Red Seal Machinist Practice Exam

Which tool is typically used for creating internal threads?

1. Die

2. Taps

3. End mill

4. Reamer

The correct answer is: Taps

The correct answer, taps, are specifically designed for creating internal threads in a pre-drilled hole. Taps come in various sizes and thread profiles, allowing for precise formation of threads that fit matching screws or bolts. The process of tapping involves rotating the tool into the workpiece, where the flutes of the tap cut the material and form the internal thread. This method is essential for applications where screws need to be fastened into parts without the need for additional components. In contrast, dies are primarily used for external threading on rods or shafts, not for internal threads. An end mill is designed for milling and shaping materials but does not create threads. Reamers are used for finishing hole dimensions or achieving a specific hole size and do not cut threads either. These distinctions highlight why taps are the suitable tool for internal threading tasks.