Buy Metric Thread Forming Taps Online in Australia
Metric Thread Forming Tap Selection — Quick Reference
Thread forming taps (also called fluteless taps or cold-form taps) FORM threads by displacement — NOT cutting (no chips produced). Stronger threads than cut taps in ductile materials (aluminium + brass + copper + mild steel + galv). No chip clearance issues + better surface finish.
| Tap Spec | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HSS Thread Forming Tap (Standard) | Mild steel + aluminium + brass + copper | Workshop default — economic + reliable |
| HSS Cobalt Thread Forming Tap (M35/M42) | Stainless steel + tough alloys | Higher hardness + heat resistance |
| TiN-Coated Thread Forming Tap | Production + extended tool life | Yellow gold colour — extends life ~2-3× |
| TiCN / TiAlN Coated | Hardened ductile materials + production | Premium coating for higher-volume use |
| Metric Coarse Sizes (M3-M16+) | Standard workshop sizes | M3 / M4 / M5 / M6 / M8 / M10 / M12 typical |
| Metric Fine Sizes (M6 × 0.75 etc) | Precision + aerospace + automotive | Match thread pitch to spec |
| Form Tap with Lube Grooves | Heavy-duty + sustained production use | Lubricant flows down to thread-forming zone |
Critical drill size difference: Thread FORMING uses a LARGER tap drill than thread CUTTING — material displaces (not removes) — so the starting hole is bigger. For M6 cut tap = 5.0mm drill; M6 FORM tap = 5.6mm drill (specific to spec). Wrong drill = stripped thread OR tap breakage. Materials that form well: aluminium + brass + copper + galv + mild steel ≤300 HB hardness. NOT suitable for cast iron + hardened steel + brittle materials (no plastic deformation possible). Use cutting fluid — forming generates significant heat. Brands: Sutton Tools, Bordo, OSG, Yamawa. Companion: taps, threading, tap + die sets, threading tap size chart.