What are the three types of taps found in a tap set?

The three types of taps that are commonly found in a tap set are Taper, Plug, and Bottoming.

Taper taps feature a gradual taper on the leading threads, allowing them to start the thread in the material easily. This design helps to lead the tap into the hole without much difficulty, making it ideal for starting threads in blind holes or for use in materials that may be prone to chipping or cracking.

Plug taps, on the other hand, are designed with a straight tapered section of threads that provides a better fit for the majority of threading applications. They can enter deeper into the hole than taper taps and allow for more engagement of the threads, making them suitable for normal threading operations.

Bottoming taps have no taper and are designed to cut threads all the way to the bottom of a hole. They are particularly useful in applications where the thread needs to extend to the very end of the hole, such as in blind holes.

This combination of taps enables users to handle a variety of threading tasks effectively, making it critical to have all three types in a tap set to suit different job requirements and hole types.