Specialty Taps

Specialty Tap Selection — Quick Reference

Beyond standard metric + imperial hand taps = range of SPECIALTY taps for SPECIFIC applications — THREAD REPAIR + helical insert + pipe + unusual thread forms. Specialty taps cut threads not covered by standard tap range.

Critical: Specialty taps for SPECIFIC applications — match exactly to thread spec needed. Heli-Coil + Time-Sert + Recoil insert systems each need INSERT-SPECIFIC tap (STI = Screw Thread Insert). Restoration taps NOT for cutting new thread (different cutting geometry). Brands: Sutton Tools, Bordo, Recoil. Companion: taps, thread inserts, threading.

Specialty Taps

Beyond standard metric and imperial hand taps, there's a range of specialty taps for specific applications — thread repair, helical insert installation, pipe fittings, and unusual thread forms. These taps cut threads that standard hand taps can't produce, and AIMS Industrial stocks the range Australian workshops actually need for thread repair, fabrication, and specialist work.

The specialty tap categories we cover

• Thread repair taps — slightly oversized taps for cleaning damaged threads back to a fresh, full-engagement thread
• Recoil insert taps (STI taps) — for cutting the oversize tapped hole that accepts a wire-form thread insert
• BSPT taps (taper pipe) — for cutting British Standard Pipe Taper threads in pipe fittings
• BSPF taps (parallel pipe) — for cutting British Standard Pipe parallel threads
• NPT taps (American pipe) — for cutting American National Pipe Taper threads
• UNC and UNF taps (imperial) — for older imperial-spec equipment and US-imported gear
• BSW and BSF taps (British) — for heritage British-spec equipment
• Specialty thread forms — Acme, trapezoidal, and similar non-standard forms on indent

Recoil insert taps explained

A Recoil (or Helicoil) insert is a wire-form helical coil that creates a threaded bore from a slightly larger drilled and tapped hole. They're used to repair stripped threads in soft material (aluminium, magnesium, cast iron) or to create stronger threads in soft material than the parent thread alone would deliver. The STI (Special Thread Insert) tap is sized to cut the oversized thread the insert screws into — different from the standard tap of the same nominal size. Get the right STI tap for the insert size; substituting a standard tap won't work.

Pipe taps explained

Pipe taps cut the threads on the inside of pipe fittings (the female side of a pipe connection). Taper pipe taps (BSPT, NPT) cut a slight taper into the thread so the joint seals as it tightens; parallel pipe taps (BSPF) cut a parallel thread that needs an O-ring or sealant for the seal. Match the tap to the standard the fitting is built to — BSP and NPT are not interchangeable.

Thread repair workflow

For damaged threads, the workflow is: clean and inspect the existing thread, drill out to the tapping drill size for the insert, tap with the appropriate STI tap, install the insert with the matching insert tool, break off the tang. Recoil and Helicoil sell complete kits that bundle the tap, drill, insert, and install tool for each thread size — a sensible purchase for a workshop dealing with regular thread repair.

Brands stocked at AIMS

Sutton Tools, Bordo, and Champion cover the standard tap range. Recoil is an approved brand for thread inserts and STI taps. We can source on indent for less common thread forms.

Need help with a specific thread form, repair situation, or tap selection? contact our team — we'll work through the application.