduce friction and heat generated during the cold forming process. This helps extend tool life and ensures consistent thread quality.
Size and Thread Type: Thread forming taps are available in various sizes and thread types to accommodate different applications. They are typically labeled with the thread size and pitch they are designed for.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspection of the thread forming tap, is crucial to ensure optimal performance and tool longevity.

In summary, thread forming taps are a specialized type of cutting tool used in manufacturing and machining to create threads in materials without removing material through cutting. They are particularly useful for materials that benefit from improved thread strength and quality, and they are commonly used in various industries for a wide range of applications.

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

Machine Tap M8 x 0.75mm Pitch Thread Pitch 3 Flutes, High Speed Steel Thread Forming Pointed Tap, Uncoated (Bright) Finish, Round Shank with Square End, Plug Chamfer, HSS Metric Screw Plug Tap

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Product description

The Use of High Quality High Speed Steel 6544, Vacuum Heat Treatment, Higher Hardness, Can Be Processed More Difficult To Process Materials, Such As Stainless Steel, Mold Steel, Carbon Steel or Copper Aluminum More Handy. The Straight Groove Design of The Tap Makes The Chip Removal Smoother. You Need a Good Tap.

IMPORTED TECHNOLOGY: Imported High Precision Grinder, The Whole Is Ground And Formed at One Time, The Concentricity Is High, The Rigidity of The Tap Is Increased, and It Is Not Easy To Break.
SELECTED MATERIAL: Overall HSS Imported Steel, Combined with Abrasion Resistance and Hardness, a Wide Range of Processing, One Piece Worth Multiple Pieces.
OPTIMIZED DESIGN: Special Heat Treatment, More Durable, Optimized Handle For Easy Clamping, Convenient Processing And Use, And Ensure The Long-Lasting Stability of The Equipment.
APPLICABLE SCENARIOS: Drilling Machine/Tapping Machine/CNC Machining Center/Automatic Lathe/Milling Machine, Etc.
APPLICABLE MATERIALS: Stainless Steel/Cast Iron/Copper/Alloy Steel/Die Steel/A3 Steel And other Metals.

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

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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

Union Butterfield 16415/16X18H7 Thread Forming Taps, Full Bottoming, UNC5/16, Full Length 2.23/32", Flute Length 11/16", Shank Diameter 0.318", Right Direction

Dormer Pramet

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Product description

Premium PM substrate provides superior abrasion resistance and edge strength. Multiple lube groove design assures lubrication in the forming zone and eliminates the build up of hydraulic pressure in blind holes. Tin coated for enhanced performance. The hard, smooth coating provides a greater lubricity, increases tool life, and improves thread Flank finish.

Package Dimensions: 3.228" (L) x 0.472" (W) x 0.472" (H)
Product Type: Mechanical Components
Package Quantity: 1
Country Of Origin: United States

Mxfans HSS 1/2 inch NPT Thread Forming Taps Round Shank with Square End

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Product description

Features:

1.Each qualify checked item with a unique Manufacturing Part Number label on the inner package to confirm if it is the authentic item sold from our store.

2.When you have any problems about your item, please send us the MPN label information first.

3.Used to clean and chase rusted threads.

4.Round shank with square end, square end size: 0.55 x 0.55inch

5.Packed in a clear plastic case for convinience to organize it and also can extend lifetime.

Note: suggest to use some thread cutting oil when chase

Specifications:

Material: HSS(high speed steel)

Color: Titanium

Brand name: Mxfans

Model: 1/2" NPT

Overall size: 7.9 x 1.7cm/3.1 x 0.67inch (L x W)

Square end size: 1.3 x 1.3cm/0.55 x 0.55" (L x W)

Weight: 150g

Package content:

1 x pipe tap

Please read the dimensions carefully before buying this product.
Made of HSS(High Speed Steel) Material.
1/2" NPT pipe taps Used to clean and chase rusted threads.
Round shank with square end, square end size: 0.55 x 0.55in
If you have any questions about product, please feel free to contact us.

User questions & answers

Question:	is this the right size tap for 1/2 inch NTP thread
Answer:	Ordered on Amazon, Sold by nicesnowman. Manufactured by WMAZ Tool / WM077.

Machine Tap 6-32 UNC Thread Pitch 3 Flutes, High Speed Steel Thread Forming Pointed Tap, Uncoated (Bright) Finish, Round Shank with Square End, Plug Chamfer, HSS Machine Screw Plug Tap

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Product description

The Use of High Quality High Speed Steel 6545, Vacuum Heat Treatment, Higher Hardness, Can Be Processed More Difficult To Process Materials, Such As Stainless Steel, Mold Steel, Carbon Steel or Copper Aluminum More Handy. The Straight Groove Design of The Tap Makes The Chip Removal Smoother. You Need a Good Tap.

IMPORTED TECHNOLOGY: Imported High Precision Grinder, The Whole Is Ground And Formed at One Time, The Concentricity Is High, The Rigidity of The Tap Is Increased, and It Is Not Easy To Break.
SELECTED MATERIAL: Overall HSS Imported Steel, Combined with Abrasion Resistance and Hardness, a Wide Range of Processing, One Piece Worth Multiple Pieces.
OPTIMIZED DESIGN: Special Heat Treatment, More Durable, Optimized Handle For Easy Clamping, Convenient Processing And Use, And Ensure The Long-Lasting Stability of The Equipment.
APPLICABLE SCENARIOS: Drilling Machine/Tapping Machine/CNC Machining Center/Automatic Lathe/Milling Machine, Etc.
APPLICABLE MATERIALS: Stainless Steel/Cast Iron/Copper/Alloy Steel/Die Steel/A6 Steel And other Metals.

Metric Machine Tap M30 x 3.5mm Pitch Thread Pitch 4 Flutes, High Speed Steel Thread Forming Tap, Uncoated (Bright) Finish, Round Shank with Square End, Plug Chamfer, HSS Screw Plug Tap

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Product description

The Use of High Quality High Speed Steel 6553, Vacuum Heat Treatment, Higher Hardness, Can Be Processed More Difficult To Process Materials, Such As Stainless Steel, Mold Steel, Carbon Steel or Copper Aluminum More Handy. The Straight Groove Design of The Tap Makes The Chip Removal Smoother. You Need a Good Tap.

IMPORTED TECHNOLOGY: Imported High Precision Grinder, The Whole Is Ground And Formed at One Time, The Concentricity Is High, The Rigidity of The Tap Is Increased, and It Is Not Easy To Break.
SELECTED MATERIAL: Overall HSS Imported Steel, Combined with Abrasion Resistance and Hardness, a Wide Range of Processing, One Piece Worth Multiple Pieces.
OPTIMIZED DESIGN: Special Heat Treatment, More Durable, Optimized Handle For Easy Clamping, Convenient Processing And Use, And Ensure The Long-Lasting Stability of The Equipment.
APPLICABLE SCENARIOS: Drilling Machine/Tapping Machine/CNC Machining Center/Automatic Lathe/Milling Machine, Etc.
APPLICABLE MATERIALS: Stainless Steel/Cast Iron/Copper/Alloy Steel/Die Steel/A3 Steel And other Metals.

uxcell Thread Forming Tap M2 Thread 0.4 Pitch H2 HSS Titanium Coated

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Product description

Feature:

Used with some cutting fluid or keep it wet when tapping, the tap will last longer.

Suitable for drilling, tapping, cutting on soft metal, aluminum plate, iron.

Specification:

Material: HSS (High Speed Steel)

Surface Treatment: Ti Coated

Pitch: 0.4

Thread Size: M2

Shank Side Width: 2.2mm / 0.1 inch

Thread Length: 11mm / 0.43 inch

Total Length: 43mm / 1.7 inch

Package Content:

1 x Thread Forming Tap

Thread Size: M2; Pitch: 0.4; Shank Side Width: 2.2mm / 0.1 inch
Thread Length: 11mm / 0.43 inch; Total Length: 43mm / 1.7 inch
Material: HSS (High Speed Steel); Surface Treatment: Ti Coated
Used with some cutting fluid or keep it wet when tapping, the tap will last longer.
Thread Forming Tap is suitable for drilling, tapping, cutting on soft metal, aluminum plate, iron.

Titan TT82902 High Speed Steel Thread Forming Bottom Tap, Uncoated, 7/16" - 14", H8 Limit, 0.323" Shank Diameter, 1-7/16" Thread Length, 3-5/32" Overall Length

Titan USA

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Product description

Thread forming taps have no flutes or cutting edges and provide chipless tapping. Features include "lube grooves" for lubrication and venting in blind holes, and a tool life 3-4 times (or more) than cutting taps. For use with brass, copper, lead, stainless steels, carbon steel and leaded steel and zinc. Ductile materials producing stringy chips are a good candidate for forming.

Made in USA
Thread Forming Roll Tap
High Speed Steel

Drillco 2090 Series High-Speed Steel Thread Forming Threading Tap, Uncoated (Bright) Finish, Round Shank with Square End, Bottoming Chamfer, 3/8"-16 UNC

Drillco Cutting Tools

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Product description

Drillco thread forming tap "form" the thread rather than cut it, which allows the thread to be created without producing any chips. Thread forming taps can run at faster operating rates than standard cut taps, and generally have a longer tool life, sometimes up to 5x longer in some applications. Ideal in materials such as aluminum, brass, copper, low carbon steels, Zinc, and 302-303 stainless steel. 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. Comes with 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
Comes with 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

Titan TT79807 High Speed Steel Thread Forming Plug Tap, TIN Coated, M6 x 1.0", D8 Limit, 0.255" Shank Diameter, 1" Thread Length, 2-1/2" Overall Length

Titan USA

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Product description

Made in USA
Thread Forming Roll Tap
High Speed Steel

Union Butterfield Applix 1691AP HSS High Performance Thread Forming Multi-Application Lube Grooves Taps, TiN Coated, Round with Square End, Coolant Through, Semi Bottom, 1/2" Size, 13 UNC TPI

Precision Dormer

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Product description

Premium PM substrate provides superior abrasion resistance and edge strength. Multiple Lube Groove design assures lubrication in the forming zone and eliminates the build up of hydraulic pressure in blind holes. The TiN-Top coating process reduces friction, prevents chip welding and improves chip flow. Features a semi-bottoming lead for improved performance and longer tool life. Can be used for either through or blind holes. Coolant thru premium PM substrate allows higher tapping speeds in soft ferrous or non-ferrous materials. The TiN-Top coating process reduces friction, prevents chip welding and improves chip flow.

High-speed steel tools are good for most general purpose applications, offering a combination of hardness and toughness for wear resistance
Titanium nitride coatings add a hard layer of gold-colored ceramic to the surface that extends tool life and permits faster cutting speeds than uncoated tools
Round shanks with square end allow use with a wide variety of toolholding systems
Right-hand cut tools have a cutting action that engages when they are run in a clockwise direction
Single end

Union Butterfield 1580(M) High-Speed Steel Thread Forming Tap, Uncoated (Bright) Finish, Round Shank with Square End, Bottoming Chamfer, M6-1.00 Thread Size

Precision Dormer

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Product description

The Union Butterfield 1580(M) uncoated, high-speed steel thread forming tap has a round shank with a square end and is used for cold-forming right-hand threads in ductile materials such as aluminum, brass, bronze, low-carbon steel, and leaded steel. It is suitable for threading through holes (extending through the workpiece) and blind or bottoming holes (with only one opening). The Rol-Rite design reduces tapping torque. The spiral lobe pattern with no grooves makes this design especially suitable for interrupted holes and for through holes in thin sections.

Right-hand threads are designed to tighten when a head or nut is rotated clockwise (the most common threading direction). High-speed steel (HSS) is a common general-purpose steel for cutting tools and is compatible with a variety of materials. With no coating or surface treatment, this uncoated tool can be used on a broad range of materials and provide an economical alternative to coated tools. The square end shank helps to minimize rotation in the tool holder. This thread forming tap can be used in machines such as drill presses or lathes.

Union Butterfield 1580(M) taps are available with a variety of chamfers. This tap conforms to ANSI standards and this tool can create threads to a depth 2 ½ times its diameter. It is suitable for the ANSI 6H tolerance class: 6H is used for a normal length of thread engagement and medium tolerance quality.

Taps produce internal threads in previously formed holes and can be used in machines (such as drill presses) or with hand tools. Common types of taps include hand taps, spiral point taps, spiral flute taps, thread forming taps, and pipe taps. Hand taps (straight-flute taps) collect chips in the straight flutes of the tool; spiral point taps push chips through holes ahead of the tool; and spiral flute taps pull chips back from the tip of the tool, up and out the hole. Thread forming taps, also known as cold forming taps, press rather than cut to create threads in a drilled hole, and no chips are created. Pipe taps create threads in pipes and pipe fittings. Each thread type designates a thread profile and each type is identified with an abbreviation. In the U.S. and Canada, the Unified Thread Standard is the dominant thread type, including UNC (Unified Coarse), UNF (Unified Fine), and NPT (National Pipe Taper) threads, among others.

Dormer Pramet manufactures cutting tools under the following brands: Precision Twist Drill, Dormer, Union Butterfield and Pramet. The company has locations around the world, and provides tools adhering to ANSI, NAS, and DIN standards.