Cutting & Tapping Lubricants

Cutting & Tapping Lubricants Explored

If you have ever tried drilling or tapping into metal and found it tough going, you really are not alone.

That is where cutting & tapping lubricants come in. For instance, the way to look at these lubricants is they will make metal cutting processes so much smoother and easier overall.

Whether you are using a simple hand tool or a power tool, or an industrial level milling machine, good cutting fluid can really make a big difference here.

These lubricants, for instance, will help to stop your tools from getting too hot, wearing out too fast, or making the right mess of your workpiece.

They also help prevent metal chips – also known as swarf – from clogging up the cutting tool flutes during the machining process as well.

Furthermore, you will find that these are also ideal for working in materials such as steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminium, and lots of other metals.

Plus, they help give a neat, clean finish that you will really be proud of.

So if you are working in a busy machine shop, especially, using a dedicated cutting tool & tapping lubricant is a smart move every time.

But how do you choose the right one for your needs?
Well, we have put together this handy guide to help you work out which ones are right for you, and if you are still not sure, our friendly customer service team is then on hand to help you as well.

What are Coolant Delivery Systems?

Definition: Cutting & Tapping Lubricants are special oils and pastes that are used to make metal cutting, drilling, and tapping easier and smoother.

They do so to help reduce heat which prevents cutting tools from wearing out as quickly and to prevent metal chips (swarf) from sticking.

As a result, they are ideal for jobs on stainless steel and other tough metals, while they also help to give you a cleaner, better-quality finish as well.

So, whether you are using hand tools or machine tools, a good lubricant really makes a big difference in the life of the tool and the quality of your work.

Importance of Lubrication in Metalworking

In the world of metal cutting, precision really is everything.

For instance, without good lubrication, your drill bit can blunt quickly, and you will end up with poor finishes as a direct result.

Consequently, cutting & tapping lubricants really does help here, as above.

Key Features of Cutting & Tapping Lubricants

Top-quality lubricants, such as Rocol's, can often contain excellent extreme-pressure additives.

These ingredients then help you fight metal seizure, reduce friction caused during the process, and improve work quality.

You can also often find a combination of oils, anti-wear agents, and corrosion inhibitors packed into some cutting lubricants as well.

This clever mix can then help your cutting tools last longer, cut down on rust, and keep everything running smoothly all at once – which means less hassle and better results for you each and every time you need to cut metal, for example.

How Do Cutting & Tapping Lubricants Work?

When you apply cutting oil or tapping fluid aerosol, it forms a lubricating layer of oil between the cutting tool and the metal workpiece.

This lubrication layer then helps reduce the heat generated by friction that builds up and prevents damage to both the tool and the workpiece as a direct response.

For instance, here, it is all about making the cutting process smoother and faster while extending the tool's life dramatically.

Types of Cutting & Tapping Lubricants

When it comes to the types of cutting and tapping lubricants, here you have a large selection to choose from, many with next-day delivery as well.

For example, these can consist of:

Oils

Traditional Cutting Oils are fantastic for not only heavy-duty metal-cutting projects but also for light general-purpose work, too, as they are, thick, and loaded with extreme-pressure additives.

Cutting and Tapping Compound

These are then great for those tough stainless steel and hard material jobs, as these compounds offer you more control and a longer tool life.

This is because the compounds are usually a thicker consistency like paste they adhere to the cutting tools better - which means they do not run off as easily.

Which, in turn, helps them stay right where they are needed, giving you better lubrication, and less heat.

Cutting and Tapping Fluid

However the cutting fluid will flow easily into small gaps and contact surfaces between the cutting tool and the metal. This, in turn, then helps to cool things down by carrying away heat, while it also adds a slippery layer that reduces friction at the same time.

That means that you then get smoother cuts, less tool wear, and better results all round – especially when switching between different types of metals in busy machine shops.

All in all, this is then perfect for multi-metal cutting in machine shops.

Cutting and Tapping TwinSpray

These then give you a clever spray system that delivers Cutting Fluid with less mess and maximum coverage - which is easy to use, even on tricky jobs.

Metal Cutting Fluid

Specially designed for machine tools and gives you excellent cooling while minimising swarf build-up during big cutting operations as well.

Metal Cutting Lubricant

With Metal Cutting Lubricant, you will find that it is reliable and easy to apply, as it gives you superb protection against metal seizure, as these can often contain extreme pressure additives. These additives then create a strong protective layer between the tool and the metal.

This fluid then helps to stop the surfaces from sticking - or seizing up - under high pressure and keeps things running smoothly as a result.

Metal Cutting Lubricant Compound

These compounds are then extra thick and cling to the drill bit or cutting edge - making them ideal for more vertical and overhead drilling applications.

Metal Cutting Lubricant Foam

Foamy options like these adhere better to surfaces and are great for hard-to-reach areas without dripping everywhere.

Metal Cutting Lubricant Liquid

A straight liquid version – brilliant for dripping or pouring onto large workpieces needing constant lubrication.

Metal Cutting Lubricant Sprays

These sprays are then handy and portable, which are great for quick applications and tight spaces as a result.

Tapping Fluid

Then, finally, we have tapping fluid. Tapping fluid is more of a highly specialised liquid that is designed for tapping threads into metal.

This is because tapping fluid helps you create perfect threads with less effort and reduced tool wear as it does so.

How to Choose the Right Lubricant for Your Application?

Choosing the right Cutting & Tapping Lubricant doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does help if you get the right one for your exact application.

What Metal Will It Be Applied to?

For example, the main thing to look out for here is the type of metal you are working with.

Some lubricants are better suited for softer metals like aluminium, while others are specially designed for tougher ones like stainless steel, so if you then use the wrong one, this can lead to poor results or wear out your tools prematurely.

What Cutting Tool Will You Be Using?

Next, you want to think about the type of cutting tool you are using – whether it’s a power tool, a handheld drill bit, or part of a bigger machine setup.

This is important, as different tools create different pressures and speeds, and you will want a lubricant that can keep up without breaking down or drying out too quickly here.

Fluid Type

Then there is the choice between a water mix and an oil-based product.

Water Mix lubricants, for example, are brilliant for cooling and are often used in machine shops for multi-metal cutting.

They’re easier to clean up and tend to be less messy as well.

Oil-based lubricants, on the other hand, are thicker and better for heavy-duty work or tricky materials, giving you tool protection and lubrication under pressure.

Technical Information

As a result, it is always a good idea to check the Safety Data Sheet and Technical Specification before you get started.

These will then give you important details about safe handling, proper application, and what to do if there is a spill or splash.

You should also not skip over any additional information, and product descriptions supplied in the guides as well section – as these often include handy tips and guidance that make using the product even easier to use.

Applications of Cutting & Tapping Lubricants

Cutting & Tapping Lubricants are used in drilling, tapping, milling, reaming, and just about every type of metal cutting.

From simple jobs on hand tools to heavy-duty machine tools in busy machine shops, they really help keep things moving nicely.

Are Cutting & Tapping Lubricants Right For You?

As you can see, choosing the right Cutting & Tapping Lubricants can make your metal cutting jobs faster, easier, and much more professional.

With better tool life, higher work quality, and a more consistent high-quality surface finish, there really is every reason to pick a high-performance metal lubricant today.

Contact Customer Support

If you are still not sure about which is the correct Cutting & Tapping Lubricants for you, or you need help, then for further information please contact our team, and we will be happy to help you understand which ones are perfect for you and your team. We can also help you with a number of other cutting tools from Jobber Length Drills, Taper Shank Drills to the right Twist drill set as well, or even cutter with a varying number of flutes and lots more - our team is here to help you.

Standard Delivery Options

We have also extended our delivery service and ordering hours to offer you free next-working-day delivery with immediate despatch, making your shipping experience even easier.

Place your order online by 7 p.m. and choose the delivery charge that suits you - including next-day dispatch - to ensure you get a timely, UK mainland hassle-free delivery of your products.

Standard free UK delivery is also available for all products ordered within the specified time, with free shipping and a good returns policy for certain items as well.

Who Is MSC Industrial Supply Co.?

Here at MSC Industrial Supply Co., we are a leading supplier of industrial machine tools, equipment, and maintenance supplies across the United Kingdom. As a result, we can offer trade accounts, a vast selection of new and great-value products from tool sets to metalworking cutting tools and lots more, with free next-day delivery on eligible orders as well.

Our extensive range includes everything from hand tools and power tools to specialised hole-making equipment like blacksmith drill bits, core drills, and machine reamers, to name just a few.

As a result, we can provide you with a comprehensive selection of products, including:

• Blacksmith Drill Bits
• Countersink Drill Bits
• Step Drill Bits
• Masonry Drill Bits
• Hand Tools
• Indexable Insert Drills
• Cutting Tools
• Abrasives
• Power Tools
• Reamer Tools
• Safety Equipment
• Centre Drill Bits

As a result, we serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and engineering to maintenance and beyond. Consequently, our commitment to providing quality products and exceptional customer service makes us a trusted partner for all your industrial needs.

With our knowledgeable customer support team and technical assistance available Mon-Fri, we ensure you have the support you need to succeed.