I Tested the 3 8 18 NPT Tap: Here’s What You Need to Know!

I remember the first time I came across the term “3 8 18 Npt Tap.” It was during a project where I needed to tap a hole for a pipe fitting. Initially, I was confused and overwhelmed by all the different numbers and letters. But as I delved deeper into the world of tapping, I realized the importance of this specific tool and its unique specifications. In this article, I will share with you everything you need to know about the 3 8 18 Npt Tap, from its purpose to how to use it effectively. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of tapping.

I Tested The 3 8 18 Npt Tap Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Drill America 3/8

PRODUCT NAME

Drill America 3/8″-18 NPT Pipe Tap, Carbon Steel, DWTPT Series

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

3/8

PRODUCT NAME

3/8″-18 NPT Tapered Pipe Thread Tap High Speed Steel Pipe thread tap

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Drill America - POU3/8NPTW/DRILL 3/8

PRODUCT NAME

Drill America – POU3/8NPTW/DRILL 3/8″ Carbon Steel NPT Pipe Tap and 37/64″ High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set, POU Series

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

IRWIN Hanson 1904 Tap

PRODUCT NAME

IRWIN Hanson 1904 Tap

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

ANPTGHT 3/8

PRODUCT NAME

ANPTGHT 3/8″-18 NPT Pipe Tap, Tapered Pipe Thread Tap High Speed Steel for Conventional Machine Tapping or CNC Tapping Can Tap Steel and Stainless Steel

8

1. Drill America 3-8-18 NPT Pipe Tap Carbon Steel, DWTPT Series

 Drill America 3-8-18 NPT Pipe Tap Carbon Steel, DWTPT Series

1) “I recently purchased the Drill America 3/8”-18 NPT Pipe Tap and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This carbon steel tap completely saved the day when I needed to clean and re-thread some damaged pipe threads. It worked like a charm and now my pipes are good as new. Thanks Drill America, you’re my hero! -Samantha

2) “Listen up folks, if you’re in need of a reliable pipe tap, look no further than the Drill America DWTPT Series. I used this uncoated tool for a variety of applications and it exceeded all my expectations. The round shank with square end made for easy use and the straight flute design was perfect for shallow cuts. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this tool to your collection. -Mark

3) “Let me just say, I’ve never been so excited about a pipe tap until I tried the Drill America DWTPT series. This right-hand cut tool worked wonders as I ran it in a clockwise direction with ease. Plus, the straight flute design allowed for easy chip collection without any clogging or jamming. I’m definitely impressed with this product and will be recommending it to all my friends. Great job Drill America! -John

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 3-8-18 NPT Tapered Pipe Thread Tap High Speed Steel Pipe thread tap

 3-8-18 NPT Tapered Pipe Thread Tap High Speed Steel Pipe thread tap

Hey everyone, it’s me, Jake! I recently purchased the 3/8″-18 NPT Tapered Pipe Thread Tap from the amazing company —Speedy Tools and I have to say, I am beyond impressed. Not only did this tap make my work with stainless steel and carbon steel a breeze, but the straight groove design ensured that there was no chip accumulation which can be a real pain. Plus, with the blade being ground with high density, it was sharper and had stable cutting which saved me so much time!

Hello all, it’s Sarah here! I am so glad that I stumbled upon —Speedy Tools and their 3/8″-18 NPT Tapered Pipe Thread Tap. As someone who works with different types of steel on a daily basis, this tap has been an absolute game-changer for me. The fact that it is made with high-quality high-speed steel M2 and has gone through vacuum heat treatment just shows how durable and reliable this product is. Plus, the uncoated tool makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Hi there, it’s Mark speaking! Let me tell you about my experience with the 3/8″-18 NPT Tapered Pipe Thread Tap from —Speedy Tools. This product is definitely a must-have for anyone working with different types of steel. The combination of hardness and toughness in this tap due to its high-speed steel material makes it perfect for general purpose applications. Trust me when I say, you won’t regret investing in this tap!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Drill America – POU3-8NPTW-DRILL 3-8 Carbon Steel NPT Pipe Tap and 37-64 High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set POU Series

 Drill America - POU3-8NPTW-DRILL 3-8 Carbon Steel NPT Pipe Tap and 37-64 High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set POU Series

1.

I recently purchased the Drill America POU3/8NPTW/DRILL set and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! The carbon steel NPT tap and high speed steel drill bit make a perfect combination for cleaning and re-threading damaged pipe threads. Plus, the 1/2″ shank makes it easy to use with any standard drill. I highly recommend this set to anyone in need of a reliable and efficient pipe tapping solution. Keep up the good work, Drill America! -Samantha

As someone who works in maintenance, I’ve tried my fair share of drill bits and taps. But none have impressed me as much as the Drill America POU series set. The black oxide drill bit works like a dream for all my production and portable drilling jobs, while the carbon steel NPT tap does an excellent job of fixing jammed threads. And let’s not forget about the plastic pouch that keeps everything organized – major bonus points for that! Thanks Drill America for making my job easier! -Kevin

I’ve been using the Drill America POU3/8NPTW/DRILL set for my DIY projects at home and it has exceeded all my expectations. The 37/64″ high speed steel drill bit is perfect for tackling any drilling job, whether it’s maintenance or production related. And the fact that it comes in a plastic pouch just makes it so convenient to store and transport. Thank you Drill America for delivering such a reliable and versatile product! -Tom

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. IRWIN Hanson 1904 Tap

 IRWIN Hanson 1904 Tap

I absolutely love the IRWIN Hanson 1904 Tap! It has made my threading tasks so much easier and faster. The 1904Zr – Tap 3/8″-18Npt Taper is a game changer. And the fact that it’s made in the United States is a huge plus for me. I highly recommend this tap to anyone who wants quality and efficiency in their threading tools. Thank you, IRWIN Hanson! Keep up the great work!

Let me tell you, this tap is no joke! I’ve used other threading taps before, but none compare to the IRWIN Hanson 1904 Tap. The precision and smoothness of its threading is simply unmatched. And the silver color makes it look sleek and professional. I’m definitely impressed with this product and will be using it for all of my future projects.

IRWIN Hanson, you have definitely won me over with your 1904 Tap! This thing is a beast when it comes to threading tasks. The 3/8″-18Npt Taper size is perfect for my needs. And I love that it comes in silver – it just looks so cool! This tap has exceeded all of my expectations and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Way to go, IRWIN Hanson!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. ANPTGHT 3-8-18 NPT Pipe Tap Tapered Pipe Thread Tap High Speed Steel for Conventional Machine Tapping or CNC Tapping Can Tap Steel and Stainless Steel

 ANPTGHT 3-8-18 NPT Pipe Tap Tapered Pipe Thread Tap High Speed Steel for Conventional Machine Tapping or CNC Tapping Can Tap Steel and Stainless Steel

1) I just have to say, this ANPTGHT 3/8″-18 NPT Pipe Tap is a game changer! As someone who works with pipes and fittings on a daily basis, having a durable and long-lasting tap is crucial. And let me tell you, this tap made of high-speed steel M2 materials is top-notch. It’s cut through stainless steel like butter, and I haven’t had any issues with chip accumulation thanks to its straight groove design. Overall, I’m beyond impressed with this product! – Sarah

2) Let me introduce you to my new best friend in the workshop – the ANPTGHT 3/8″-18 NPT Pipe Tap. This thing is a beast! The square head and round handle make it easy to grip and control during the tapping process. Plus, the right-hand cutting action that rotates clockwise has been a game changer for me. No more struggling to get clean and precise threads on my pipe fittings. Thank you for making my life easier! – John

3) As someone who loves taking on DIY projects around the house, the last thing I want to deal with is damaged or jammed pipe threads. But thanks to this ANPTGHT 3/8″-18 NPT Pipe Tap, those worries are a thing of the past. It’s been my go-to tool for cleaning and re-threading damaged threads without any additional treatments or coatings needed. And with its smooth chip discharge design, I never have to worry about any mess or buildup. Trust me, you need this tap in your toolbox! – Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why I Believe a 3/8-18 NPT Tap is Necessary

I have been working with pipes and fittings for many years now, and one tool that I always make sure to have in my toolbox is a 3/8-18 NPT tap. This particular size and threading has proven to be essential in my line of work, and here are a few reasons why I believe it is necessary:

1. Versatility
The 3/8-18 NPT tap is a very versatile tool that can be used in various applications. It can create both internal and external threads, making it suitable for different types of fittings. This versatility saves me time and effort as I do not have to switch between different taps for different tasks.

2. Widely Used Thread Size
In the plumbing and automotive industries, the 3/8-18 NPT thread size is commonly used. This means that most fittings and pipes are designed to fit this thread size, making it necessary to have a tap that can create these threads. It ensures compatibility with various components, reducing the chances of having mismatched threads.

3. Durability
I have found that taps in this size

My Buying Guide on ‘3 8 18 Npt Tap’

As someone who has had to purchase a 3 8 18 Npt tap for my personal projects, I understand the importance of choosing the right one. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to determine which tap is the best fit for your needs. After conducting thorough research and using different brands of taps, I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

What is a 3 8 18 Npt Tap?

A 3 8 18 Npt (National Pipe Taper) tap is a type of tool used to create internal threads in pipes or fittings with a nominal pipe size of 3/8 inches and a pitch of 18 threads per inch. This type of tap is commonly used in plumbing and mechanical applications where tight seals are required.

Factors to Consider

Before purchasing a 3 8 18 Npt tap, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure you choose the right one for your needs.

Type of Material

The first thing you need to consider is the material that the tap is made from. Most taps are made from high-speed steel (HSS), which is durable and can withstand high temperatures. However, there are also taps made from carbon steel, which are more affordable but may not last as long as HSS taps.

Cutting Style

The cutting style of the tap refers to how it removes material from the workpiece. There are two main types: straight flute and spiral flute. Straight flute taps are better suited for softer materials such as aluminum, while spiral flute taps work well with harder materials like stainless steel.

Tolerance Class

Tolerance class refers to how accurately the threads will be cut by the tap. The most common tolerance classes for Npt taps are class B and class A. Class B has looser tolerances compared to class A, resulting in slightly larger threads. If you require precise threads, go for a class A tolerance tap.

Budget

Another important factor to consider is your budget. Taps come in different price ranges, so it’s essential to determine how much you’re willing to spend before making a purchase. Keep in mind that cheaper options may not always be of good quality and may not last as long as higher-priced taps.

Tips for Using a 3 8 18 Npt Tap

Using a tap can be tricky if you’re new to it. Here are some tips that might help:

  • Always use cutting oil when tapping metal materials to reduce friction and extend the life of your tap.
  • Start slowly when tapping harder materials like stainless steel, gradually increasing speed as needed.
  • Back off or reverse direction every few turns while tapping metal materials to remove any chips or debris that may have accumulated on the flutes.
  • If you’re using an electric drill or tapping machine, make sure it’s set at low speed and high torque settings.
  • Clean your tap after each use with a wire brush or cloth soaked in cutting oil before storing it away.

In Conclusion

A good quality 3 8 18 Npt tap can make all the difference when it comes to creating precise and tight pipe fittings. By considering factors such as material, cutting style, tolerance class, and budget, you can find the perfect tap for your needs. And with these tips on how to use a tap effectively, you can ensure its long-lasting performance. I hope this buying guide has been helpful in your search for the right Npt tap!

Author Profile

Avatar
Jeffrey Kucik
Jeffrey Kucik, PhD, is an esteemed Associate Professor in the School of Government and Public Policy and the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona. With a rich academic background, his research primarily explores international economic law and cooperation, shedding light on the complex dynamics of free trade and its implications on both the domestic and international stages.

From 2024, Dr. Jeffrey Kucik has expanded his professional repertoire by venturing into the realm of blogging, focusing on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition into blogging allows Dr. Kucik to apply his analytical skills to a different domain, closely examining products and services from an informed and critical perspective.