Terminology of Taps

Flute Width of land Chamfer angle

External center

Core dia. Internal center Shank dia.

Size of square

Chamfer length Thread length Shank length Length of square

Overall length

■Chamfer relief

Chamfer relief

Indicator drop for chamfer relief

■Thread relief and cutting angle

Width of margin

Thread relief Heel Indicator drop for thread relief

Cutting face Cutting angle

Edge angle, including chamfer relief, thread relief, cutting angle and others, as well as heat treatment, have important functions affecting workpiece shape, tool life, surface finish of internal screw thread, and so on.

■Chamfer of hand tap

Serial taps

V(5P) M(3.5P) F(2P)

F M V

Serial taps come in sets of three or two to complete screw threads by cutting work materials in incremental steps. The first tap (V) and the second tap (M) cut screw threads under size. Then, the third tap (F) completes the screw threads.

Hand taps Taper tap threads

Plug tap threads Bottoming

tap Plug tap Taper tap Bottoming tap threads

In general, tap chamfer is the most important part of taps to create internal thread. The function of full thread part of taps is to make a guidance.