A special PG die is a custom-made die that cuts or rethreads PG (Panzergewinde) conduit threads to a size, pitch, or tolerance that catalogue dies don’t cover. PG is a German conduit and cable gland thread standard, historically used on electrical fittings, and it turns up on imported equipment that North American shops still need to build, repair, or replace. Taylor Tool, a Canadian manufacturer since 1918, builds custom thread cutting dies made to your drawing or sample.

What Are Special PG Dies?

A special PG die is a die built to your specification rather than pulled from a catalogue. It cuts external PG threads on conduit, cable gland bodies, and related electrical fittings, or rethreads existing ones.

Catalogue dies cover common sizes and forms in volume. A special die exists because the part in front of you doesn’t fit that mould: a non-stock size, an unusual pitch, a tighter tolerance, or a thread that has to mate with an existing component. Instead of adapting your part to the tool, the tool is made to the part. Taylor Tool designs and manufactures these as part of its range of taps, reamers, dies, and specialty products, and you can see the broader line on the dies page.

When Standard Dies Aren’t Enough

Standard dies fall short when the thread form, size, or tolerance isn’t stocked, or when the new thread must match a legacy part exactly. In those cases, a purpose-built die is usually faster and more reliable than improvising.

Typical triggers include:

• Legacy equipment: older machines and panels with PG threads that must be maintained or extended.
• Replacing imported fittings: matching a European-sourced gland or conduit fitting without waiting on overseas supply.
• Unusual tolerance requirements: where a general-purpose die can’t hold the fit you need.
• Repeat production runs: where a dedicated tool pays for itself in consistency.

Taylor Tool builds specialty tools for thread forms that general suppliers don’t stock, and PG is among the forms listed on its taps page. For the internal-thread side of the job, see our special thread taps.

PG Thread vs Other Special Pipe and Conduit Threads

PG is a straight (non-tapered) conduit thread with a distinct form, whereas BSPT is a tapered pipe thread that seals on the thread itself. The table below compares the forms you are most likely to confuse when specifying special dies.

If your job involves related forms, the site also covers special BSPT and Whitworth dies in its blog, and specialty tooling for BSPP and Acme threads is part of what Taylor Tool builds.

What to Specify When Ordering Special PG Dies

Supply a drawing or a sample, plus the thread size, pitch, and tolerance class. Taylor Tool’s engineering team works from your drawing or sample, so a clear starting point is the single most useful thing you can send.

Use this checklist:

• Thread size and pitch: the nominal size and the pitch you need to cut.
• Tolerance class: the fit the mating part requires.
• Material being cut: brass, steel, aluminum, or plastic-adjacent stock all affect die choice.
• Fixed vs adjustable: whether you need a solid die or one you can adjust for fit.
• One-piece vs two-piece: depending on how you plan to hold and use the die.
• Quantity: a one-off repair or a repeat production run.
• Left-hand or multi-lead requirements: state these up front if they apply.

Not sure about an option? Ask the team about what’s available for your application rather than assuming a specific configuration.

Choosing the Die Style and Material

Match the die style to the job: production threading favours a rigid, repeatable die, while rethreading and repair work benefits from one you can adjust. Choosing correctly cuts scrap and tool changes.

In generic terms:

• Solid dies: a single fixed size, suited to repeatable production where the setup doesn’t change.
• Adjustable dies: let you fine-tune thread size, useful when fit matters or when cleaning up damaged threads.
• Split dies: slotted for adjustment and often chosen when you need to open or close the cut slightly.

Die material depends heavily on the workpiece you’re threading, so describe your material and volume and let the engineering team recommend a suitable approach for your specification. For companion tooling, explore our special purpose taps.

Dies and Taps Together: Cutting Internal and External PG Threads

Dies cut external threads and taps cut internal ones, so mating PG parts generally need both. If you are producing a gland body and the part it screws into, you are working with a die for one and a tap for the other.

Ordering them together keeps the two halves consistent, with the same thread form and pitch reference behind each tool. Taylor Tool offers custom sets for matched tooling, and its taps range includes specialty taps for thread forms general suppliers don’t stock, PG among them. Specifying a matched tap and die set from one manufacturer reduces the guesswork when the parts have to assemble.

Why Order Special Dies from a Canadian Manufacturer

Taylor Tool is a manufacturer, not a reseller, established in 1918 and based in Cambridge, Ontario. That means the people who make your tool control its quality from start to finish.

Taylor Tool serves automotive, aerospace, power generation, and general manufacturing customers, from the smallest job shops to the largest industrial manufacturers, and focuses on fast, on-time shipments. In Canada, products are sold through a network of distributors, and a USA contact line is available for American customers. Learn more about the company’s history on the 100 Year Lifeline page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PG thread?

PG, short for Panzergewinde, is a German conduit and cable gland thread standard historically used on electrical fittings. You’ll meet it on imported equipment, enclosures, and cable entry hardware.

What are special PG dies used for?

They cut or rethread external PG threads to non-stock sizes, pitches, or tolerances, typically for legacy parts, replacement fittings, or custom production runs.

Can Taylor Tool make custom PG dies?

Yes. Taylor Tool specializes in custom cutting tools made to your requirements, working from your drawing or sample. Contact the sales team to discuss your specific PG requirement.

What information do I need to order a special die?

Send a drawing or sample, plus thread size, pitch, tolerance class, material being cut, and quantity. Mention left-hand or multi-lead needs if they apply.

What is the difference between a PG die and a PG tap?

A die cuts the external thread; a tap cuts the internal thread. Mating PG parts usually need both.

Can a die be used to rethread damaged PG threads?

Dies are commonly used to clean up or restore damaged external threads. Ask the team which die style suits your repair.

How does PG differ from metric or NPT threads?

PG is a straight conduit thread with its own form, unlike tapered NPT or standard metric profiles. Don’t substitute one for another; specify the exact thread.

Are adjustable or solid dies better for custom threads?

Adjustable dies suit fit tuning and repair; solid dies suit repeatable production. Your volume and tolerance needs decide.

Does Taylor Tool ship dies to the United States?

Yes. Taylor Tool is expanding its U.S. network; call 1-855-221-8277 for ordering information.

How do I get a quote for special dies?

Send your drawing or sample to the sales team using the details below.

Request a Quote for Special PG Dies

Send a drawing or sample to Taylor Tool’s sales team and we’ll help you specify the right die. In Canada, we can also connect you with your nearest distributor.

• Email: sales@taylortool.com
• Phone (Canada): 1-800-265-2145
• Phone (USA): 1-855-221-8277
• Address: 4 Goebel Avenue, Cambridge, ON N3C 1Z1

Visit our contact page to send your request.