D/F has a complete line of nozzle thread chaser taps available for MIG (GMAW) & TIG (GTAW) torches for robotic and welding automation equipment. These nozzle thread chaser taps will clean threads and re-tap and repair any damaged threads for all of its different water-cooled & air-cooled torches, semi-automatic, handheld, automatic & robotic torches, tandem, open-arc, gasless & submerged arc (sub arc) nozzles and nozzle bodies.

In general it is important to keep the weldment and welding equipment clean to produce consistent quality welds. Chasing and re-tapping the nozzle threads is an excellent way to help keep the torch clean in particular. Chasing the threads will clean out things like dirt, metal shavings, or spatter built up in and around the threads of the nozzle. In turn, there will be less chance of contaminants entering the weld pool, as well as a cleaner contact between the gas cup and the nozzle. A quick re-tapping will also straighten damaged threads.

CAUTION: Incorrect use of a Nozzle Thread Chaser Tap can cause severe damage to a Nozzle. Do not cross-thread the Nozzle. Also, do not tap past the last threads in the Nozzle. Always make sure the threads are clean.

All D/F Nozzles are hand checked for fit before & after plating, and checked again before shipping. If a nozzle has been installed on a new complete torch, they have also been hand checked while being assembled.

The only reason to ever take a gas cup out a nozzle is to clean it. The nozzle and the gas cup must be blown out, and all of the threads have to be wire brushed and blown out again before hand-tightening the gas cup back into the nozzle. If you can’t thread it in by hand then something is wrong. Never force a gas cup into a nozzle.

When using the D/F Machine Specialties nozzle thread chaser taps, be sure to always follow the steps below:

1. Make sure that the nozzle is properly supported when tapping so that it does not twist in the front of the torch body and cause damage.
   • Improper support can cause the spigots to twist off the top of the rear nozzle collar, or damage the torch internal body parts.
   • Note where the water ports go down the sides of the water-cooled nozzle (following down in line with the spigots). Too much direct pressure on these water ports could cause them to cave in and block of the flow of water.
   • Best practice is to hold the water-cooled nozzle in a vice with soft jaws, perpendicular to the spigots.
   • Over-tightening of the vice can cause damage in general.
2. Remove the tip from the front of the torch before tapping.
3. Lightly lubricate the nozzle and nozzle thread chaser tap before tapping.
4. Be sure to start the tap very carefully. Do not cross thread the nozzle.
5. Be very careful to start threads correctly. Only tap 1/2 turn at a time, always backing up and removing chips 1/2 cycle at a time before moving forward. Do not try to tap further into the water-cooled nozzle than needed or past the factory thread depth.
6. Blow out the nozzle after tapping.
7. Wire brush and blow off the gas cup before threading it back into the nozzle.
8. If nozzle is badly deformed or damaged please return to the factory for a repair estimate before disposing of product (damaged parts can often be repaired).