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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

  1. A hole is drilled to a specific size (called a tap drill size)
  2. A tool called a tap is used to cut threads inside the hole
  3. 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.

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