Pipe Hand Taps

Pipe Hand Taps

Pipe hand taps cut internal pipe threads — the female threads on fittings, valve bodies, manifolds, and threaded pipe sockets. Pipe threading is a different specification from machine threading: the threads can be tapered (BSPT, NPT) for self-sealing connections, or parallel (BSPF) for connections that seal with an O-ring or sealing washer. AIMS Industrial stocks pipe hand taps for plumbing, hydraulic, pneumatic, and engineering applications across the standards used in Australian industry.

The pipe thread standards we cover

• BSPT (British Standard Pipe Taper) — taper threads that seal as they tighten; the most common pipe thread in Australian plumbing and hydraulics
• NPT (American National Pipe Taper) — US-spec taper threads, found in imported equipment and plumbing
• BSPF (British Standard Pipe Parallel/Female) — parallel threads that seal with an O-ring or sealing washer
• BSP (G-thread) — also called BSPP, parallel threads under ISO 228

Sizes

Pipe tap sizing is by nominal pipe size, not by thread diameter — a 1/2 inch BSP tap cuts threads sized for 1/2 inch nominal pipe (which is actually 21mm OD on the pipe itself). Common sizes covered include 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1 inch, 1-1/4, 1-1/2, and 2 inch. Larger sizes are available on indent for industrial work.

Where pipe hand taps earn their place

• Repair work — chasing damaged threads back to clean condition
• Fabrication — cutting fresh threads in welded or machined pipe assemblies
• Workshop and toolroom — producing custom fittings and adapters
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems — adapting between thread standards in mixed-spec equipment

Tapping practice

Use a quality tapping fluid (Tap Magic and Molycut are stocked here), pre-drill or ream to the correct tapping drill size, keep the tap square to the work, and back off every half turn to break the chip. For tapered taps (BSPT, NPT), the natural taper of the tap creates the seal — don't try to thread deeper than the tap design intends.

Brands stocked at AIMS

Sutton Tools, Bordo, and Champion cover the pipe hand tap range in HSS. The taps are stocked as singles in the common sizes; sets of taper-and-second taps for full pipe thread cutting are available on indent. For specialty thread forms or unusual sizes, contact our team for sourcing.

Don't substitute

BSPT and NPT look similar but the thread angles and pitches differ — they're not interchangeable. A BSPT thread cut into a fitting designed for NPT (or vice versa) will leak under pressure. Always confirm the standard the fitting was designed to before tapping. If you're not sure, contact our team with the fitting details and we'll identify the right tap.