Hand taps are tools used to create internal threads, usually in softer materials such as aluminum or brass. They typically consist of a tap body with a square drive at one end and flutes along the whole length. Hand tapping is a fairly slow process, but it allows for greater accuracy and control than machine tapping. Machine taps, on the other hand, are designed to cut internal threads quickly and accurately in hard materials such as steel or stainless steel. They feature multiple cutting edges and a drive square, which makes them ideal for high production runs.
