A thread protector is used to protect the threads of a

pipe Pipe(s), PIPE(S) or piping may refer to: Objects * Pipe (fluid conveyance), a hollow cylinder following certain dimension rules ** Piping, the use of pipes in industry * Smoking pipe ** Tobacco pipe * Half-pipe and quarter pipe, semi-circular ...

during

transportation Transport (in British English), or transportation (in American English), is the intentional movement of humans, animals, and goods from one location to another. Modes of transport include air, land (rail and road), water, cable, pipeline, ...

and storage. Thread protectors are generally manufactured from

plastic Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers as a main ingredient. Their plasticity makes it possible for plastics to be moulded, extruded or pressed into solid objects of various shapes. This adaptab ...

or steel and can be applied to the pipe manually or automatically (by machine). Thread protectors are used frequently in the oil and gas industry to protect pipes during transportation to the oil and gas fields.

Metal A metal (from Greek μέταλλον ''métallon'', "mine, quarry, metal") is a material that, when freshly prepared, polished, or fractured, shows a lustrous appearance, and conducts electricity and heat relatively well. Metals are typicall ...

thread protectors can be cleaned and re-used, while plastic thread protectors are often collected and either re-used or recycled. Thread protectors are widely used on firearms to protect threaded barrels. Some firearms are manufactured with thread and protectors in the factory, but most thread protectors are part of the aftermarket process of fitting a sound moderator (silencer),

muzzle brake A muzzle brake or recoil compensator is a device connected to, or a feature integral to the construction of, the muzzle or barrel of a firearm or cannon that is intended to redirect a portion of propellant gases to counter recoil and unwanted ...

flash hider A flash suppressor, also known as a flash guard, flash eliminator, flash hider, or flash cone, is a muzzle device attached to the muzzle of a rifle that reduces its visible signature while firing by cooling or dispersing the burning gases that ...

. They protect the threads from mechanical damage and ensure the center lines line up when the muzzle device is replaced.

References

*William C. Lyons, Ph.D., P.E., Gary J Plisga, BS. ''Standard Handbook of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering'' Gulf Professional Publishing, Mar 15, 2011 pg. 4-435 Piping {{Engineering-stub