No, they're not the same. NPT is National Pipe Thread. Different thread size and pitch than SAE screws and bolts.
You can get fittings, plugs, and caps at Menards, Home Dopey, etc. in the plumbing section.

 

NPT- National Pipe Thread Taper- ANSI B1.20.1

1/4" NPT has 18 threads per inch.

 

i have used sae with npt in hydraulics on the boat, some places it works, some it wont.

 

what is the actual difference between a chaser and a tap? Could I use a tap to clear my threads?

 

whoops, we use jic instead of npt. 69 is correct, sae has a different thread angle. wont screw in without stipping threads. the thread chaser has a blunt end so it can clear the threads to the bottom of the threaded hole, tap has a pointed end so it can get started in a blank hole.

 

NPT is tapered threads, SAE isn't. Even if the thread pitch was the same (which they're not), an NPT fitting or cap on an SAE bolt would be very sloppy, they're not compatible.
Here are the normal sizes for SAE taps & dies you can buy, and the NPT pitch for comparison. You'll notice a difference between them:
SAE 1/4": 20 & 28 t.p.i....NPT: 18
SAE 5/16": 18 & 24 t.p.i....NPT: N/A
SAE 3/8": 16 & 20 t.p.i....NPT: 18
SAE 7/16": 14 & 20 t.p.i....NPT: N/A
SAE 1/2": 13 & 20 t.p.i....NPT: 14

 

Thanks, 69.

 

YW. But you should be able to find NPT taps at Home Dopey, either tool or plumbing section.
A thread chaser is basically a threaded stud that has grooves in it running lengthwise. As you screw it in, it cleans the threads. A tap cuts the metal, and if you re-tap a hole or stud, you can end up with a sloppier fitting nut/bolt. If it's a critical piece (could cause something catastrophic if it came loose) do not re-tap, only chase. Fittings and stuff like that, no big deal if you re-tap it, it's not holding a load.

 

I think I'm gonna end up just using a tap. I can't find a 1/4" pipe thread chaser ANYWHERE.

 

Didn't work for very long today, but I actually made a little bit of progress. I managed to remove the EGR pipe, I finally got to it using 9 inches of extensions and a universal joint haha. I also got the other AIR fitting off and got a couple chunks of the AIR pipe cut out, and I got caps to go on the AIR fittings on the headers. Looking forward to getting a lot done tomorrow!