General Overview
A tapped hole is a drilled hole that has internal threads cut into it so a screw or bolt can be directly threaded into the material without using a nut.
How It Works
- A hole is drilled to a specific size (called a tap drill size)
- A tool called a tap is used to cut threads inside the hole
- A screw or bolt can then be threaded directly into the material
Why FRC Teams Use Tapped Holes
Tapped holes are useful because they:
- Eliminate the need for a nut on the back side
- Save space in tight assemblies
- Reduce part count
- Allow clean, compact mounting points
Common Applications
- Mounting sensors
- Attaching small brackets
- Light structural connections
- Situations where access to the back side is impossible
Limitations
- Threads can strip if over-tightened
- Not as strong as bolt-and-nut connections in high-load areas
- Requires correct drill size and careful tapping
Best Practice
- Always use the correct tap drill size
- Start tapping slowly and keep it straight
- Use cutting fluid when possible
- Avoid over-tightening screws in aluminum
Key Idea
A tapped hole allows a screw to thread directly into a material, making it useful for compact and lightweight FRC designs, but it must be used carefully to avoid stripping threads.