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Velvet Digest

What is a tapered pipe thread?

Author

Eleanor Gray

Updated on April 05, 2026

Tapered threads are the most common type of thread available. As the name implies, they have a slight taper. Usually a thread sealant is required. The mating threads both hold the fitting in place and seal the connection. The most widely used pipe threads in North America are NPT (National Pipe Taper).

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In this way, are all pipe threads tapered?

NPT pipe thread is the most common tapered pipe thread used in the United States and Canada and is incompatible with BSPT pipe threads. *This is not NPTF. There are parallel and tapered pipe threads for all pipe standards. NPS, National Pipe Straight, is the American standard for parallel or straight pipe threads.

Also, how do you cut tapered pipe threads? If you have a tap with 8 tpi, you can rig it up on a taper to cut the exact same way using one cutting edge. I'd cut the taper close to size, then single point the thread until you are near depth on the big end. Then use the tap to final chase the threads on an angle.

Also to know is, is pipe thread straight or tapered?

However, NPT threads are tapered and NPS threads are straight (parallel). Both threads have a 60° included angle and have flat peaks and valleys. Tapered Pipe Thread is commonly found on ends of pipe, nipples and fittings (i.e. couplings, elbows, tees, etc.).

Why are NPT threads tapered?

The taper on NPT threads allows them to form a seal when torqued as the flanks of the threads compress against each other, as opposed to parallel/straight thread fittings or compression fittings in which the threads merely hold the pieces together and do not provide the seal.

Related Question Answers

What is the difference between BSP and NPT threads?

Both NPT and BSP are pipe thread standards for screw threads used on pipes and pipe fittings to seal pipes. With NPT, the peaks and valleys of the threads are flat. In BSP, they are rounded. Secondly, the NPT angle of the thread is 60 degrees and the BSP angle is 55 degrees.

How do I check my NPT threads?

To gage Internal N.P.T. taper pipe threads, screw the N.P.T. thread plug firmly into the product – do not force. The thread is within the permissible tolerance when the gaging notch of the plug is not more than one turn plus or minus from being flush with the end of the product.

Are NPT threads self sealing?

NPT connection 20.1´. This taper thread is a United States thread for self-sealing standard pipe connections. NPT (National Pipe Thread) connections are the most frequently used types of connection in the USA and Canada. NPT connections have a taper thread, which keys into the female NPT adapter.

How do you seal NPT threads?

NPT threads
  1. Always use some type of sealant (tape or paste) and apply sealant to male thread only.
  2. When using tape sealant, wrap the threads in a clockwise motion starting at the first thread and, as layers are applied, work towards the imperfect (vanishing) thread.

What thread pitch is 3/8 NPT?

NATIONAL PIPE TAPERED THREAD (NPT)
Nominal Pipe Size (inch) Number of threads per inch Outside Diameter (inch)
1/4" 18 0.540
3/8" 18 0.675
1/2" 14 0.840
3/4" 14 1.050

What are the different types of pipe threads?

There are six types of threads commonly used on hydraulic tube fittings:
  • UN/UNF.
  • NPT/NPTF.
  • BSPP (BSP, Parallel)
  • BSPT (BSP, Tapered)
  • Metric Parallel.
  • Metric Tapered.

Are BSP threads tapered?

Jointing threads. These are pipe threads where pressure-tightness is made through the mating of two threads together. They always use a taper male thread, but can have either parallel or taper female threads. (In Europe, taper female pipe threads are not commonly used.)

What size hole do I drill for a 1/4 NPT tap?

Tap size Threads per inch Drill size w/ taper pipe reamer
1/16 27 15/64
1/8 27 21/64
1/4 18 27/64
3/8 18 9/16

Is BSP and NPT interchangeable?

BSPT equivalent is NPT and BSPP's equivalent is NPS. Never swap threads if it is a high pressure application. NPT/NPS and BSP threads are not compatible due to the differences in their thread forms, and not just the fact that most sizes have a different pitch.

What is the best water pipe thread sealant?

Advantages of Teflon tape: There are a number of reasons that Teflon tape is a popular choice of pipe sealant. It can be used quickly and easily and without making a mess. It provides adequate lubrication to allow pipe fittings to be easily assembled without damaging threads.

What does NPT stand for in pipe fittings?

National Pipe Tapered thread

How do you tighten NPT fittings?

NPT fittings taper for a tighter fit.
  1. Insert the male thread into the female fitting.
  2. Turn the male pipe thread in a clockwise direction.
  3. Continue to turn the male pipe fitting in a clockwise direction until you can no longer do so, approximately two to four full revolutions depending on the size and type of fitting.

How do I seal BSPP threads?

BSPT male threads seal against threads of fixed BSPT female. Contact is made on the flanks of the threads. Use of a thread sealant is recommended for BSPT male to BSPT female connections. Measure the BSPT male thread OD and female thread ID at the first full thread near the end of the fitting.

Is there metric pipe threads?

There are metric pipe threads.

What is the difference between NPT and SAE?

O-Ring Boss: The threads of the SAE straight thread O-Ring Boss (ORB) and the straight thread 37° JIC Flare are the same threads. The difference is the way each thread seals. NPT Pipe Threads: NPT pipe threads are your traditional tapered thread fittings and have been used for 100 years.

How do you seal hydraulic pipe threads?

Loctite 5452 thread sealant is for use on high-pressure hydraulic and pneumatic metal fittings. It cures four times faster than anaerobic sealants on stainless steel or inert metals. It works on any size NPT, O-ring boss, or JIC fitting, and prevents rotation and leakage.

How is thread taper calculation?

Subtract small diameter from large, divided by length of taper, and multiply quotient by 12. Diameter at small end in inches. Divide taper per foot by 12, multiply by length of taper, and subtract from large diameter. Divide taper per foot by 12, multiply by length of taper, and add results to small diameter.

Is NPT a tapered thread?

NPT stands for National Pipe Tapered threads, also known as ANSI/ASME B1. 20.1 pipe threads. It is a U.S. standard for measuring tapered threads on threaded pipes and fittings. Threaded pipes can give an effective seal for pipes using hydraulic fluids.

What is ISO tapered thread?

ISO taper pipe threads are similar to the American NPT thread, having the same nominal sizes based on the pipe O.D. in inches, but with a slightly different thread pitch so the two systems are not interchangeable. Pitch (the distance between threads) is expressed as the number of threads per 25.4 mm (1 inch).