Due to the operating envelopes of typical thread rolling equipment, there are limitations on what lengths and diameter can be achieved. Thread rolling machines are incredibly expensive and are often only suitable to produce a narrow size range of threads, making this less suitable for a typical workshop.

Thread rolling is a metal forging process that forms threads into the mirror image of a roller die. The process is different from metal cutting, grinding, and chasing because it does not remove any metal from the workpiece. Instead, thread rolling uses hardened steel dies to displace and mold ductile metals.

The materials most commonly used to make thread-rolling dies are high-speed tool steels, high-chromium tool steel, medium-alloy cold-work steel. Which are mostly Ferrous but other ductile materials such as brass, aluminium are also used with compromise in quality of the thread.

The thread should be rolled until the pitch diameter is within specification, between pitch diameter maximum and pitch diameter minimum. Likewise, the blank diameter should be adjusted until the major diameter is within specification, between major diameter maximum and major diameter minimum.