FAQ | Manufacturing Questions

Currently, the only way to be sure is to test the hole with the Spiralock GO and NOT-GO gages.

For your convenience and ease of identification, Spiralock taps are copper plated on the square drive. If your tool does not have a copper topped square drive, it is not a legitimate Spiralock tool and thread form.

The repair of the Spiralock threaded hole depends on the amount of damage, the type of equipment that you have and the skill level of your repair people. Holes with damaged threads or holes that are mislocated can be drilled out. The larger drilled hole can then be re-tapped using an STI tap, and a wire insert can then be installed to replace the lost threads. Please contact Spiralock Corporation's Engineering Department or your Field Sales Engineer to review the necessary steps for the repair.

We offer cold forming taps, all styles of cutting taps and thread milling cutters, made from both high speed steel and carbide, with a wide variety of surface coatings to enhance your tool life. In addition, we offer made-to-order tools for specific applications.

the hole may not be gageable after plating. Sometimes a small amount of torque may be required at assembly but this will not adversely affect the performance of Spiralock.

It's not recommended. However, depending on the application, it may be accomplished by cold forming the Spiralock thread or re-drilling the hole and going back in with the next larger size tap.

Yes. When using Spiralock, we suggest the use of a larger drill size than is recommended for a standard 60° thread form. Although you are not required to increase your hole size, doing so will enhance your tool life.

To re-sharpen a Spiralock tap, please follow the same method used for a standard, 60° thread form tap. For more advice in regards to re-sharpening taps, please contact Spiralock Corporation's Engineering Department or your Field Sales Engineer

The type of material that is being heat treated and the dimensional change that occurs after the process will determine whether or not a special Spiralock tap will be required.