Structural Steel
All HMT tooling in this category is suitable for common grades of structural steel.
HMT VERSADRIVE IMPACTATAPS – TECHNICAL GUIDE
Versadrive ImpactaTaps are designed for creating internal threads in correctly sized pilot holes using suitable impact or rotary tools. This guide covers material suitability, machine selection, material thickness, lubrication, adapters, pilot-hole preparation, best practice, recommended impact torque and rotary RPM.
Which Materials Can HMT Versadrive ImpactaTaps Be Used On?
Hardened Steel
Versadrive ImpactaTaps are not generally suitable for hardened steel applications.
Stainless Steel
Suitable for harder materials such as stainless steel when used with reduced RPM on rotary machines or suitable higher-torque settings on impact tools.
Non-Ferrous Metals
All HMT tooling in this category is suitable for non-ferrous materials.
Which Machine Should I Use With Versadrive ImpactaTaps?
| Machine | Suitable? | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Wrench / Impact Driver | Yes | Recommended for through-hole tapping applications. Use the correct torque setting for the tap size and material thickness. |
| Rotary Pistol Drill | Yes | ImpactaTaps can be used in rotary pistol drills. Larger tap sizes may generate significant resistance and drill kickback, so use an appropriate machine and spindle speed. |
| Compact Magnet Drill | Generally No | Compact magnet drills are not usually suitable because they may not have the required reversing or variable-speed features. |
| Large Magnet / Pillar Drill | Yes, where suitable | Suitable where the machine has appropriate variable-speed and reversing functions. |
What Material Thickness Can Versadrive ImpactaTaps Be Used On?
Sheet Metal
Up to 4 mm
Standard Plate
5–12 mm
Medium Plate
12–25 mm
Heavy Plate
Above 25 mm
Versadrive ImpactaTaps are suitable across these material-thickness categories where the correct tap size, pilot hole and machine settings are used.
As a general guide, threaded depth is commonly related to the thread diameter. For example, an M10 thread would typically require around 10 mm of thread depth.
For very deep tapping applications, consider an appropriate long-series tap.
Which Cutting Lubricant Should I Use for Tapping?
SpeedLube
Recommended for general-purpose tapping applications.
BioCut Paste
Recommended for overhead drilling and other applications where liquid lubricant is not suitable.
BioCut Blue
Suitable for general drilling applications. For tapping operations, use the appropriate tapping lubricant such as SpeedLube.
Which Adapters Can I Use With Versadrive ImpactaTaps?
Impact Adapters
Versadrive ImpactaTaps are suitable for use in impact wrenches and impact drivers using the appropriate adapter and torque setting.
Pistol Drill / Chuck
The Versadrive hex shank fits into a standard drill chuck.
Versadrive extension arbors can also be used where additional reach is required.
Weldon Adapters
Versadrive ImpactaTaps can be adapted for use in magnetic drills with the appropriate HMT adapter.
Morse Taper Adapters
Versadrive ImpactaTaps can be adapted for use in Morse Taper drilling machines with the appropriate HMT adapter.
HMT Versadrive ImpactaTap Best Practice
Do I need a pilot hole?
Yes. Drill the correct tapping-size pilot hole before tapping.
Correct pilot-hole size is important for thread quality, tapping performance and tool life.
When tapping box section, make sure the tip of the tooling does not contact the opposite wall of the section during the operation.
What is the correct feed pressure?
Apply firm, steady feed pressure throughout the cut.
Excessive feed pressure can increase heat build-up and reduce tool life.
How many threads can I expect an ImpactaTap to produce?
There is no fixed number.
Tool life varies considerably depending on the material, thread size, machine, torque, spindle speed, lubrication and operator technique.
How can I prevent chipping or breakage?
Avoid lateral movement or tilting while tapping.
Do not use excessive feed pressure.
Apply steady pressure, use adequate lubrication and keep the tap square to the hole.
Maintain controlled cutting and swarf evacuation.
Are standard ImpactaTaps suitable for blind holes?
Standard ImpactaTaps are primarily intended for through-hole tapping applications.
For blind-hole tapping, use the appropriate HMT blind-hole tapping solution or spiral-flute tapping system.
How can I avoid cross-threading when reversing the tap?
Where possible, complete the tapping operation in one controlled pass.
When re-entering an existing thread, take care to locate the tap correctly in the existing thread before driving it.
Where appropriate, start or locate the tap by hand before applying power.
How important is alignment?
Very important.
Ensure the tap enters the pilot hole squarely. Poor alignment or an off-centre tap greatly increases the risk of damaged threads and tool breakage.
Recommended Impact Torque for HMT Versadrive ImpactaTaps
Recommended impact torque varies according to thread size and material thickness.
| Thread Size | Sheet up to 4 mm thick | Plate 5–12 mm thick | Plate 12–25 mm thick | Plate over 25 mm thick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3–M4 | 105–120 | 160–180 | N/A | N/A |
| M5–M6 | 135–140 | 200–240 | N/A | N/A |
| M8–M10 | 150–170 | 280–300 | 430–480 | 512–544 |
| M12–M14 | 185–190 | 320–340 | 512–544 | 576–640 |
| M16–M20 | 200–315 | 360–400 | 576–640 | 960–1184 |
| M24–M27 | N/A | 600–740 | 960–1184 | 1200–1400 |
| M30–M33 | N/A | 800–980 | 1200–1400 | 1640–1940 |
| M36–M42 | N/A | N/A | 1640–1940 | 1990–2450 |
Recommended Rotary RPM for HMT Versadrive ImpactaTaps
When using ImpactaTaps with a rotary machine, recommended spindle speed varies according to thread size and material type.
| Thread Size | Structural Steel – 10 m/min | Hardened Steel – 5 m/min | Stainless Steel – 8 m/min | Non-Ferrous – 30 m/min |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3–M4 | 1060–800 | 530–400 | 850–640 | 3180–2390 |
| M5–M6 | 640–530 | 320–265 | 510–425 | 1910–1590 |
| M8–M10 | 400–320 | 200–160 | 320–255 | 1190–955 |
| M12–M14 | 265–230 | 130–115 | 210–180 | 795–685 |
| M16–M20 | 200–160 | 100–80 | 160–130 | 600–480 |
| M24–M27 | 135–120 | 70–60 | 110–95 | 400–355 |
| M30–M33 | 105–95 | 55–45 | 85–75 | 320–290 |
| M36–M42 | 90–75 | 45–40 | 70–60 | 265–230 |