What is the difference between a tap and a screw?

A thread cutter and a screw are both essential components in the world of DIY supplies, but they serve very different functions.

A thread cutter is a special tool used to cut or form threads in a material. It is typically used to tap or re-thread a pre-drilled hole so that screws or other threaded fasteners can be inserted more easily. Thread cutters are very commonly used in mechanical engineering and DIY applications.

• External thread cutters are used to provide individual parts with an external thread.
• Internal thread cutters cut an internal thread into a bore.
• Round thread cutters are used to create cylindrical threads.

A screw, on the other hand, is a cylindrical or conical rod with an external thread that can be turned into a matching internal thread. It is used, among other things, to connect, adjust, or fasten parts together.

In summary, the thread cutter is used to prepare a threaded hole, while the screw is used to join components.