Top 10 Best Bernardo Threading and Tapping Machines 2026

The best Bernardo arm tapping machines start at €768.60 for the pneumatic TM 12 P (M3–M12, 20 kg) and go up to €2,049.60 for the electric TM 36 BLO with touchscreen (M5–M36, 1200 W). At Krollit, official Bernardo distributors since 2007, we have installed and serviced hundreds of them in mechanical workshops, carpentry shops, and production departments across Italy.

Our catalog includes 17 configurations, both electric and pneumatic. In this ranking, we have selected 10: one for each capacity and type, from entry-level to industrial models.

An articulated arm tapping machine is a machine that creates internal threads (tapping) on metal workpieces using an articulated arm that can be oriented from 0° to 90°. Bernardo produces two series: the P series (air-powered) and the BLO series (electric with digital control). The choice depends on the workshop's infrastructure and the type of production.

Feature P Series (Pneumatic) BLO Series (Electric)

All Bernardo tapping machines share the quick-change chuck with integrated safety clutch, which protects taps from breakage on blind holes or harder-than-expected materials. The articulated arm can be oriented from 0° to 90° on all models.

The rule of thumb: if the workshop already has a compressor of at least 6 bar and the tapping head needs to be moved frequently between different workstations, the P series cuts acquisition costs. If repetitive batches with constant depth and automatic lubrication are required, the BLO series repays the price difference in thread quality and tap life.

The most affordable in the catalog. Taps from M3 to M12 at 400 rpm with 6–8 bar compressed air. Weighs 20 kg: easy to assemble, disassemble, and move. 1000 mm arm, sufficient for small and medium-sized workpieces. For light carpentry and workshops that tap occasionally, it covers 80% of common needs under one thousand euros.

The entry-level model of the electric series. M3–M10 capacity with variable speed 200–1000 rpm controlled by touchscreen. The integrated micro-spray extends tap life on steel and stainless steel without manual intervention. 600 W motor on 230V single-phase, 21 kg. For those who want digital control and spend less than €1,400.

Same platform as the TM 10 BLO with extended M12 capacity: covers the most requested threads in the workshop (M6, M8, M10, M12). With €86 more than the TM 10 BLO, you get M12 flexibility, which in the P series requires upgrading to GT 24. 600 W motor, 22 kg.

The mid-range pneumatic model. Taps from M3 to M16 at 400 rpm, with the same GT 12 chuck as the TM 12 but additional DIN 376 mandrels for M14 and M16. Weighs 22 kg. For workshops with a compressor that work on structural carpentry where M14 and M16 are frequent.

Electric with M3–M16 capacity and the longest arm in the 600 W range: 1500 mm operating radius. The long arm reaches work points on frames and welded structures without moving the base. 600 W, 22 kg, speed 200–1000 rpm. The best compromise between reach and cost in the BLO electric series.

Here we move up a category: GT 24 attachment, 1100 W motor, speed 65–450 rpm. Taps from M5 to M24, the range that covers most operations in boiler making and mechanical construction. The lowest speed (65 rpm) is for large threads where torque matters more than speed. 35 kg with 1200 mm arm.

Same 1100 W platform as the TM 24 BLO with extended capacity to M30. The speed drops to 50–300 rpm to manage torque on larger diameters. For those who regularly work with M27 and M30 threads on large flanges and fittings. 35 kg, 1200 mm arm.

The compact version of the top of the range. Taps from M5 to M36, 1200 W motor, speed 30–150 rpm. Includes 13 quick-change DIN 376 mandrels from M5-6 to M36: the complete set in the box. For only €49 more than the TM 30, you gain M33 and M36 capacity. 1200 mm arm, 35 kg. For departments covering the entire range of metric threads.

The most capable pneumatic in the ranking: M5–M24 with GT 24 attachment and 220 rpm speed. It weighs 30 kg — more than the TM 12 and 16 P, but it can still be moved on a trolley. For mechanical workshops with compressed air systems that work with heavy structures and do not want to depend on an electrical outlet.

The absolute top of the range. Same specifications as the TM 36 BLO R 1200 (M5–M36, 1200 W, 30–150 rpm, 13 DIN 376 mandrels) but with a 1700 mm arm and weighing 51 kg. The 1.7 meter operating radius covers large pieces without moving the base. Material resistance certified up to 400 N/mm². For industrial production departments with fixed workstations.

# Model Price Type Capacity Speed Power Weight Arm

All prices include VAT, updated April 2026. Each BLO series model includes in the package: touchscreen, micro-spray system, chip blowing device, quick-change tool holder, set of quick-change DIN mandrels, motor, mounting flange, and 90° angular adjustment. Pneumatic models include pressure reducing valve and condensate separator.

The right model depends on the maximum diameter regularly tapped and the volume of parts per shift. Four typical cases:

Light metal fabrication and maintenance (M3–M12). Tapping on brackets, supports, thin plates. 90% of threads are M6, M8, M10. The TM 12 P at €768.60 is sufficient if a compressor is available; the TM 12 BLO at €1,415.20 adds a touchscreen and micro-spray for those who also work with stainless steel.

Mechanical workshop and subcontracting (M3–M16). Mix of operations: metal fabrication, repairs, prototypes. M14 and M16 are used on flanges and fittings. The TM 16 BLO / R 1500 at €1,573.80 covers everything with a 1500 mm arm — the extra reach avoids moving the base between pieces.

Boiler making and mechanical construction (M5–M24). Heavy structures, large diameter pipes, thick plates. M20 and M24 become frequent. The TM 24 BLO at €1,732.40 with an 1100 W motor has the necessary torque. Those with compressed air and who prefer reduced maintenance choose the TM 24 P at €1,878.80.

Industrial production department (M5–M36). Threading across the entire metric range, repetitive batches, fixed workstation. The TM 36 BLO / R 1700 at €2,049.60 with 1200 W, 51 kg and a 1700 mm arm is the reference model. The 13 included DIN 376 spindles cover every size from M5-6 to M36 without additional purchases.

Taps wear out. Their lifespan depends on the material, lubrication, and speed. The accessories needed from day one:

Bernardo SF-TO 500 ml cutting oil at €30.81. Specific for tapping on steel and stainless steel. On AISI 304 stainless steel, constant lubrication extends tap life by 3-5 times compared to dry machining. BLO models automatically dispense it via micro-spray; on pneumatic models, it must be applied manually.

HSSE-Cobalt tapping inserts from €9.50 to €17.10. Available from M3 to M12, single. High-speed cobalt steel (HSS-E) withstands higher temperatures than standard HSS: the thread on stainless steel comes out clean even after 200 consecutive holes.

Optional magnetic base at €360. For TM 12 P, TM 16 P, TM 10 BLO, and TM 12 BLO. Attaches to large workpieces or welded structures where the mounting flange cannot be fixed. Sufficient holding force for threads up to M12.

Base with 2 drawers at €1,073.60. 900×600 mm structure compatible with the entire TM series. Transforms the tapping machine into a fixed workstation with space for taps, oil, and workshop tools.

If you work in carpentry with threads up to M12, the TM 12 P at €768.60 is the starting point under a thousand euros. With the touchscreen of the TM 12 BLO at €1,415.20, the quality of stainless steel threads improves significantly.

If you manage a mechanical workshop with mixed processing up to M16, the TM 16 BLO / R 1500 at €1,573.80 covers every need with a 1500 mm arm and digital control.

If you are mass-producing with threads up to M36, the TM 36 BLO / R 1700 at €2,049.60 with 1200 W, 13 included spindles, and a 1.7-meter arm is the only machine you need.

Call our team at +39 0825-1494022 for free advice on choosing the model and accessories.