Male Thread Cutting

Male threads can be cut in round stock by use of a die. They come in both round (top photo, left) or hex (top photo, right) shapes. They are held in a handle called a die stock (middle and bottom photo, left), and fed onto the round stock, cutting threads as the handle is turned. The hex versions of dies are best fitted to a stock with a hex shaped cavity. Female threads are cut with a tap usually held in a tap wrench.