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The Basics of Hardness Testing and Special Taps

What is a Portable Hardness Tester?

A portable hardness tester allows you to test the hardness of a metal without having to transport the metal to a large stationary machine.  A portable hardness tester makes testing metals for your customers’ orders much easier or for testing metal before using it to create your parts.  A portable  hardness tester for Rockwell testing is a small hand-held tester with an “impact device” attached that sends the information back to the computer where a mathematical formula determines the hardness of your metal.  This is vital because your metals must have a specific hardness value in order to be used for a particular application. Popular portable hardness testers are manufactured by Phase II and Mitutoyo. The most popular and versatile portable hardness tester for Brinell testing is the King portable hardness tester.

What are Hardness Test Blocks?

Hardness test blocks, traceable to the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST), are manufactured by a number of American hardness test block manufacturers such as WESTport Corporation. The different hardness test block types are Rockwell, Brinell and Microhardness test blocks (also referred to as to as Knoop and Vickers test blocks).  These hardness test blocks help you to measure your metals against a standard. Hardness test blocks are calibrated to a particular hardness value and verify the accuracy of your portable hardness tester or bench model hardness tester. This verifies that your measurements are in compliance with industry standards.

What are Special Taps?

Special taps come in a variety of types such as high speed steel, carbide, cobalt, taper, plug, bottom, fluteless, or spiral flute taps.  Special taps are a cutting tool that cuts internal threads and are manufactured in compliance with specifications from ANSI standards (American National Standards Institute). Blank dimensions refer to the steel cylindrical blank from which special taps are manufactured. Special taps may be different from standard tap design criteria as it relates to thread type, size, shape, number of threads per inch and so on.

What is a Durometer?

A Durometer is used to measure the hardness of non-metallic materials, such as rubber, plastic, foam, wood, etc. A durometer works by measuring the depth of an indentation in the material created by a standardized given force. The basic durometer test requires applying the force in a consistent manner, without shock measuring the hardness (depth of the indentation).  If a timed hardness is desired, force is applied for the specified time and then calculated. There are several scales of durometer, used for materials with different properties. The two most common durometer scales are the ASTM D2240 type A and type D scales. The A durometer scale is for softer plastics, while the D durometer scale is for harder ones. However, there are a total of 12 durometer scales; types A, B, C, D, DO, E, M, O, OO, OOO, OOO-S, and R. Each scale results in a value between 0 and 100, with higher values indicating a harder material.

About the Author

WESTport is a manufacturer of Plain and Threaded Plug and Ring Gages, Rockwell, Brinell Hardness Testing Products, Special Taps and Dies and Metrology Gage Calibration Services.

Gardsert self tapping thread repair

Xactform TME1/2X.470 1.5ISOSP External Thread Tap $139.78

Xactform TMN1/4X.240 1.5 ISO Thread Tap $72.75

Spiral Point taps , Thread sz 3-48, (Set of 4) $40.00

HSS Taper Pipe Tap Ground Thread Interrupted 1-1/2 –11-1/2 NPT 7FL $169.99

39 HANSON-WHITNEY PLUG & BOTTOMING THREAD TAPS,5/8″,1″,3/8″1/2″,9/16″,3/4 $120.09

M15 X 1.5 6H THREAD PLUG GAGES GO NO GO GAUGES TAP GAGE $39.99

2 HANSON-WHITNEY M35X1.5 THREAD PLUG TAPS,6-FLUTE,METRIC,35MM,NEW $17.19

4/5″ Thread Dia Quarter Turn Plastic Water Faucet Tap Gray $4.70

Xactform TMN 3/8X.370 1.5 ISO Thread Tap $120.50

Last 5 NEW BESLY THREAD FORMING HAND TAPS M8 X 1.25 USA $35.45

Tap Faucet PTFE 1.7mm Width Sealing Thread Seal Tape $3.25

Three (3) HANSON 9/16-18 NF Thread Taps * MADE IN USA * BRAND NEW * SHIPS FREE * $19.96

Balax Inc. 6-32 Ph 7 HSS Thread Forming Taps Box of 12 $124.99

Mixed Lot of Industrial Thread Dies Tap Handles and Thread Tap Cutting Tools $199.95

Three (3) HANSON 7/14-18 NC Thread Taps * MADE IN USA * BRAND NEW * SHIPS FREE * $15.96

Pair Metal 12mm Screw Thread Metric Plugs Taps Tool $8.76

BALAX Thread Forming Tap 1/2-13 H5 Plug HSS UNC 3-3/8″ [482] $18.00

36 HANSON-WHITNEY M12 X 1.25 PLUG THREAD TAPS,12MM METRIC $13.00

HSS Spiral Pointed Tap Ground Thread 1-8 NC Plug 3FL GH4 $48.99

HOZELOCK HOZ2041 2041 Pro Metal Threaded Tap Connector $12.11

2 Pcs Hand Threading M16 Screw Thread Metric Plugs Taps $10.36

RARE 1908 HART SHARP DUPLEX DIE SET AD TAP TOOL THREAD $6.99

S.W. Card Mfg. Co. 7/8-16 UNF Thread Plug Tap $35.95

North American 1-20 NEF Thread Plug Tap $69.95

INTERSTATE M22x1.50 Hand Tap Thread Type HSS 4 FL H25 $39.95

Regal-Beloit 1.240″-40 NS Thread Bottoming Tap $79.95

BALAX Thread Forming Taps 9/16-18 HSS NF Qty: 6 [YB105] $75.00

4PC CHEBOYGAN THREAD MILL ? TAP ? M11 0250 MACHINE SHOP $129.99

J.M. Carpenter 16-18 ASME Thread Tap Set of Taper, Plug and Bottoming $34.95

2 1/2-14 CONDUIT TAPER THREAD TAP HSS G N-10 4FL $29.99

doors latches dash lights engine dash suspention chase threads tap die $32.99

Burdick 11/16-48 DL Thread Plug Tap $26.95

North American 12-24 NC Thread Bottoming Tap Brass $4.25

Butterfield 5-44 NF Thread Spiral Point Tap $3.95

2-29/32-16 Thread Plug Tap $79.95

Champion 308 1-1/2-12 Hand Tap High Speed Ground Thread $65.00

OSG Sossner 7/16-14 High Perf. Thread Forming Taps $6.95

MACHINIST TOOLS LATHE MILL Lot of 5 POUNDS of Die Tap Threading Chasers ? $9.99

Winter Bros. 2-15/16-18 NS Thread Plug Tap $279.95

3/8-16 4 FL GH5 Hand BR High Speed Steel 2.5 Thread Lead Tap Rieff & Nestor $0.99

5/16-18 0 FL GH10 Thread Former BO High Speed Steel Plug Tap Rieff & Nestor $0.99

1/2″-13 NC HS Titan Thread-Rite Taps ALTIN Coated (Lot of 10) (#397) $39.99

Detroit 2-18 NEF Thread Plug Tap $169.95

Hanson High Carbon Steel Machine Screw Thread Metric Plug Tap 16mm to 2.00 $14.06

COORS Tap Handle – BRAND NEW! Has never been threaded and in original box! $14.99

1/2″-13 NC HS Titan Thread-Rite TiN Coated Taps(Lot of 10) (#398) $44.99

Dura Thread M47X1.5 Thread Plug Tap $139.95

S.T. Co. 1-3/4-14 NS Thread Plug Tap $139.95

Thread Forms 1-7/8-12 NS Thread Plug Tap $143.95

Kitchen Gray Plastic 20mm Male Thread 1/4 Turn Water Tap Facuet $4.72

Kitchen Chrome Finish Brass 4/5″ Male Thread Water Tap Faucet $9.60

2 EYE NUT 7/8″ Bail 1″ Tap Thread Drop Forged Carbon Steel 9,000-lbs $23.99

Metal M4 4mm 3 Flutes Hand Screw Thread Metric Taps Plugs 2 Pcs $2.82

1 EYE NUT 1-1/4″ Bail 1-3/8″ Tap Thread Drop Forged Carbon Steel 17,500-lbs $39.99

5 EYE NUT 5/8″ Bail 3/4″ Tap Thread Drop Forged Carbon Steel 5,200-lbs $31.99

10 EYE NUT 1/4″ Bail 5/16″ Tap Thread Drop Forged Carbon Steel 850-lbs $19.99

10 EYE NUT 3/8″ Bail 1/2″ Tap Thread Drop Forged Carbon Steel 2,250-lbs $31.99

Kitchen Chrome Finish Brass 4/5″ Male Thread Water Tap Faucet $9.64

1 EYE NUT 1-1/2″ Bail 2″ Tap Thread Drop Forged Carbon Steel 22,800-lbs $99.99

1 EYE NUT 1″ Bail 1-1/4″ Tap Thread Drop Forged Carbon Steel 15,500-lbs $32.99

1 EYE NUT 1-1/4 Bail 1-1/2″ Tap Thread Drop Forged Carbon Steel 17,800-lbs $49.99

10 EYE NUT 5/16″ Bail 3/8″ Tap Thread Drop Forged Carbon Steel 1,250-lbs $25.99

20 EYE NUT 1/4″ Bail 1/4″ Tap Thread Drop Forged Carbon Steel 520-lbs $31.99

TAPS AND THREADING DIES Machinery Data Sheets on CD $7.95

1 HANSON 12 MM THREAD CUTTING TAP NEW $14.00

1 HANSON 5/16-18 THREAD CUTTING TAP NEW $14.00

R&N Blue Diamond #4-36 NS 2-Flute Taper Threading Tap $4.00

1 3/8 32 hand tap used thread clean up machine shop bridgeport machinist $32.00

Unior Pedal Tap and Thread Insert Set Brass/Slvr 9/16″ $154.91

S.W. Card 1-9/32-7 Thread Taper Extension Tap 12″ Long $119.95

R&N #6-32 NC 2 Flute Taper Threading Tap Many More Taps $3.50

15pcs Rethreader Thread Chaser Tool Tap And Die Set $29.99

S.W. Card 29/32-9 Thread Taper Extension Tap 10″ Long $19.95

Chrome Finish Brass Single Lever Hole Tap 3/4″ Thread Connector Sink Faucet $33.89

Chrome Finish Brass Single Lever Hole Tap 3/4″ Thread Connector Sink Faucet $33.87

S.W. Card 1-1/32-8 Thread Taper Nut Tap 11.5″ Long $79.95

Bay State 29/32-9 Thread Taper Extension Tap 10″ Long $19.95

Willey&Russell 11/16-11 Thread Taper Extension Tap 9″ L $17.95

5 EYE NUT 1/2″ Bail 5/8″ Tap Thread Drop Forged Carbon Steel 3,600-lbs $25.99

Fractional Taps die tap thread 5pcs 3/4-10 thru 1″-14 (LFT2) $15.00

2 EYE NUT 7/8″ Bail 1-1/8″ Tap Thread Drop Forged Carbon Steel 12,300-lbs $38.99

Metric Die tap thread 38pcs 19 sizes 3x.5 to 12×1.75 (A) $26.00

Fractional Taps die tap thread 34pcs 17 sizes 3/16 to 3/4 (MD1) $20.00

Fractional Taps die tap thread 32pcs 16 sizes 3/16-24 to 5/8-18 (FRT1) $18.00

doors latches dash lights engine dash suspention chase threads tap die $25.99

Machine screw Number Taps and Dies tap die thread 14pcs sizes 4-40 to 14-20 (m1) $16.00

Metric Taps die tap thread 46pcs 22 sizes 3x.5 to 18×1.5 (mt3) $30.00

Machine screw Number Dies tap die thread 14pcs sizes 4-40 to 14-20 (m2) $17.00

Metal M4 4mm 3 Flutes Hand Screw Thread Metric Taps Plugs 2 Pcs $3.83

Bathroom 4/5″ Male Thread Chrome Finish Faucet Plumbing Water Tap $8.12

Bathroom Single Lever 20mm Thread Dia Plastic Water Tap White $4.76

0.79″ Threaded Head Plastic Tap Water Faucet for Kitchen Bathroom $7.52

Beta Tools 433 12mm x 1.25mm Hand Tap Fine Pitch Metric Thread $25.03

Beta Tools 430 Asw1/4-Hand Taps Whitworth Thread $15.23

Beta Tools 433 8mm x 1mm Hand Tap Fine Pitch Metric Thread $14.81

Beta Tools 433ASF 3/8″ Hand Tap Fine Pitch UNF Thread $18.93

Beta Tools 430Asc 7/16″ Hand Tap UNC Thread $35.92

Beta Tools 433 12mm x 1mm Hand Tap Fine Pitch Metric Thread $25.03

Threaded Flute Spring Steel 8mm Hand Plug Tap Bits $3.93

Beta Tools 433 8mm x 0.75mm Hand Tap Fine Pitch Metric Thread $14.81

HSS Cut Thread Taper Pipe Tap Sets $246.68 HSS Cut Thread Taper Pipe Tap Sets

HSS 41-Piece Cut Thread Tap & Adjustable Die Super Sets $1146.39 HSS 41-Piece Cut Thread Tap & Adjustable Die Super Sets

HSS 39-Piece Cut Thread Tap & Adjustable Round Die Super Sets $621.19 HSS 39-Piece Cut Thread Tap & Adjustable Round Die Super Sets

Sierra Drain Tap $39.99 Sierra Drain Tap . 1/8″ pipe thread for Volvo. Replaces Volvo P/N 829592-5.

Reed DT100 Drill Tap for CC/AWWA Thread 1 (4391) $198.39 Reed DT100 Drill Tap for CC/AWWA Thread 1″ (4391) DT75 and DT100 perform fast with six cutting edges for clean threads and less leaks. They have a sharp point for easy starting. On the PVC drill taps, the unique three flute design bores into the pipe with less effort than other drill tap designs and insures that the coupon and cuttings are retained. Reed DT100 Drill Tap for CC/AWWA Thread 1″ (4391) Features: Drill Size Inches:1 Thread:CC Pipe Material:Cast/Ductile Weight lbs:1.3 Weight kg:0.6

Reed DT75 Drill Tap for CC/AWWA Thread 3/4 (4390) $149.41 Reed DT75 Drill Tap for CC/AWWA Thread 3/4″ (4390) DT75 and DT100 perform fast with six cutting edges for clean threads and less leaks. They have a sharp point for easy starting. On the PVC drill taps, the unique three flute design bores into the pipe with less effort than other drill tap designs and insures that the coupon and cuttings are retained. Reed DT75 Drill Tap for CC/AWWA Thread 3/4″ (4390) Features: Drill Size Inches:3/4 Thread:CC Pipe Material:Cast/Ductile Weight lbs:1.1 Weight kg:0.5

HSS 12-Piece Cut Thread Tap & High Carbon Steel Re-Threading Pipe Die Sets $381.42 HSS 12-Piece Cut Thread Tap & High Carbon Steel Re-Threading Pipe Die Sets

Piloted Tap/Mandrel Standard Remington Receiver Tap $295.95 Recuts and squares receiver threads concentric with centerline of boltway. Pilot with bushings centers tap. Available Standard or .010" Oversize. Mfg: Manson Precision SPECS: High speed steel. Tap – TiN coated 10½" (26.6cm) long. Includes (2) bushings .701"-.705" diameter. .010" Over – 1-1⁄16" + .010"-16 thread pitch. Standard – 1-1⁄16"-16 thread pitch.

Piloted Tap/Mandrel Remington Receiver/Tap Arbor $295.95 Recuts and squares receiver threads concentric with centerline of boltway. Pilot with bushings centers tap. Available Standard or .010" Oversize. Mfg: Manson Precision SPECS: High speed steel. Tap – TiN coated 10½" (26.6cm) long. Includes (2) bushings .701"-.705" diameter. .010" Over – 1-1⁄16" + .010"-16 thread pitch. Standard – 1-1⁄16"-16 thread pitch.

Irwin Hanson 58526317 Set Tapamp;Die 41Pc Metrichanson Thread Tap $175.94 Die Type: Hexagon. Tap Type: Plug. (16) Metric 3 mm 0.50 thru 12 mm 1.75 Pipe 1/8 28 BSP Taps Dies Tap Wrenches THandle Wrench Pitch Gauge/s Plastic Case. Type: Tap Die. Quantity: 41 per case.

Pasco 4812 1/8 Pipe Tap $5.35 Pasco 4812 1/8″ Pipe Tap Pasco 4812 1/8″ Pipe Tap Features: High carbon steel Tapered thread taps No. of NPT: 27 Tap Drill Size: 1/8″ * Image shown may vary by color, finish, material, or style

Pasco 4813 1/4 Pipe Tap $6.66 Pasco 4813 1/4″ Pipe Tap Pasco 4813 1/4″ Pipe Tap Features: High carbon steel Tapered thread taps No. of NPT: 18 Tap Drill Size: 7/16″ * Image shown may vary by color, finish, material, or style

Pasco 4814 3/8 Pipe Tap $7.88 Pasco 4814 3/8″ Pipe Tap Pasco 4814 3/8″ Pipe Tap Features: High carbon steel Tapered thread taps No. of NPT: 18 Tap Drill Size: 37/64″ * Image shown may vary by color, finish, material, or style

Pasco 4815 1/2 Pipe Tap $15.71 Pasco 4815 1/2″ Pipe Tap Pasco 4815 1/2″ Pipe Tap Features: High carbon steel Tapered thread taps No. of NPT: 14 Tap Drill Size: 45/64 * Image shown may vary by color, finish, material, or style

Pasco 4816 3/4 Pipe Tap $21.58 Pasco 4816 3/4″ Pipe Tap Pasco 4816 3/4″ Pipe Tap Features: High carbon steel Tapered thread taps No. of NPT: 14 Tap Drill Size: 59/64 * Image shown may vary by color, finish, material, or style

Pasco 4817 1 Pipe Tap $40.19 Pasco 4817 1″ Pipe Tap Pasco 4817 1″ Pipe Tap Features: High carbon steel Tapered thread taps No. of NPT: 11 1/2 Tap Drill Size: 1 5/32″ * Image shown may vary by color, finish, material, or style

Pasco 4820 2 Pipe Tap $97.78 Pasco 4820 2″ Pipe Tap Pasco 4820 2″ Pipe Tap Features: High carbon steel Tapered thread taps No. of NPT: 11 1/2 Tap Drill Size: 2 7/32″ * Image shown may vary by color, finish, material, or style

Irwin Industrial Tool Co. HA1731 7MM1.0 High Carbon Steel Machine Screw Thread Metric Plug Tap $18.51 Ideal for auto repair and machinery where metric threads are specified. The first number represents the diameter of the tap in millimeters the second number is the distance between the threads in millimeters. Tap size and recommended drill bit size are etched on each tool for easy identification. Thread Size: 7 mm. Thread Pitch: 1 mm. Thread Standard: Metric. No.of Flutes: 4. End Shape: Chamfer 3 to 5 Threads. Style: Plug. Material: High Carbon Steel.

Irwin Industrial Tool Co. HA1734 8MM1.25MM High Carbon Steel Machine Screw Thread Metric Plug Tap $18.51 Etched: Tap size and recommended drill bit size are etched on each tool for easy identification. All Hanson taps and dies are made in USA. Ideal for auto repair and machinery where metric threads are specified. The first number represents the diameter of the tap in millimeters the second number is the distance between the threads in millimeters. Thread Size: 8 mm. Thread Pitch: 1.25 mm. Thread Standard: Metric. Style: Plug. Material: High Carbon Steel. No.of Flutes: 4.

Irwin Industrial Tool Co. HA1733 8MM1.0MM High Carbon Steel Machine Screw Thread Metric Plug Tap $18.28 Etched: Tap size and recommended drill bit size are etched on each tool for easy identification. All Hanson taps and dies are made in USA. Ideal for auto repair and machinery where metric threads are specified. The first number represents the diameter of the tap in millimeters the second number is the distance between the threads in millimeters. Thread Size: 8 mm. Thread Pitch: 1 mm. Thread Standard: Metric. Style: Plug. Material: High Carbon Steel. No.of Flutes: 4.

Irwin Industrial Tool Co. HA1735 9.0MM.75MM High Carbon Steel Machine Screw Thread Metric Plug Tap $19.15 Etched: Tap size and recommended drill bit size are etched on each tool for easy identification. All Hanson taps and dies are made in USA. Ideal for auto repair and machinery where metric threads are specified. The first number represents the diameter of the tap in millimeters the second number is the distance between the threads in millimeters. Thread Size: 9 mm. Thread Pitch: 0.75 mm. Thread Standard: Metric. Style: Plug. Material: High Carbon Steel.

TAP $2.16 Pricing subject to change. TAP

Tap $79.49 Pricing subject to change. Tap

Semi-Auto Pistol Compensator Tap .575"-40 Tap $44.99 Use die to thread custom and standard barrels to accept recoil compensators. Use plug tap to chase threads or tap your own custom compensators. Unthreaded comps should be drilled with 3-5/64" HSS drill then reamed to .551" before threading with either tap. Turn barrels to approximately .002" smaller than thread diameter. .575"-40 thread matches most commercial tapered-sleeve or integral cone-style comps. .581"-40 thread is same as used on Wilson Brown and Storm Lake Machine barrels and bushing style comps. .685"-40 thread is used to fit compensators to threaded Bull and Hybrid barrels. Mfg: Brownells SPECS: High speed steel.

Semi-Auto Pistol Compensator Tap .581"-40 Tap $49.97 Use die to thread custom and standard barrels to accept recoil compensators. Use plug tap to chase threads or tap your own custom compensators. Unthreaded comps should be drilled with 3-5/64" HSS drill then reamed to .551" before threading with either tap. Turn barrels to approximately .002" smaller than thread diameter. .575"-40 thread matches most commercial tapered-sleeve or integral cone-style comps. .581"-40 thread is same as used on Wilson Brown and Storm Lake Machine barrels and bushing style comps. .685"-40 thread is used to fit compensators to threaded Bull and Hybrid barrels. Mfg: Brownells SPECS: High speed steel.

Semi-Auto Pistol Compensator Tap .685"-40 Tap $43.99 Use die to thread custom and standard barrels to accept recoil compensators. Use plug tap to chase threads or tap your own custom compensators. Unthreaded comps should be drilled with 3-5/64" HSS drill then reamed to .551" before threading with either tap. Turn barrels to approximately .002" smaller than thread diameter. .575"-40 thread matches most commercial tapered-sleeve or integral cone-style comps. .581"-40 thread is same as used on Wilson Brown and Storm Lake Machine barrels and bushing style comps. .685"-40 thread is used to fit compensators to threaded Bull and Hybrid barrels. Mfg: Brownells SPECS: High speed steel.

Pasco 4818 1 1/4 Pipe Tap $50.71 Pasco 4818 1 1/4″ Pipe Tap Pasco 4818 1 1/4″ Pipe Tap Features: High carbon steel Tapered thread taps No. of NPT: 11 1/2 Tap Drill Size: 1 1/2″ * Image shown may vary by color, finish, material, or style

Pasco 4819 1 1/2 Pipe Tap $67.63 Pasco 4819 1 1/2″ Pipe Tap Pasco 4819 1 1/2″ Pipe Tap Features: High carbon steel Tapered thread taps No. of NPT: 11 1/2 Tap Drill Size: 1 47/64″ * Image shown may vary by color, finish, material, or style

Irwin Industrial Tool Co. HA1749 14MM1.25MM High Carbon Steel Machine Screw Thread Metric Plug Tap $21.84 Etched: Tap size and recommended drill bit size are etched on each tool for easy identification. Point Styles: Taper plug and bottoming styles are available. All Hanson taps and dies are made in USA. Ideal for auto repair and machinery where metric threads are specified. The first number represents the diameter of the tap in millimeters the second number is the distance between the threads in millimeters. Thread Size: 14 mm. Thread Pitch: 1.25 mm. Thread Standard: Metric. No.of Flutes: 4. Cutting Direction: Right. End Shape: Chamfer 3 to 5 Threads. Style: Plug. Applicable Materials: Most Metals. Material: High Carbon Steel.