03B066 - Walter 3/8-24 NF HSS Bottoming Tap for Blind Holes

Precision Threading with Walter High Speed Steel Taps

The Walter 03B066 3/8"-24 NF Bottoming Tap is a premium-grade threading tool designed for industrial professionals who demand accuracy and longevity. Crafted from top-notch High Speed Steel (HSS), this tap is engineered to withstand the rigors of cutting threads into tough materials like stainless steel and mild steel, as well as softer metals like aluminum. The HSS construction ensures that the cutting edges remain sharp longer than standard carbon steel taps, providing a consistent thread profile over the tool's lifespan. This specific model features a National Fine (NF) thread pitch, which is ideal for applications requiring high tensile strength and resistance to vibration loosening.

Optimized for Blind Hole Applications

What sets this tap apart is its "Bottoming" chamfer style. Unlike taper or plug taps which have a gradual lead-in, a bottoming tap features a very short chamfer of only 1 to 2 threads. This design is specifically intended for threading blind holes—holes that do not go all the way through the workpiece. By minimizing the lead-in length, the Walter 03B066 allows you to cut full-depth threads virtually to the very bottom of the hole, maximizing the thread engagement length and the holding power of the fastener. It is typically used as the final step in a tapping sequence, following a taper or plug tap.

Durability and Performance

Walter Surface Technologies is renowned for producing tools that improve productivity, and this tap is no exception. The threads are precision ground, hardened, and tempered to ensure extraordinary durability. This meticulous manufacturing process reduces friction during the cut, lowering the torque required to drive the tap and minimizing the risk of breakage—a common issue when tapping deep or hard materials. Whether you are repairing damaged threads in a critical component or fabricating new parts that require precise assembly, the Walter 3/8"-24 NF Bottoming Tap delivers the reliability and finish quality expected in professional machining and maintenance environments.