Tap and die sets are used to cut threads on blanks and in holes for screws and bolts. The set includes matching taps and dies in common screw sizes, along with wrenches. Taps form female threads by drilling into a pilot hole, while dies form male threads on a hollow rod or screw. They can […]
Pipe dies are rotary tools used to cut external threads on pipes or tubes. They are available as one-piece cassette tools or two-piece half-shell inserts. Pipe dies are used to join pipes or connect fittings, and are typically tubular in shape and designed to lock into a pipe threading machine or a specially designed handle. […]
Death has been banned in Longyearbyen, Norway since 1950 due to bodies not decomposing properly in the local cemetery. Residents close to death must leave the town. Other unusual customs include a ban on cats and a requirement to remove shoes in every building. You cannot meet your maker in the Norwegian city of Longyearbyen, […]
A die is a frame that helps keep cutting tools aligned to create uniform threads on screws, bolts, and pipes. It allows for even pressure and spacing, making mass production easier and more cost-effective. Advanced technology now allows for computer equipment to adjust the position of dies for ideal threads. Sometimes referred to as a […]
A split die is a device used on metal lathes and milling machines to drive the tool holder along the bed of the lathe. It consists of two halves of a threaded device that can be closed around a threaded shaft or opened to slide freely along the shaft. Split nuts are commonly made of […]
Castle nuts have slots on top to secure them in place with a wrench through a pre-drilled hole. They prevent nuts from backing off bolts and are used for locking down machinery settings. Quick release clips can be used instead of cotter pin keys. Castle nuts are a time-tested fastener found on ancient Roman chariots […]
Rotary die cutting is a fast and efficient manufacturing process used to cut flat materials into precise shapes. There are two types of rotary die cutting: metal-to-metal cutting and kiss cutting. The process involves a rolling cylinder die and a conveyor belt to feed the material. It is commonly used for mass production of cardboard […]
Die casting is a process where molten non-ferrous metals are injected into a mold under high pressure to create consistent and complete mold strikes. It can produce parts of any size and shape, with aluminum being the most popular material. Die casting is commonly used in industrial settings, especially in the automotive sector. Die casting […]
The square nut is a durable and easy-to-use steel fastener that can be used for various applications. Its square design allows for easy removal and installation, and it was originally made from wood before being adapted for use on steel bolts. Large flat steel washers are often used to protect components from damage caused by […]
The square nut is a four-sided steel fastener that uses a specially constructed wrench to tighten and loosen it from its bolt. It was originally made from wood and used on threaded wooden pegs. The square design made it easy to fashion a properly sized wrench or tool to tighten the nut in place. Modern […]
A steel die cutter is used to cut, punch, or emboss a variety of materials. The molds are made by cutting a thin slot in a flat, rigid base and a thin strip of steel is pushed into the slot. The completed die is then placed into a press that holds the cut out material […]
Forming dies are tools that press materials into specific shapes, used in manufacturing sheet metal, coins, and more. They come in various types, including bending, blanking, and broaching dies. The molds are created by hand or computer and used in countless industries. Examples include making side panels for cars and producing coins. Different types of […]
Checknuts, or locknuts, are used to prevent nuts from coming loose due to movement and vibration. They have a nylon insert that grips the threads when installed correctly. To install, slide the nut onto the bolt or stud shaft and rotate clockwise until resistance is felt, then use a wrench to tighten. A check nut […]
King Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered in 1922, revealing over 5,000 artifacts made of gold and other precious materials. The cause of his death remains unknown, but recent X-rays show a probable fracture of the femur that may have led to an infection or compromised immune system. An exact replica of his tomb was opened in […]
French pathologists confirmed that teeth and jaw fragments stored in Moscow for over 70 years belonged to Adolf Hitler, providing definitive proof of his death by suicide in April 1945. Soviet troops had recovered the remains from outside the Führerbunker. Hitler’s poor dental health helped with identification. Soviet propaganda fueled rumors of Hitler’s escape, but […]
Die Hard turned Bruce Willis into a movie star, but Frank Sinatra was originally offered the lead role due to contractual obligations. Willis was not the first choice, but ultimately landed the role. Willis lost two-thirds of his hearing in his left ear due to the loud guns used in the film. The 1988 Hollywood […]
Talk and die syndrome is a rare condition that occurs after a head injury. A person may appear fine immediately after the injury, but suddenly get worse, leading to coma or unconsciousness. A CT scan can identify potential fatal complications, but it’s not always clear when one should be performed. People taking blood thinners are […]
iPTF14hls, nicknamed a “zombie star,” has survived five separate supernova events, shining brightly for 600 days. Its brightness varied erratically, breaking what we thought we knew about supernovas. It may have also survived a previous explosion in 1954. The final stage of a giant star’s life is a blaze of glory called a “supernova.” Typically, […]
A button die is used in a hole puncher to create a button-shaped material after punching. Proper sizing of the two dies is important to prevent damage and injury. Inspection and cleaning are necessary for safety and accuracy. A button die is a part of a die set that installs into a hole puncher. It […]
A die maker builds and repairs metallic shapes used to create molds for composite materials and metal parts. They require exemplary math skills and the ability to read blueprints. They can find work in various industries and require four to five years of education and training. As technology advances, their job becomes more complicated, and […]
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