The word "screw tap" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /skruː tæp/. "Screw" is pronounced with the "sk" sound, followed by a long "u" sound and the "r" sound. "Tap" is pronounced with a short "a" sound and the "p" sound. This term is commonly used in the plumbing industry to describe a tool used for creating screw threads in pipes. The correct spelling of this word is essential to ensure that it is properly understood and used in trade and industry.
A screw tap, commonly known as a tap or a screw thread tap, refers to a specialized tool used to create internal screw threads inside a hole or bore. It is designed to cut or form female, helical grooves known as threads on the inside wall of the hole, which will match the external threads of a corresponding screw or bolt. The screw tap is primarily used in metalworking, woodworking, and other industries where fastening objects with screws or bolts is essential.
The screw tap typically features a cylindrical body with a tapering threaded portion called the shank and a cutting edge known as the chamfer or lead. The cutting edges vary in design, commonly being either straight or spiral, to produce different types of threads. To use a screw tap, it is inserted into a pre-drilled hole or aligned to an existing hole, and then rotated clockwise with the help of a tap wrench. While rotating, the screw tap gradually cuts and removes material from the hole, creating precise threads.
Screw taps are available in various sizes and thread types, such as metric, unified, and pipe threads, to accommodate different screw or bolt specifications. They are made from high-speed steel or carbide materials, ensuring durability and optimal performance. Some screw taps may include a lubricating feature, such as spiral flutes or grooves, to facilitate the smooth removal of chips or debris during the tapping process. Overall, screw taps are indispensable tools for creating internal threads that are essential in various applications, including assembling mechanical components, constructing machinery, and affixing objects securely.
The word "screw tap" consists of two parts: "screw" and "tap", each having distinct etymologies.
1. Screw:
The term "screw" originated from the Old French word "escroue" meaning "nut or screw". It can be traced back to the Latin word "scrofa", which originally referred to a pig's snout but later gained the meaning "screw" due to its shape resembling a pig's snout. The transition from "scrofa" to "screw" took place through various languages, including Middle Latin and Old French, before arriving in English.
2. Tap:
The word "tap" comes from the Old English word "tæppa" or "tæppe", which referred to a peg or plug. It likely originated from the Proto-Germanic word "tappōną", meaning "to plug or stop up".