What are Screw Thread Insert Taps & What Are Their Main Uses?

Screw thread insert taps – or STI taps – are specialized taps designed for helical coil wire screw thread inserts. STI taps offer the same pitch as standard taps, but their larger diameter helps to accommodate wire inserts.
These specialized taps offer a positive means to strengthen and protect tapped threads of any material. The screw thread inserts will then provide stronger tapped threads due to more balanced distribution of load throughout the thread engagement length. This leads to stronger assemblies and finished products.

Main Uses of STI Taps

Standard screw thread insert taps can be used as basic tools to create threads that are ideal for threaded inserts. However, each specific type of STI tap will be best suited for specific purposes, and at Regal Cutting Tools, we offer several different varieties:

• STI Hand Taps. These taps produce an oversized threaded hole to accommodate precision-formed screw thread coils with a standard pitch and diameter. They are general purpose taps that can be used in production or hand machines.
• STI Spiral Point Taps. Spiral point taps push chips through the hole with their rugged, free-cutting approach. They are a great solution for through-hole cutting applications.
• STI Spiral Flute Taps. Spiral flute taps work to bind holes and remove chips with their lifting action. They offer a built-in hook that can provide exceptional shearing action. These taps are the best option for blind hole applications, especially with soft materials like aluminum and copper.