Taps & Dies

Taps & Dies

Taps and Dies are used for making screws and fittings to secure and release the piece, for example, jewellery bracelets, watch case screws, etc.

A tap creates an internal thread (the female) and a die fashions a thread on a piece of wire or a bar (the male).

We supply a large range of taps and dies singularly and in sets, our threads are all metric with pitches of 60 °c. In engineering terms, our taps are referred to as the 'Taper Tap'. These taps taper off for 8 to 10 threads, to cut faster and to cut the full thread gradually. These Swiss taps are superior in quality and are often used for tapping and threading in watches from the more esteemed watch houses. Also we supply a comprehensive range of Swiss and none Swiss tap and die holders.

Uses of taps and dies from customers:
  • To make and replace screws, nuts and bolts on watches and clocks.
  • Used by jewellers to make and replace threads where the clutch is replaced or made
  • Thread your ball and ring for body jewellery.
  • Add threads locking catches for bangles, bracelets and necklaces

Quick guide how to determine tap/die hole drilling sizes and wire sizes and how to use:

Using taps:

Firstly, drill a hole 0.1mm* smaller than the desired thread size. For instance if the hole size is 1mm use a 1.10mm tap. Always use one or two tenths of a greater size so the tap incises the hole. This will give an efficient cutting thread to the hole ready to be screwed.

The work piece must be securely supported. When starting the cutting, the tap must be help perpendicularly. Clockwise, turn the tap into the hole, one rotation at a time, to ensure no debris from the process falls into the hole. Use air cleaner or a rubber blower to clean the hole before, during and after tapping. Tapping too fast can shatter the tap. Additionally debris left in the hole causes clogging and the thread may distort, hence breakage. Excessive force will result break the tap. Cut lube or Bees Wax should be used.

*Sizes vary on the type of metal being tapped, 0.10mm difference will suffice on softer metals such as 22ct or pure gold, however 0.20mm maybe required for harder metals such as silver or 9ct.

Using dies:

Measure the wire/bar and use a die 0.1mm smaller than the desired thread small. For instance if the wire is a millimetre then use a 0.9mm die.
The wire/bar should be chamfered to ensure threading can be started with ease, file the end to attain a slight taper. Preferably hold the wire/bar vertically in a table vice or alternatively hold with a hand vice, the former will make threading easier and more precise. Great care must be taken to start threading true to the axis of the wire/bar. Cut lube or bees wax should be used to rub over the wire/bar before you start, to lubricate. The threads must be cleaned as often as is necessary with compressed air or a rubber blower.

*PLEASE NOTE: NEVER turn a tap in a die, doing this will damage the threads on both tools
Taps & Dies

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