Drill Bit Vs. Tap

Drill Bit

• The drill bit is designed to put a straight, clean hole into a material. This is to get a hole started for a screw to be drilled into that material straighter and with less effort or it may be to create a hole for some other purpose or fastener. This also allows you to align your holes before actually screwing in any hardware.

Die

• Taps are used in the exact same manner as a drill bit, but these are designed not to make a clean, smooth hole, but one with female threads of a screw or bolt. This will allow for a more secure hold once the fastener is attached.

Applications

• Typically a regular drill bit is used for smaller home applications where a simple hole will do the trick. Taps are used more in the heavy machinery industry where several tons depend on these bolts.