- Not to be confused with Tool and die.
Taps and
dies are tools used to create
screw threads, which is called
threading. Many are
cutting tools; others are forming tools. A tap is used to cut or form the
female portion of the mating pair (e.g., a
nut). A die is used to cut or form the male portion of the mating pair (e.g., a
bolt). The process of cutting or forming threads using a tap is called
tapping, whereas the process using a die is called
threading. Both tools can be used to clean up a thread, which is called
chasing.
