We are not responsible for any damages caused by the use of the information contained herein.

FINAL - We have 10 years of thread cutting tips listed below. Please check them out!

Widell Industries may be able to sharpen your dull taps. Call for more information.

Widell Industries is pleased to announce that it has successfully defended and has now resolved a legal action filed by a leading competitor. That action challenged Widell's right to produce and market taps for self-locking fasteners. Widell resolved the action without paying any consideration and without restricting Widell's ability to continue producing and marketing its successful line of Wide-Loc taps. Widell will continue to produce the Wide-Loc taps and will continue to be a leader and innovator in the self-locking tap industry.

The 2008 International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) on September 8-13, 2008 at the McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois. Our Booth number is F-2857. See you there.

Happy Independence Day. Have a safe and happy 4th of July.

And don't forget, we will be exhibiting at the 2008 The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) September 8-13, 2008 at the McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois. Our Booth number is F-2857. See you at the show.

Taps not used over long periods of time should have a protective coating applied to preserve the integrity of the tool.

We have metal working machinery surplus to our operations. Give Wayne Widell a call with your requirements at extension 222.

April 2008

Adding an extension (cheater bar) to a tap handle is dangerous. Not only could the threading tool be damaged, personal injury could be a result of missuse of tap and die handles.

March 2008

Keep your fingers away while a tap is in motion. You don't want to get hurt.

February 2008

Need a quick Tap Drill Size Chart . Click on this link. Remember, we a here to assist you with your thread cutting question.

January 2008

Check out our Technical Info section on our web site. If you still have a thread cutting question, give us a call.

December 2007

Have a Merry Christmas.

November 2007

Have a Happy Thanksgiving. Now is a good time to check tools in storage for rust.

October 2007

When ordering Buttress Thread taps or dies there are two types:
- The most common is the Pull type.
- The push type is the alternative.

September 2007

We will be exhibiting at the 2008 The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) September 8-13, 2008 at the McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois. Our Booth number is F-2857. See you at the show.

May 2007
We may be able to regrind your chamfer if the tap is not seating properly in the hole. Contact Hank for details.

April 2007
When ordering Wide-Loctm self locking thread taps, indicate which side of the working piece the tap will be used to thread. When tapping from the "back" side of a through hole work piece, the thread form must be reversed on the tap.

March 2007
Widell Industries launches a new website for the new line of "Wide-loc tm" Self Locking Thread Taps. Visit us at www.wideloc.com

February 2007
Our line of "Wide-loc tm" Self Locking Thread Taps was introduced for the new year. Call us for pricing and application.

January 2007
If in doubt about thread size, please call us at 800 237-5963 or fax your request at 800 848-6363. We would be happy to assist you.

December 2006
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We Wish A Happy and Safe Holiday Season to All.

November 2006
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

October 2006
Safety First: When working around running machinery, never reach over a work piece.

September 2006
Steam Oxide: Best for low carbon, leaded steel, stainless and gummy material. To counteract galling or loading lubricate tap surfaces.

August 2006
Have a question abour our products? Check our Web Site or call us for any enquiries you may have.

July 2006
Form taps require oversized drilled holes. Do not assume that hole sizes for cutting taps is the same for forming taps.

June 2006
We now offer custom metal grinding services. Contact Wayne for your grinding needs.

December 2005
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We Wish A Happy and Safe Holiday Season to All.

November 2005
Now is the time to check cutting tools that have been stored for rust! And ....do not eat too much turkey! Have a Happy Holiday Season.

October 2005
Visit us for all of your metal working machinery needs. Look under Surplus Machines and Added Machines to view or selection of metal working machinery. We also have a complete salt bath heat treat system available.

September 2005
Spiral Points are not necessary on taps that have extra fine threads per inch (TPI). Chip build up is negligible when using extra fine TPI taps.

August 2005
Contact Widell Industries at 800-237-5963 to answer any questions regarding your tapping requirements.

July 2005
Gages should be stored in a cool-dry controlled environment to extend the useful life of the gage. The environment should maintain a constant temperature and humidity.

June 2005
Master Thread Gages are essential in checking the status of your work gages, allowing you to maintain and dispose of worn out items before they cause production problems.

May 2005
Threading Gages wear out over time. Recalibration is essential for proper maintenance of your thread gages. Replacement of worn gages may be necessary.

April 2005
Hard Chrome treatment on taps is very advantages in nonferrous materials, such as copper, brass, and bronze.

March 2005
Caution must be observed when inserting round adjustable dies into their corresponding die stocks (die holder). Do not over tighten the fastening set screws holding the die in place. Over tightening can cause the die to squeeze closed causing undersized threads.

February 2005
Hex and Round Dies only have one side chamfered. Thread can be butted up to the work piece by flipping over the die and threading with the non chamfered side.

January 2005
The 2005 Catalog is now available online and via mail. Visit our online catalog section or call us for your copy.

December 2004
We Wish A Happy and Safe Holiday Season to All.

November 2004
You can find many solutions to machining problems and answers to CNC questions on the Internet in news forums and news groups. alt.machines.cnc is one of our favorite news groups.

October 2004
If you have any solutions to tooling problems please e-mail me at sales@widell.com.

September 2004
Widell Industries has surplus metal working machinery and a heat treat facility available for sale. Visit the surplus machinery links on our home page.

May 2004
Can't decide on the type of tap you require? Call Widell. We would be happy to advise you.

April 2004
Thread repair files can be a quick fix for threaded parts with minor damage.

March 2004
Damaged or incorrect threads in a female part are best repaired with Screw Thread Inserts. Consult factory for more information.

February 2004
A plug tap in Europe is known as a bottom tap in the United States.

January 2004
Low on tools? Blanket orders prevent the chance of running out. Talk to your local Industrial Distributor.

December 2003
Have a safe holiday. Keep loose clothing and jewelry away from operating machines!

November 2003
New Catalogs are in the works! Let us know your requirements.

October 2003
Useful information on threading is available in the Machinery Handbook. If you do not have one, we suggest you purchase the handbook through your local Industrial Distributor.

September 2003
If you need an odd size die, check with Widell. We have over 30,000 different sizes in stock. We may have what you want on the shelf.

August 2003
Don't forget to visit our thread cutting technical pages for more information on thread cutting.

July 2003
Happy Independence Day to all those Americans who read this.

June 2003
Reminder. Widell Industries is always ready to assist you with any technical questions. Please call us at 1-800-237-5963 toll free in USA or 727-848-1811 international. Ask for Hank.

May 2003
When ordering Buttress thread, always check to see if you require the pull or push type. If no preference is given then pull type is always assumed by the cutting tool manufacturer.

April 2003
Check your stock levels periodically. Some special size tools require extended delivery times. Don't get caught short!

March 2003
For long term storage of cutting tools, it is recommended to protect each tool in seal peal or a protecting sealant.

February 2003
When checking damages parts to determine the thread, always take into consideration that the part may be on the low side of the tolerance. If any doubts, send us the external threaded part and we will identify.

January 2003
Support our troops. United We Stand.

December 2002
External Centers on small diameter taps can be removed to allow for clearance. CAUTION - do not overheat as this can cause the tap to become brittle.

November 2002
Widell Industries now offers carbide thread mills. Check out our selection at www.widell.com/flyer.html

October 2002
Most premature tap failures can be attributed to improper hole preparation. Double check tap drill size and angle of drill before cutting the thread.

September 2002
The World Wide Web is a great source for problem solving. Let Widell.com be your first stop for all your thread cutting needs.

August 2002
"Machinery's Handbook" should be an essential item in any tool room. Common questions can be answered bye simply going through the index and looking up your subject.

July 2002
Never trust the marking on cutting tools. Always check to confirm the size of tool matches the marking before a run.

June 2002
Tapping attachments can cause tap breakage if regular maintenance is not performed on them. Good maintenance = good tapping.

May 2002
When you are not sure of the number of taps to order for a project, initially, order three pieces of the size tap you require. Averaging threaded parts per tap will allow you to order the correct quantity to complete your project.

April 2002
Our technical department will assist you with any thread cutting questions you may have. Please call (800) 237-5963 for help.

March 2002
Carry a paper clip in your pocket. Cutting tools sometimes are magnetized. Use the paper clip to check. Magnetized tools do not allow chips to evacuate properly, causing rough or torn threads.

February 2002
Check to confirm that the cutting tool marking matches the marking on the cutting tool package.

January 2002
Happy New Year from all of us at Widell Industries, Inc.

December 2001
Happy Holidays from all of us at Widell Industries, Inc.

November 2001
Support the United States of America. Buy American.

October 2001
Your tool crib is not complete unless you have at tap that says WIDELL on it .... in it!

September 2001
We are able to manufacture form taps up to 2" diameter with one day delivery!

August 2001
Not sure of the thread you need? Call Widell, we are ready to offer immediate assistance.

July 2001
If you need a special tap at the right price with excellent delivery, Widell should be your first choice.

June 2001
Pitch gages are available for 55 degree Whitworth, 60 degree American and many other thread profiles. Contact your nearest Industrial Distributor for your requirements.

May 2001
Not sure of your threads per inch. Suggest you purchase an inexpensive Screw Pitch Gage set to verify TPI.

April 2001
Always check your tool for accuracy. Markings on your tools might not be accurate.

March 2001
Round and Hex dies should always be presented to the work piece squarely and is concentric. If this is not correct the die will not cut evenly on all legs and result in breakage.

February 2001
Zinc Alloys - There is a tendency for this material to close in after tapping. As a result special oversized taps may be required.

January 2001
Special taps and dies require specific manufacturing times to complete. Check your part print carefully to identify special requirements. Doing so will prevent delayed deliveries of your products to your customers.

December 2000
Users often check OD of tap to confirm size. Always take into account that an add-on for clearance must be included when checking diameter.

November 2000
Do not store Carbide Taps loosely. Always separate from other tools, this will prevent chipping threads on taps.

October 2000
When ordering ACME or Trapezoidal taps, the following info is required to receive a quote:
1. Material
2. Depth of Hole
3. Thru or Blind Hole

September 2000
100% thread is only 5% stronger than 75% thread and it takes three times the power (torque) to turn the 100% thread tap. This can result in excessive tap breakage, especially in tough materials.

August 2000
Work hardened holes can cause hard spots resulting in tap breakage. Solution is to resharpen drills before they cause work hardening.

July 2000
You can order our products directly from distributors on the web by clicking on http://www.widell.com/distrib.html

June 2000
The larger the H limit, the longer your tap will cut size before going undersize.

May 2000
When tapping hard plastics it is preferable to use compressed air to remove chips. No Lubricant! Taps manufactured on the high end will last longer as hard plastics tend to be abrasive.

April 2000
Keep your tools well oiled during storage. Rust is a killer!

March 2000
Cutting tools for various reasons can become magnetized. Keep a paper clip handy to confirm. If the tool is charged - demagnetize. Chips will fall away from a demagnetized tool and will not cause problems.

February 2000
Use a screw pitch gage to confirm tap size before using.

January 2000
Carbide taps work best on: plastics, fiberglass, aluminum, cast iron, brass or any abrasive material.

December 1999
Keep carbide taps separated when not in use. Putting together will cause taps to chip.

November 1999
Look after your tools. Store them in a cool dry environment.

October 1999
Carbide taps are excellent in soft abrasive materials. Tap life is much improved over conventional high speed steel.

September 1999
Excessively hard and abrasive parts require harder taps. Carbide taps are the answer! Stay tuned to Widell Industries.

August 1999
Nut taps generally have a longer chamfer than standard taps. This reduces the load per tooth and reduces the force needed to cut the thread.

July 1999
Tapping attachments must be maintained to ensure proper tapping.

June 1999
Use your ears to prolong tap life. Squealing indicates a dull tap. Resharpen and keep your ears open.

May 1999
LH Spiral Flute, RH Cut ACME Tandems require less torque than the conventional straight flute taps. Contact your nearest Industrial Distributor for details.

April 1999
Using a fastener (bolt) to check tapped holes is asking for trouble. Use a Go-No Go Plug Gage to confirm accurate tapping.

March 1999
Always check the first hole tapped using a Go-NoGo Plug Gage. Never assume any tool is correct. Cutting tool manufacturer's are not liable for scrapped parts.

February 1999
In the U.S.A. a 3-5 thread chamfer on a tap is called a "Plug Tap". In Europe it's called a "Second Tap".

January 1999
Spiral Point taps should never be used in blind holes requiring threads at the bottom of the hole.

December 1998
Interrupted taps are recommended for use in tough or stringy materials or where the threads tend to pick up or bind.

November 1998
Excessive wear on taps can be caused by Rpm's being too high during the tapping operation. Solution - Select the correct speed for the material and the tap type.

October 1998
Excessive wear on taps can be caused by work hardened holes.
Solution - Make sure your drills are sharpened frequently.

September 1998
Never use impact wrenches to tap - doing so will result in premature tap breakage.

August 1998
Do Not trust the marking on your tools. Check drill OD's with a caliper. Check tap TPI's with a pitch gage. A good machinist always checks the first off his machine with a gage.

July 1998
Deep hole and hard to reach areas can be acquired using long reach (extension) taps. Extension taps can be manufactured from 6" OAL to 24" OAL.

June 1998
Extra care of taps can extend their life. Don't bang or drop your taps on steel tables. The front cutting edges could chip.

May 1998
Taps frequently break due to deep hole tapping. Chips load up in the flutes, seizes up the tap = breakage. Solution = Use serial sets of taps or tap part way, remove the tap, evacuate the chips, then reintroduce.

April 1998
Galling or cold welding can be prevented. Heat is a taps worst enemy. Provide generous amounts of lubricant to keep the tap cool.

March 1998
Do not confuse ACME with Trapezoidal.
ACME has a profile = 29 degrees while
Trapezoidal profile = 30 degrees.
It is difficult to determine these threads by sight alone.
NOTE: lead screws manufactured in Europe are almost always Trapezoidal. A common mistake is ordering with metric size dimensions and specifying ACME thread form. DON'T MAKE THAT MISTAKE!

February 1998
Taps and dies lightly oiled will prevent them from rusting. Cutting tools will look after you if you look after them.

January 1998
When a tap is to be used on a machine without a lead screw feed, ensure that the tap will be able to advance into the hole freely. This ensures that it will cut its own correct pitch.