Threading and Tapping Job Cost Estimate Worksheet
Threading looks cheap until a broken tap or a long thread mill cycle shows up in the actuals. This worksheet separates machine time cost from tooling cost per part so estimates stand up against reality.
| Thread | Method | Threads per part | Seconds per thread (sec) | Machine rate ($/hr) | Tool cost | Threads per tool | Lot size | Machine cost per part | Tool cost per part | Total per part | Cost per lot | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$0 | $0 | $0 | $240 | |||||||||
$1 | $0 | $1 | $305 | |||||||||
$1 | $0 | $1 | $389 | |||||||||
$1 | $0 | $1 | $685 |
Tool life values are placeholders and depend heavily on material and lubrication. Replace with your own tool log data. Setup time, inspection and broken tap recovery are not included; add rows or markup for them.
Compare estimates to actual costs
Optional: ask how actual run times and tool costs could feed back into your ERP estimates.
Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.
How to use the estimate
Add one row per thread feature. Pick the method, enter how many threads the part has, the seconds per thread, machine rate per hour, tool price and expected threads per tool. The sheet gives machine cost, tool cost and total per part, then multiplies by lot size. Export the result to Excel and add setup, inspection and handling elsewhere in your quote.
Method trade-offs
Cut taps are common and inexpensive but can break in blind holes. Form taps produce stronger threads with no chips in suitable ductile materials but need correct hole size and lubrication. Thread milling costs more per tool and runs longer per hole, but the cutter does not seize, can run different diameters, and a break is usually recoverable. Single point threading on a lathe suits external threads and larger diameters.
Reading the output
Machine cost usually dominates for slow operations, such as thread milling, and tool cost dominates for expensive taps in tough alloys with short life. If tool cost per part rises sharply, check the tool life input first; a small change in assumed life swings the result. Compare methods on the same part by duplicating a row with a different method and judging total per part, not just cycle time.
Common mistakes
Do not assume catalog tool life applies to your material and coolant. Do not omit chip clearing on deep blind holes, which adds time. Avoid forgetting the cost of a broken tap, which can scrap a finished part; include a risk allowance when quoting hard materials. Also keep machine rate consistent with your burdened hourly rate, not just the labor rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to tap a hole?
It depends on size, depth, material and whether the machine uses rigid tapping. Small holes can take a few seconds including approach and retract; large or deep holes take longer. Use your machine's actual cycle time from a test run for quotes.
Is thread milling more expensive than tapping?
Per tool, yes, and the cycle is usually longer. However, a thread mill can last for thousands of holes, cuts different diameters with one tool and avoids tap breakage in costly parts. Compare total cost per part using your own numbers.
What machine rate should I use?
Use a burdened rate that includes depreciation, power, maintenance, floor space and operator cost where applicable. Rates vary widely by machine type and region, so take it from your own cost accounting.
Does the sheet include setup time?
No. Setup is a per-lot cost, not per part. Add a separate row for setup with count 1 and the setup time converted to seconds, or handle setup in your overall quote template.
If your costing and routings live in an ERP, Netray can help bring actual tool and machine data back into estimates.
Related Tools
Drilling Feeds and Speeds Planning Worksheet
List each hole with surface speed, feed per revolution and depth, and get RPM, feed rate and drilling time per hole automatically.
Costing & FinanceTurning Cost Per Part Calculator
Add machine time, tool change time, insert cost and setup per part to see what turning actually costs, and how tool life moves it.
Quality & InspectionThread Go/No-Go Gauge Inspection Record Template
A fill-in inspection record for internal and external thread checks with gauge IDs, class, sample results and disposition.
Supply Chain & InventoryCarbide Insert Inventory and Reorder Worksheet
A tool crib worksheet that computes days of stock, reorder point and suggested order quantity for turning and threading inserts.
More Costing & Finance tools
See all- CNC Job Quote Estimate Worksheet
- SAP QM Inspection Effort and Cost Calculator
- SAP Standard Cost Estimate BOM Rollup Calculator
- Legacy ERP Retirement Cost and Payback Calculator
- JD Edwards World Month-End Close Procedure Template
- Distributor Customer Credit Application Template
- Distributor Customer Profitability Worksheet
- Distributor GMROI and Inventory Turns Calculator
- Vendor Early Pay Discount Worksheet