Threading advice.

[Arcygenical]

So, I'm going to be making some custom waterblocks and watercooling pieces soon, and I'm investing in a G 1/4 tap.

However, I'm just wondering if anyone's really tapped anything with these before. I'll be picking up an NPTF tap, which is of course, a tapered thread tap.

Can I use a straight fitting in a piece drilled with this tap? Could I just tap deeper into it, so a regular straight fitting will fit into it with ease?

 

[Stevennoland]

I have a BSPP G 1/4 tap. You should get one of these if you can. I'm not saying the tapered version wont work, but I haven't run into a lot of fittings with the tapered version of the G 1/4.

 

[JeremyCT]

Tapered tap needs tapered fittings to seal. The taper is actually what makes it seal, the threads squeeze as you thread the fitting. If you want to get the fitting to seal properly, you need to get the tap that matches the thread of the fittings.

Oh, and save yourself some hassle and get some kind of cutting oil, too. The bit will thank you and so will your threads.

Jeremy