Tapping and threading are mainly for experienced model builders who are working and creating parts themselves. Usually, when tapping a piece of metal to insert your threaded rod, you will already have a bolt or a screw with the corresponding diameter. Sometimes, however, you may need a specific sized or shaped thread and so you will need to make one yourself.
Scientific-MHD offers the tools to ensure that you have the right threaded piece for every thread hole.
How to choose your die ?
To choose your die, you must first ensure that it has a matching tap (same diameter, same thread, same direction). To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is therefore advisable to buy your dies with the corresponding taps together. Traditionally, the colour codes for dies are red for right-hand threads and yellow for left-hand threads.
You may need a die to repair a damaged screw or bolt or to thread a cylindrical rod. Tapping and threading is usually required in advanced levels of modelling. If you are looking to buy this tool, you will probably go on to make several elements this way.
You will rarely buy just a single die, often you will buy a set of them. These sets come with a die holder, and each one will have one or more corresponding taps. Each of these taps has an associated drill bit. You will choose the correct drill bit based on the size of the required thread. The size of the thread you need will obviously specify the size of your die.
How to maintain your die in good condition ?
Even though dies do not require any particular maintenance, there are a certain number of precautions to take to avoid damaging your tools and the metal rod you wish to thread. The die is mounted on a die holder and there are various models available. The simplest of these has two ends, like a left-handed turner, but there are also more elaborate models with ratchets.
A number of precautions should be taken before threading. Of course, you will need to check the thread and direction, but also the diameter of the corresponding threaded hole, to ensure that it matches.
As with any tool, we would recommend ensuring your rod is as stable as possible before threading. The best way to do this is to clamp it in a vice. By placing it vertically, you can easily thread it by turning the die holder around and working it down slowly. To avoid premature wear, the metal rod should be lubricated during the threading process.
Once these checks have been made and the process has finished, you can thread your new bolt or screw into the threaded hole!
