Best Metal Threading Tools:[Rolling,Milling,Tapping]

Metal threading tools are used for making helical or spiral indentations on a metal shaft.

The threading process involves metal cutting and forming methods like thread rolling, milling, tapping, etc.

Some standard tools for threading metal parts include taps, dies, and thread mills.

This article lists and reviews the best metal thread-cutting and thread-forming tools you can get.

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Best Thread Rolling Tools for Metals

Thread rolling is a metal threading process in which the metal shaft is deformed to form threads using a die.

Drill America Adjustable Die

Drill America offers adjustable dies made using High-Speed Steel (HSS). It produces excellent threads with accurate dimensions.

Their round shape and adjustable features make these dies easy to work on metal rods of various sizes.

It has a slot in the circumference. You can tighten it using a screw to facilitate forming threads on small shafts.

These dies are available in metric sizes of M 1  to M 52 with both left and right-hand configurations.

Aceteel Thread Die

Aceteel round thread die is an ideal tool to produce external threads on a shaft. They are widely used to clean external threads and rework or repair them.

Its cutting direction is right-handed and rigid with its alloy steel build.

For every quarter or half-turning circle, the die needs to be reversed to free the chips.

Materials like cast iron, aluminum, copper, etc., can be worked using the Aceteel thread die.

You can also get these type of thread dies at a wide range of nominal diameters ranging from M 22 - M 30 with a pitch anywhere between 1mm - 3.5 mm.

Drill America Rethreading Die

Rethreading dies are used to rework rusty or cut threads.

Drill America rethreading die is made of carbon steel and has a left-hand cutting direction.

Though hexagonal, it can be held or turned tightly using a standard wrench.

It is a good pick for hobbyists or small repair shops.

Drill America rethreading dies are available in sizes ranging from M 35 x1.6 mm to M 50 X 1.5 mm.

Best Thread Milling Tools for Metals

Thread milling is a threading technique that produces internal and external threads through circular motion by a rotating tool.

Micro 100 Thread Milling Cutter

Single-threaded Micro 100 thread milling cutters can produce 600 internal and external threads.

It can mill left and right-hand threads of most Unified Thread (UN) and metric sizes.

The tool has a shank size of 0.5", and you'll need to use a proper tool holder to hold it in place securely.

Its seven-flute design represents a larger core, defining its strength. It allows the chip to be easily removed during heavy metal threading jobs.

uxcell Spiral Flute Thread Milling Tool

uxcell Spiral flute thread milling tool can machine right-hand threads. In addition, the spiral flute design helps chip removal in the upward direction, producing clear threads.

It can form threads on non-ferrous metals, ordinary steel, die steel, etc.

Made of high-speed steel (HSS), it has high strength and heat resistance features.

You can use it on machines like CNC mills and drill presses.

CoCud Thread Milling Taps

CoCud thread milling taps have three straight flutes and can thread through blind holes.

These machine taps are made of HSS and have good strength and toughness, making them ideal for uninterrupted cuts.

Many materials like steel, aluminum, alloy steel, and plastic can be machined using a CoCud thread milling tap.

It has a square shank, a thread length of 24mm, and a thread size of 10 - 32 UNF.

Best Metal Tapping and Threading Tools

Metal tapping and threading is the process of tapping holes and cutting threads into the surface of a metal workpiece with a tap, using a specialized tool with cutting edges on its end and tip.

Aiyun Drill and Tap Set

Tools from the Aiyun drill and tap set can perform drilling and taping operations in a single cycle.

Each tool can drill, tap and deburr on soft metals like aluminum, copper, brass, etc.

These tools are made of titanium-coated high-speed steel and are available in sizes ranging from M 3 - M 10.

The hexagonal shank of the tool makes it suitable to be held on all types of power tools. Thereby providing a tight, secure hold.

YAKAMOZ  Thread Tapping Tool

YAKAMOZ  thread tapping tool is suitable for cutting and reworking internal and external threads.

The spiral flute design helps to form threads in blind holes without any chip accumulation. 

It can easily create standard-size threads that are clear and burr-free.

High-speed steel material with titanium coating provides the tool with high wear and heat resistance.

Arbusb screw tap set

Arbusb screw tap set is available in a wide range of sizes ranging from M 1 to M 3.5 with a pitch range of 0.25 to 0.6 mm.

Made of High-speed steel, this tool set has a straight shank with two straight flutes.

The cutters have a chrome coating that provides a smooth and efficient finish. It can effortlessly make coarse threads on different metals.

It's ideal for working on soft materials. It is primarily used to thread small parts inside clocks and watches.

Best Single-Point Thread Cutting Tools for Metal

Single-point cutting tools are commonly used in a lathe machine. It has a single point of contact with the workpiece. Hence it's called a single-point cutting tool.

IWONGO Metal Lathe Threading Bar

IWONGO offers right-hand internal and external thread holders with their respective inserts. 

Inserts are fixed onto the tool holders using a screw which can be tightened using a wrench. This arrangement allows you to assemble and swap inserts easily.

The TIN-coated carbide inserts provided in the set have three cutting points with a 60-degree profile angle.

The shank diameter of the threading bar is 13mm for the internal bar and 16mm for the external bar.

GBJ Lathe Threading Tool

GBJ Lathe Threading Tool provides internal and external thread-cutting inserts having a cutting edge angle of 60 degrees and a length of 11 mm. It can make threads with a pitch of 0.5 to 1.5 mm.

The cutters are made of carbide with CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) coating. It is suitable for threading materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and copper.

External and internal thread inserts can be accommodated easily with their respective thread holders of lengths 100 mm and 125mm.

Excellent features of the inserts especially having good hardness and toughness, impart a better surface finish to the workpiece.

YOYO TOOLS CNC Lathe Threading Tool

YOYO TOOLS offers CNC threading inserts for both internal and external threads. These inserts are compatible with holders of 100 and 125mm lengths.

Inserts made of carbide material offer good rigidity, thus imparting a long life to the tools and helping avoid frequent replacements.

The holder locks the inserts with good clamping strength, providing fast threading operations.

They can be replaced easily with the help of a wrench, thus avoiding the need to grind the cutting tool frequently.

Other Miscellaneous Metal Threading Tools

Cyclo Tools Spoke Thread Rolling Tool

Cyclo Tools offer thread rolling tools to turn thin spokes of bicycles and motorcycles.

It can be mounted on a bench or held in a vice to avoid any turning movement during operation.

You can use it to form threads on the spokes of gauges 8 to 14. It is a valuable asset for a hobbyist or mechanic.

GEARWRENCH Threading Tools

GEARWRENCH offers a range of hexagonal and round flat dies along with the T- wrench and different-sized adapters.

They also offer taps of the same pitch size, making it easier to choose from for any project you are working on.

The device is suitable for producing threads of both SAE and metric standards.

Its autolocking feature allows the removal of the tap adapter with ease without affecting the threads.

RIDGID Exposed Ratchet Threader Set

RIDGID ratchet threader set is a handheld threading tool capable of producing ½" to 1" NPT threads.

It can be used to make external threads on pipes. Depending on the size of the pipe, it requires two or three-piece flat dies.

The tool is made of alloy steel and offers good endurance, strength, and quality.

Types of Metal Threading Tools: What to choose? 

You have to choose metal threading tools based on the type of operation needed.

Types of Threading tools	Mode	Machinery	Application
Thread rolling	Manual	Manual	Fine and smooth threads
Thread milling	Machine	Milling machine	Threads larger than 1.5". Like in lead screws.
Tapping and threading	Manual and machine	Drilling, tapping machines	Threading blind, small holes
Single-point thread cutting	Machine	Lathe machine	Batch production or unique threads like V shape threads

Thread Rolling Tools

You can produce fine and smooth threads using thread-rolling tools.

The process of metal forming allows the formation of thread without wasting a lot of material in the form of chips.

It is ideal when working on thin spokes, small-length threads, or expensive material.

Thread Milling Tools

Thread milling tools are much more versatile as they offer a wide range of thread dimensions, higher tolerance, and accuracy.

You can equip a milling machine with a thread milling tool to machine threads on holes of large diameter.

A change in the cutter's rotation direction helps achieve right-hand or left-hand threads.

The thread milling process can quickly achieve threads with a pitch greater than 15".

Transmission drives such as Ball screws and Lead screws are often produced using these tools.

Tapping and Threading Tools

Tapping and threading involve the use of taps and die to form thread. It includes both metal cutting and metal forming processes.

You can perform such jobs using a drilling or tapping machine. It facilitates threading small blinds or through holes.

Single-Point Thread cutting Tools

Single point cutting tool usually used in a lathe machine offers threading operation with minimal material removal.

These tools are suitable for batch production and developing unique threads like V-threads.

Apart from that, you can use the lathe to perform rotary broaching on the threaded rod to make screw heads like Torx and Torx Plus, for efficient screw drive.

Things to Consider When Selecting Metal Threading Tools

There are several factors to consider when choosing a tool for metal threading:

Size and shape of the workpiece

The size and shape of the workpiece will influence the tool that can be used.

For example, a large threading tap may be required to thread a large hole, while a small-diameter tapping tool may be sufficient for small holes.

Also, if you want to thread oddly shaped workpieces, you'll have to work with a thread milling tool.

But when working on symmetrical parts like a pipe or cylinder, you can thread with a single-point thread milling tool.

What metal are you planning to work with?

Before choosing a threading tool, you must consider the type of metal you are working with.

For example, taps and dies are typically used for cutting threads in soft metals such as aluminum or brass.

In comparison, tools like thread mills are better suited for threading more complex materials such as stainless steel, titanium, etc.

Internal or External Threads?

Threading tools are available in different configurations based on where on the workpiece you want to make the threads.

For example, taps are an excellent choice to create internal threads (threads on the inside of a hole), while dies are best at creating external threads (threads on the outside of a rod).

Thread Pitch

The thread pitch is the distance between threads. Your required thread type must match the tool used.

For example, a tool with a small cutter will create threads with a fine pitch (small distance between threads), while a tool with a large cutter will create coarse threads (more considerable distance between threads).

Thread Fit (Tolerance)

The thread fit is the tolerance between the threads of different parts.

A loose thread fit will only be suitable for low-stress applications, while a tight thread fit allows it to be used on high-stress applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which tool is suitable for threading hard materials?

Thread milling tools are an ideal choice for threading hard materials. Materials of hardness up to 62 HRc can be threaded using these tools. Cutters made of carbide facilitate a large rate of material removal.

Can I cut a square thread using a single-point cutting tool?

Yes, you can cut a square thread using a single-point cutting tool. Choosing the right pitch and cut depth will help achieve the right thread size. Setting the compound rest at 0 degrees and giving light cuts will help get a good thread.

What is the difference between a tap and a die?

Tapping tools and forming dies are two basic tools used in producing threads in a metal workpiece. A tapping tool help in cutting internal threads, whereas a forming die helps form an external thread on metal shafts.