Best Thread Forming Taps of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Thread forming taps are a type of cutting tool that are specifically designed to create internal threads in a variety of materials, including metal and plastic. Unlike traditional cutting taps, which remove material to form threads, thread forming taps work by displacing the material around the hole, creating threads without the need for cutting. These taps are known for their ability to produce stronger and more accurate threads, making them an ideal choice for applications that require a high level of precision and durability. Whether used in manufacturing or DIY projects, thread forming taps offer a reliable and efficient solution for creating internal threads.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Thread Forming Taps
uxcell M6 Thread Forming Tap
The uxcell M6 Tap is designed for precision tapping and drilling in soft metals, such as aluminum and iron. With a thread size of M6 and a pitch of 1, this tool ensures a secure fit for your projects. Its high-speed steel construction, enhanced by a titanium coating, promotes durability and longevity. Measuring 68mm in total length, it’s easy to handle and maneuver during use. To maximize its lifespan, using cutting fluid or keeping it wet while tapping is recommended. This makes it an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Greenfield Threading Vermont Tap & Die TN-1986-M Metric Thread Forming Tap
The Greenfield Metric Thread Tap is designed for creating precise metric threads, making it ideal for your threading projects. It features a thread length of about 17.5 mm, giving you enough depth for secure and reliable threads. The thread pitch of 1.25 mm ensures compatibility with standard M8 bolts, making your work easier and more consistent. This tap fits M8 size threads with a 6H tolerance, so you can expect accurate and tight fits in your threaded connections. Overall, this tool is a handy choice for anyone working with metric thread forming tasks.
Bosch BPT14F28 1/4" High-Carbon Steel Plug Tap
The Bosch BPT14F28 Plug Tap is designed to help you cut right-hand internal threads with ease, making your threading tasks more precise. Its heat-treated carbon steel construction ensures the tool lasts longer and works faster, so you can get your job done efficiently. The rolled threads offer cleaner and more accurate threading compared to traditional machined threads, giving you smoother results. Plus, its rust and tarnish-resistant design keeps the tap in great condition over time, maintaining accuracy and reliability for your projects. This tap is a smart choice for anyone needing durable and precise threading tools.
Kodiak Cutting Tools KCT199395 Roll Thread Forming Tap M6
The Kodiak Roll Thread Tap is designed with precision and durability in mind. Made in the USA, this tool guarantees quality craftsmanship that you can rely on for your threading tasks. It features a .255-inch shank diameter, providing a sturdy grip for better control and accuracy during use. With a 1-inch thread length, it efficiently forms threads without wasting material, making your work faster and more precise. Its 2.5-inch overall length offers a balanced reach, allowing you to work in tighter spaces comfortably. This tool is ideal for those who need dependable performance in thread forming applications.
Generic #6x32 Thread Forming Tap BH4 3N
The Generic Thread Forming Tap is a brand-new tool designed for creating threads without cutting material away. Its #6 x 32 size makes it ideal for precision threading in smaller projects. Made from high-speed steel (HSS) treated with BH4 3N, this tap offers enhanced durability and resistance to wear, helping you get more use out of the tool. Because it is a thread forming tap, it forms threads by displacing material rather than cutting, which can help provide stronger threads and reduce the risk of damaging the workpiece. If you need a reliable and tough tap for your threading tasks, this tool is a solid choice.
Sowa 1/4"-20 UNC HSS Roll Form Tap
The Sowa HSS Roll Form Tap is designed to help you create precise and consistent threads, thanks to its 1/4"-20 UNC size with tight H6 tolerance. Made from high-speed steel, this tap offers great durability and resists wear, so it lasts longer even with frequent use. Its bright finish reduces friction, ensuring smoother operation and better thread quality. Plus, it works without producing chips, making it perfect for soft metals like aluminum, brass, and copper. Whether you're working on CNC machines or in production settings, this tap helps you achieve clean, reliable threads with less hassle.
DRINYOUNG 1/4-20 Titanium Coated Extrusion Tap
The DRINYOUNG Titanium Extrusion Tap is designed to make threading easier and more efficient for you. Its 1/4-20 thread size and precise dimensions ensure it fits well for your threading needs. Made from M35 cobalt-containing high-speed steel with a titanium coating, this tap offers excellent heat resistance, toughness, and durability, so it stays sharp and reliable. The unique chipless extrusion process means you won’t have to deal with messy metal shavings, making your work cleaner and more environmentally friendly. Plus, this tap works great on softer metals like copper and aluminum, giving you a smoother and longer-lasting thread finish.
Hertel M3x0.5 Metric Thread Forming Tap
The Hertel Metric Thread Tap is designed to help you create accurate metric threads in pre-drilled holes without the hassle of chip formation, making your work cleaner and more efficient. Its bottoming chamfer lets you cut threads very close to the bottom of blind holes, giving you stronger thread engagement for better holding power. Made from high-speed steel, this tap is tough and long-lasting, so you can rely on it for many threading jobs. Plus, the bright, uncoated finish offers clear visibility during use, making it easier to work precisely in various general threading tasks.
WEXWE 1/4-20UNC DLC Coated Thread Forming Tap
The WEXWE DLC Thread Tap is crafted from durable M35 high-speed steel cobalt, giving you a strong and long-lasting tool for your metal cutting needs. Its polished surface with DLC coating reduces wear and extends the tool's life, so you won't need to replace taps as often. Designed to form threads without creating chips, it helps you achieve cleaner, smoother results, especially when working on tough materials like aluminum, copper, and stainless steel. This tap works well with various machines, including CNC and drilling machines, and using tapping oil with it will improve thread quality and tool durability, making your tapping process more efficient and reliable.
WEXWE M5*0.8 ALTIN Coated Thread Forming Tap
The WEXWE ALTIN Thread Tap is designed with M35 material and features a polished surface with an ALTIN coating, making it ideal for metal tapping, especially steel. This coating helps extend the tap’s life, so you get more use before needing a replacement. The tap is made to form threads without creating chips, which means cleaner threads and less mess for you to clean up. It works well on tough materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and hard plastics, and it’s compatible with various machines, including CNC and tapping machines. Using tapping oil with this tap can improve thread quality and tool durability, giving you better results overall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the 3 main types of taps used to make threads?
The three main types of taps used to make threads are taper, plug, and bottoming taps. A taper tap has visible and pronounced tapering of the cutting edges, which provides a gradual and less aggressive cutting action.
2. What are the disadvantages of thread forming?
Thread forming has a few disadvantages. It requires more power and exerts greater forces on the threading tool, toolholder, and workpiece compared to thread cutting tools. Thread forming can present challenges when working with hard materials or very ductile materials.
3. What tap is best for chasing threads?
For chasing threads, the best choice is to use a 'chaser' tap. Unlike a cutting tap, which creates new threads, a chaser tap is designed to clean, re-form, and restore existing threads.
4. Are spiral taps better?
Spiral point taps, sometimes referred to as 'gun taps,' are favored for machine tapping of through holes with all materials. They have a spiral flute design that helps shoot the chips out of the hole, eliminating the need for reversal. The shallower flute passages also provide a greater cross-section to the tap, making spiral taps efficient for machine tapping.
5. Which type of tap can make threads without a machine?
Taper taps are the easiest to use by hand when making threads. The partial forms of the tap's thread remove the material gradually, making it suitable for manual threading without the need for a machine.
During our thread forming tap research, we found 24 thread forming tap products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,733 customer reviews through our big data system to write the thread forming taps list. We found that most customers choose thread forming taps with an average price of $20.71.
The thread forming taps are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of thread forming taps, including uxcell, Greenfield Threading, Bosch, Kodiak Cutting Tools, Sowa. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 12,479 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.