03B043 - Walter 1/4-20 NC HSS Bottoming Tap for Blind Holes

Precision Threading with Walter High Speed Steel Taps

The Walter 03B043 1/4-20 NC Bottoming Tap is an industrial-grade threading tool designed for the most demanding machining and maintenance applications. Crafted from top-notch High Speed Steel (HSS), this tap is engineered to withstand the high temperatures and abrasive forces encountered when cutting threads into tough metals. Unlike standard carbon steel taps, Walter's HSS composition ensures that the cutting edges remain sharp longer, providing a consistent thread profile over the lifespan of the tool. This specific model features a bottoming chamfer, characterized by a very short lead of only 1 to 2 threads. This geometry is critical for operations involving blind holes—holes that do not pass completely through the workpiece—allowing the user to cut full threads as close to the bottom of the hole as possible.

Accuracy is paramount in industrial fastening, and Walter delivers with precision ground threads. The grinding process, performed after the heat treatment, eliminates distortions and ensures that the tap produces threads that meet strict tolerance standards. This results in fasteners that fit smoothly and securely, reducing the risk of cross-threading or seizing during assembly. The tap has been hardened and tempered to achieve an optimal balance between hardness for cutting and toughness to resist snapping under torque. This makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of materials, including mild steel, aluminum, and more challenging alloys like stainless steel.

Whether used in a manual tap wrench for maintenance repairs or in a machine setup for production runs, the Walter 03B043 delivers reliable performance. Its ability to handle diverse materials reduces the need for carrying multiple specialty taps, streamlining inventory for maintenance departments. The 1/4-20 NC configuration is one of the most common coarse thread sizes in North America, making this tool an essential component of any machinist's or millwright's toolkit. Trust in Walter's legacy of surface treatment and cutting tool excellence to provide a tapping solution that reduces downtime and scrap.