Despite the widespread use of plastic materials practical in use, metal pipes in certain niches retain their position as an indispensable consumable. Accordingly, there remains a demand for the implementation of rigid screw connections during the installation of various communications. Both in the device of household plumbing, and in the organization of central highways, devices for cutting threads on pipes may be required. What is the name of this type of tool? Traditionally, taps and dies are used for this, but more advanced devices with an electric drive mechanism have recently appeared. For starters, it’s worthwhile to understand the whole problem of creating a screw thread.
What types of threads exist?
Threads differ in design, size, and the marking system applied to it. For example, one size is obtained when using the inch system, and several other - with the classic millimeter. You should also be able to distinguish between left and right threads - this is important if the pipe is preparing to be integrated into a circuit with an already defined screw connection format. Now it’s worth considering in more detail how the conditionally inch and metric cuts differ. In the first case, a tool for cutting threads on pipes forms a profile in the form of an isosceles triangle with an angle of about 55 degrees. Such a thread is distinguished by a large step, which determines the enlargement of the profile and its high strength. In turn, the metric system involves the formation of a profile in the form of an equilateral triangle with a smaller step. And in both cases, it is necessary to select the tools that are appropriate for the structural device and the cutting format, taking into account the required size.
Tap application
This tool is used for internal cutting. Immediately you need to decide on the choice of a specific tap model according to the following criteria:
- For rough or clean work - in the marking, respectively, indicates No. 1 or No. 2. The difference lies in the depth of cut and accuracy.
- In the direction of the thread - left or right.
- With trapezoidal or tapered thread profile.
- Special attention is paid to the diameter of the workpiece. Tools for threading water pipes are usually distinguished by marking M6-10, etc. For example, for an 8 mm thick pipe, an M8 format tap is required.
Usually, two taps are used in the course of work - first draft and then fine. But it is for pipes that you can do only with a model for finishing, since you do not need to remove excess material, as is the case with solid billets. The shank of this tool for cutting threads on pipes is fixed in a T-shaped tap holder, through which the user can make rotational movements. The handle should be handled slowly without sudden movements - this is the key to obtaining a high-quality result. It will also be good to pre-lubricate the tool and pipe with oil or kerosene.
Die application
For applying external threads, dies of different diameters are used. The design of this tool is a low metal cylinder in which there are radial holes that form cutting edges. The cutting technique can be machine or manual. In the first case, a special machine with a cartridge for cutting equipment (dies) is used. The mechanics are driven by an electric motor, which allows threading in large formats with virtually no physical effort. In the manual method, as in the case of taps, you will need a special holder - for example, a ratchet or a wrench. By manual effort, this tool for cutting threads on a pipe rotates around its axis, which helps to achieve the desired effect. Depending on the model, the dies can be used to create external threads from 4 to 20 mm high.
Application klupp
According to its design, the klupp represents the basis of the die or, at least, can act as its functional complement. The fundamental difference between the two is that the screw die is a special device for forming threads on pipes. A guide is provided in its device, thanks to which it is possible to center the complete die along the workpiece. This is the best tool for threading pipes with a diameter of 50 mm or more. When working with large-format products, handles with a ratchet and a thread-cutting head in a suitable format should be provided in advance. The workflow is implemented in two steps:
- Fixing the tool in the holder with the centering of its cutting equipment on the workpiece.
- Crank rotation. If the tap involves the use of different-sized cutting elements for a smooth transition from coarse cutting to a more delicate point, then the cutter cutters allow, within the framework of one technological approach, to switch from rough to fine thread by adjusting the force of the rotational movement.
Thread Tools
If you have a large amount of work with several workpieces, it is better to turn to a power hand tool. The optimal solution would be an electric modification of the power plant with a power of about 1200-1500 W and a frequency of 32 rpm. With this potential, both standard and industrial pipe threading can be confidently performed. This type of electric tool is equipped with quick-change nozzles that allow performing right and left threads in continuous mode. All that is required of the user is to fix the electrocup on the pipe with the help of a complete clamp-yoke.
General threading guidelines
Experts give 5 universal tips that will help to get high-quality thread on almost any pipe, regardless of the material of manufacture:
- Before work, clean both the workpiece and the tool itself from the smallest dirt and traces of rust. Again, a grease with an anti-corrosion effect will benefit.
- Reliable clamping of the workpiece minimizes the risk of deviation from the contour during threading. To fix the threading tool on pipes, use a bench vise or a clamp of a suitable design.
- In the course of work, it is advisable to remove chips without waiting for the end of cutting. Even small particles can disrupt the turn line.
- The ratio of the materials of the cutter and the pipe is extremely important, since an insufficiently solid working part, for example, will not cope with the workpieces made of steel and cast iron.
- Before cutting on the target pipe, it is advisable to practice on unnecessary workpieces with the same characteristics by performing several trial approaches.
Tool manufacturers
High-quality models of different tools are offered by FIT, Drader, Gerat, Jonnesway, MATRIX and TOPEX. The budget level is represented by typical dies, taps and klupps of domestic enterprises, including Arsenal, Enkor, TekhnoStal, etc. As for prices, a tool for threading pipes 1 / 2-1 / 4 produced by Jonnesway or FIT costs 500-700 rubles. Sets with dies and taps with a range of sizes M3-M12 are estimated at 2-3 thousand rubles. Electrical apparatus for pipe threads are available for several tens of thousands, but these are already professional models.
Conclusion
As with any hand tool, the effectiveness of the above devices and devices for threading to a large extent depends on the skill and experience of the master. But organizational technical nuances should not be underestimated, using both fixing vices and lubrication, which will facilitate the workflow. Regarding the choice of a hand tool for threading pipes, the first thing to do is to correlate performance with specific requirements. The structural parameters of the thread are taken into account, as well as the compatibility of the material of the cutting tool and pipe. If we are talking about the regular use of the tool, then it is advisable to choose among the tools that will provide the possibility of machine cutting.