A straight flute tap, also known as a straight or parallel tap, is a type of cutting tool used for threading holes in materials, such as metal, plastic, or wood. Unlike spiral flute taps, which have flutes that spiral up the tap at an angle, straight flute taps have flutes that run straight along the tap's axis.

Here are some important details about straight flute taps:

Design and Function:

Straight flute taps have flutes that are aligned parallel to the tap's axis, meaning they do not spiral.

The primary purpose of straight flute taps is to cut threads in a straightforward and even manner.

Key Advantages:

Precise Threads

Straight flute taps are used when precision is crucial, as they tend to cut threads with greater accuracy compared to spiral flute taps.

Greater Control

They offer more control over the threading process, making them suitable for applications where exact thread depth and pitch are important.

Bottoming Taps

Straight flute taps can be easily adapted for bottoming applications (tapping to the very bottom of a blind hole) due to their design.

Non-binding in Blind Holes

These taps are less likely to bind or get stuck in blind holes because the straight flutes do not push chips forward like spiral flutes.

Straight flute taps are commonly used in precision machining and applications where a tight fit, precise thread depth, and controlled threading process are required. They come in various sizes and thread specifications to accommodate different threading needs, and they are available in both hand taps and machine taps.

When choosing between straight flute taps and other tap types, consider the specific requirements of your threading operation and the material being worked on to make the most appropriate choice.