Both drilling and tapping entail removing metal from an object’s surface using specialized cutting tools to produce either a threaded hole or a simple smooth hole. Drilling and tapping serve very different functions and necessitate various instruments and techniques to complete a metal work decently, despite the initial appearance of similarity.
There is a small but crucial difference between them, although sometimes it can be difficult to tell them apart. Drilling involves creating a new hole by pushing a drill bit (also known as an end mill) into an existing hole while it revolves on its axis. In contrast, tapping uses an external cutting tool that inserts itself into already-existing threads to continue cutting them. Let’s take a look at how metal can be drilled and tapped.
Drilling Metal
Find your center to start the hole.
You must locate your center and begin the hole before you can drill a hole in metal. Without it, you might not be able to bore the hollow exactly where you want it. For this, they typically use a center punch or another tool known as a prick punch. It’s crucial to avoid using a claw hammer since both the center punch and the hammer are very sturdy. Steer clear from striking a hardened tool against another similar tool to decrease the likelihood of chipping. This method results in critical eye damage every year.
Pilot hole drilling into metal
Drill a pilot hole after selecting a starting location for the bit. The smaller hole, known as a pilot hole, serves as a guide for your main drill bit. It is simpler for bits with a larger size to bore straight through after drilling pilot holes because it removes lesser material. When using a drill press, try not to drill pilot holes for holes smaller than 1/2-inch in diameter. Also, you can drill pilot holes for 3/8-inch and bigger holes with a hand drill.
Tapping Metal
There are numerous taps, including metric and standard measures, to match practically every screw type. Always mind the thread count, diameter, thread pitch, tapping drill sizes, and coarse/fine threads while choosing the drill bit.
Use Tap Guides
The tap guides found with the taps are essential for producing a straight and functional tap. The tap is automatically aligned and straight when used on a machine like a mill or a lathe. When manually aligning taps, be careful because the human eye isn’t as precise as a tap guide that is exactly 90 degrees.
Use Oil
Using oil is essential for drilling and tapping. In addition to preventing overheating, it aids chip removal, facilitates cutting, and stops the bits from screeching.
Use of Force
Be careful not to push too hard downward. To avoid tap breakage, use a rotational force and the tap pecking technique.
Pecking know-how
Pecking ensures that the bits won’t overheat or break when drilling or tapping. Drilling into the part partially, removing the chips, and then reversing direction is referred to as pecking. Turn the handle being used fully before turning it back halfway. Remove as many chips as possible each time you pull out the bit or tap. Treat the bit or tap and the surface with oil.
Wrapping Up
When you employ the right technique, drilling and tapping stainless steel is simple. You can follow the offered instructions and tips for simpler applications.
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