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03B065 - Walter 3/8-24 NF HSS Plug Tap for Steel and Stainless

Packaging: 3 per each
$25.40/ea

Package Price:

$76.20/3 per each

Usually ships within 3-5 business days

SKU: 03B065 Categories: ,

OVERVIEW

Precision Threading with Walter High Speed Steel Taps

The Walter 03B065 3/8-24 NF Plug Tap is a premium cutting tool engineered for professionals who demand accuracy and longevity in their threading operations. Crafted from top-tier High Speed Steel (HSS), this tap is designed to withstand the rigors of industrial metalworking. Unlike standard carbon steel taps, Walter's HSS composition offers superior heat resistance and hardness, allowing it to maintain a sharp cutting edge even when working with tough materials like stainless steel and hardened alloys. The threads are precision ground, not just cut, ensuring that every rotation produces a clean, dimensionally accurate thread form that meets strict National Fine (NF) standards.

This specific model features a "Plug" chamfer style, which is the most versatile and commonly used tap design in the industry. With a chamfer length of approximately 3 to 5 threads, it is perfectly suited for threading through holes where the chips can be pushed ahead of the tool. It can also be used effectively in blind holes, provided there is sufficient clearance at the bottom for the chamfer. The 3/8"-24 specification denotes a fine thread pitch, which is ideal for applications requiring high tensile strength and resistance to vibration loosening. Whether you are fabricating new components or repairing damaged threads in an existing assembly, this tool delivers the consistency required for high-stakes mechanical work.

Durability is at the core of Walter's manufacturing process. The 03B065 is meticulously hardened and tempered to strike the perfect balance between rigidity and toughness. This prevents the common issue of tap breakage under torque while ensuring the teeth do not dull prematurely. It is optimized for a wide range of materials, including aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel, making it a versatile addition to any machinist's or fabricator's toolkit. When paired with the appropriate cutting lubricant, this tap offers a seamless cutting experience that reduces friction and heat buildup, further extending the life of the tool.

Additional Information
Packaging Description:3 per each
Brand:Walter
Used to Cut:Steel or Stainless or Aluminum
Thread Size:3/8"-24 NF
Material:High Speed Steel (HSS)
Tap Style:Plug
Thread Standard:National Fine (NF)
Chamfer Length:3-5 Threads

INCLUDED

  • 1 x Walter 3/8"-24 NF High Speed Steel Plug Tap
  • Protective packaging

APPLICATIONS

  • Creating new internal threads in drilled holes
  • Repairing or cleaning damaged threads (re-threading)
  • Automotive and mechanical assembly repair
  • Fabrication of custom brackets and mounts
  • Machining through holes in steel plates
  • Working with stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum

FAQ

A plug tap typically has 3-5 chamfered threads, making it a general-purpose tap suitable for through holes. A taper tap has a longer chamfer (7-10 threads), which makes it easier to start straight but requires more depth to cut full threads.

For a 3/8"-24 NF thread, the standard drill bit size is a Letter Q drill bit (0.3320 inches). Using the correct drill size is critical for achieving the proper thread percentage and strength.

Yes, this Walter tap is made from High Speed Steel (HSS) and is hardened specifically to handle tough materials like stainless steel, as well as mild steel and aluminum.

Yes, using a high-quality cutting fluid or tapping compound is highly recommended. It reduces friction, dissipates heat, clears chips, and significantly extends the life of the tap.

NF stands for 'National Fine'. It indicates that the thread pitch (24 threads per inch) is finer than the standard coarse thread (NC), providing higher tensile strength and better resistance to vibration.

Yes, a plug tap can be used for blind holes, but it will not create full threads all the way to the bottom. For threading to the very bottom of a blind hole, a bottoming tap is usually required after starting with a plug tap.