A spiral point tap, also known as a gun tap or a chip-clearing tap, is a type of cutting tool used for threading holes in materials, particularly metals. These taps are designed with flutes that spiral up the tap at a specific angle relative to the tap's axis, much like a spiral flute tap. However, the key distinction lies in their primary purpose and design features:

Design and Function

Spiral point taps have flutes that spiral up the tap at an angle but with a more aggressive pitch compared to spiral flute taps.

The primary purpose of spiral point taps is to push chips forward out of the hole and away from the cutting area as they cut threads.

Key Advantages

Efficient Chip Evacuation

Spiral point taps are excellent at evacuating chips from the hole. They efficiently push chips forward, making them particularly suitable for through-hole tapping applications.

Reduced Torque

These taps typically require less torque to cut threads compared to straight flute taps. This reduction in torque is achieved due to their design, which minimizes friction and cutting resistance.

High-Speed Tapping

Spiral point taps are commonly used for high-speed tapping operations, as their chip-clearing design minimizes the risk of chip buildup and thread damage.

Suitable for Through-Hole Tapping

They are well-suited for through-hole tapping applications because they effectively push chips out of the hole, making the process more efficient.

Less Tendency to "Push"

Spiral point taps have a reduced tendency to "push" or force the workpiece material ahead of the tap, leading to smoother and more precise threading.

Spiral point taps are frequently used in industrial applications, particularly when fast and efficient chip evacuation is essential. They come in various sizes and thread specifications to accommodate a wide range of threading needs. When choosing a tap for a specific application, consider factors such as the material to be threaded, hole depth, and whether it's a through-hole or blind-hole tapping operation.