UNF thread gages and thread taps are subjected to constant wear and tear. As a result, they need to be replaced periodically. The replacement frequency will vary on a number of factors such as the extensiveness of use and the volume processed on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. We should also take note here that the thread gages and the thread taps require regular care and maintenance. If this care and maintenance are missing then would result in faster wear and tear and higher rate of damages.

Maintenance and care mean just the basics and you do not have to be overly worried or make it too complicated for yourself. Ensure that you engage only qualified professionals to operate your machinery for tapping threads. When a qualified and experienced person uses the UN thread tap the breakage rate will come down drastically as opposed to someone who has no training or experience in tapping threads. The same applies to the thread gages too. It is easy to overlook this factor thinking that these are simple tools and that anyone could easily use them. If that is what you are thinking then you should immediately change your views and get the qualified professionals to handle these tools.

Further to that your thread gages should be clearly labeled so that you are not using the wrong thread gages and causing damage to the tool as well as the component that you are processing. Both tool and its sheath should be labelled clearly. Every time the tool is removed out of the sheath, it should go back only to the respective sheath. This will avoid confusions and unnecessary mistakes when you are using the tool the next time.

Both thread taps and thread gages should be cleaned thoroughly before use and after use. The residual metal particles and bur in the grooves could damage the component and also the tool. While tapping thread, adequate and appropriate lubricants should be used. If you do not use the recommended lubricants and coolers when tapping threads, the frequency of breakage will increase. The broken thread tap could get stuck in the component resulting in undue downtime and also damage to the component while trying to remove the thread tap.

When storing the thread gages it should be cleaned thoroughly to ensure there are no oil residues. Storing the thread gages with oil residues could damage the tool as the surface of the thread gage could get corroded. All these basics could easily be followed and it does not require any special efforts. It would be imprudent not to pay attention to these basics, as it would lead to frequent damage of the thread taps and the thread gages that you use. You should therefore make it a point to keep to these basics by establishing strict protocols and by ensuring those protocols are followed without fail. Above all, make sure that you are sourcing only the finest quality thread gages and thread taps.