Jarvis Cutting Tools

Threading taps become dull over time. When they lose their sharp edges, do you send them for reconditioning or order a brand-new one? 

Each option has its advantages and challenges, which we will address in this blog. We’ll break down when it makes sense to recondition your threading taps and when replacement is the smarter choice. 

By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what will save you both time and money.

Reconditioning threading taps

In reconditioning a tap, we restore a worn tap to its original or near-original condition. The process involves sharpening, grinding, or re-cutting the tap’s threads. 

When should you recondition?

It only makes sense to recondition a tap when it is mildly worn. If the tap is a high-quality one and hasn’t seen severe damage, this option is cost-effective. Reconditioning is often seen as a quick fix in high-production settings where downtime can hurt profits.  Generally, reconditioning, or resharpening taps, is only done on taps with larger diameters.  1”  and larger is common, with the most common being sizes 2” and larger.

Advantages of reconditioning

Cost saving

Reconditioning is less expensive than buying a new one. For large-scale operations, these savings quickly add up.

Lead time

It takes less time to recondition a tap than to order a new one. And if you need a custom-made tap, it takes even more time.

Sustainability

Reconditioning extends the life of your taps. This means that fewer tools end up as waste.

Limitations of reconditioning

Limited lifespan

Each time you recondition a tap, you slightly reduce its overall lifespan. It can also reduce the tap diameter, which will produce mismatched threads. 

Not for all damage

If a tap is chipped, broken, or has severe wear, reconditioning doesn’t fix it. 

Replacing threading taps

A few damages to the tap are common. But sometimes, the damage is too far gone. In such cases, no amount of sharpening or grinding will bring the tool back to life. Replacing the tap is the only option here. 

When should you replace a tap?

When you notice significant wear or damage, such as chips or cracks, it’s best to replace it. Additionally, when the tap is reconditioned multiple times, it no longer delivers accurate results, hence requiring a replacement. 

Advantages of replacing taps

Optimal performance

Brand-new taps will give you the best result in terms of precision, surface finish, and thread quality.

Updated technology

Newer taps come with improvements in materials and design. They offer better durability and/or performance.

Longer lifespan

A new tap will last longer than a reconditioned one. 

Drawbacks of replacing taps

Higher cost

Replacing a tap is more expensive than reconditioning it. Although the upfront cost is high, this may be a necessary investment if the tap is beyond repair.

Potential downtime

If you use custom-made taps and have to wait for a new tap to be manufactured and shipped, your production line might face delays.

Factors to consider when reconditioning or replacing a tap

You can consider the factors below to reach a decision on whether you should recondition or replace the tap.

Extent of wear

If the tap is slightly worn, recondition it. But if there are multiple cracks and damages, replace them.

Frequency of use

If you use the tap once in a while, reconditioning is a budget-friendly approach, but if used in a high-production environment, it wears down faster; replacing would be better in such cases.

Cost analysis

Look at the long-term costs. Reconditioning is cheaper only when it’s done a few times. If a tap needs frequent reconditioning, it might not be worth the effort. Spend a little more on a replacement upfront to save money in the long run.

Tool material and design

Some taps are made of advanced materials and designs.  They last longer and withstand harsh conditions. Cheaper or older taps may not hold up well to repeated reconditioning; thus, replacement is a better choice for them.

Urgency

How urgent do you need the tap? Reconditioning is faster than ordering a new one. But if you can wait, the new tool will be worth the improved performance.

Summary

Reconditioning and replacing are both options that have their pros and cons. Which one you should go with depends on various factors, like the condition of the tool, how often it’s used, and the costs involved.

This blog shares with you all the factors you need to consider when you are thinking of reconditioning or replacing a tap.

If you have decided to replace your tap, check out Jarvis Cutting Tools. They have 119 years of expertise in manufacturing high-precision cutting tools.