03B085 - Walter 1/2-20 NF HSS Plug Tap for Steel and Stainless

Precision Threading with Walter High-Speed Steel Taps

The Walter 03B085 1/2-20 NF Plug Tap is a premium-grade threading tool designed for industrial professionals who demand accuracy and longevity. Manufactured from top-quality High-Speed Steel (HSS), this tap is engineered to withstand the high thermal and mechanical stresses associated with cutting threads in hard metals. Unlike standard carbon steel taps, Walter's HSS composition ensures that the cutting edges remain sharp even after repeated use in abrasive materials like stainless steel and cast aluminum.

One of the defining characteristics of this tool is its precision-ground threads. The grinding process creates a smoother surface finish and tighter tolerances compared to cut-thread taps, resulting in fasteners that fit securely and resist loosening under vibration. The tap undergoes a rigorous hardening and tempering process, which balances hardness for cutting power with toughness to resist chipping or breaking under torque. This makes it an excellent choice for critical maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) tasks where tool failure is not an option.

As a "Plug" style tap, this unit features a chamfer of approximately 3 to 5 threads. This design strikes the perfect balance between starting the thread easily and cutting full threads relatively close to the bottom of a hole. It is the most versatile style of tap, suitable for the majority of through-hole applications and many blind-hole applications where threading to the very bottom is not required. Whether used by hand with a tap wrench or in a machine setup, the Walter 03B085 delivers consistent, clean threads every time.

This tap is specifically designed to handle a wide range of materials. It excels in mild steel, aluminum, and non-ferrous metals, but it truly stands out when applied to stainless steel, a material known for work-hardening and destroying lesser tools. By reducing friction and maintaining cutting geometry, the Walter plug tap ensures efficient chip evacuation and reduces the likelihood of binding.