Method of producing a helical thread

A helical thread is initially cut by machining, in the course of which a rough surface 10 is formed. In the subsequent operating step the surface is pressure-smoothed by sliding friction. The tool used for this purpose is of such dimensions that the volume of material 11 which protrudes from the desired surface is displaced into the intervening areas 12 and is smaller than the accommodating volume of the valley areas lying below the desired surface. The pressure smoothing is thereby carried out within the plastic range of the material, whereby the tools are subjected to considerably less stress than during surface compaction. Accordingly, the pressure smoothing of very small internal threads can be carried out without difficulty. In this way load-bearing surfaces of high surface pattern of which up to 80% is closed and the surface structure of which is interrupted by only a few valley areas.