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03A051 - Walter 5-40 NC High Speed Steel Taper Tap

Packaging: 3 per each
$19.52/ea

Package Price:

$58.56/3 per each

Usually ships within 3-5 business days

SKU: 03A051 Categories: ,

OVERVIEW

Precision Threading with Walter High Speed Steel Taps

The Walter 5-40 NC Taper HSS Tap (SKU: 03A051) represents the pinnacle of threading tool technology, designed for industrial professionals who demand accuracy and longevity. In the world of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO), the integrity of a threaded connection is paramount. A poor-quality tap can lead to stripped threads, broken tools inside expensive parts, and significant downtime. Walter Surface Technologies has engineered this tap using superior quality High Speed Steel (HSS), a material renowned for its ability to withstand high temperatures without losing its hardness. This ensures that the cutting edges remain sharp even after repeated use in demanding materials.

This specific tool features a "Taper" chamfer, which is characterized by a gradual cutting angle distributed over 7 to 10 threads. This design is critical for starting new threads, as it distributes the cutting load over a longer length and helps align the tap perpendicular to the hole. It is the preferred style for initiating a threading operation or for through-hole applications where the tap can pass completely through the workpiece. The precision-ground threads of the Walter 03A051 ensure that every cut is smooth, reducing the torque required to turn the tap and minimizing the risk of binding.

Versatility is a key advantage of the Walter HSS tap line. While lesser carbon steel taps may struggle with modern alloys, this HSS tap is hardened and tempered to perform exceptionally well across a broad spectrum of materials. Whether you are tapping soft aluminum, standard mild steel, or tough stainless steel, this tool delivers consistent results. It is an essential component for any machine shop, tool and die maker, or industrial maintenance team looking to maintain high standards of quality control.

Key Industrial Benefits

  • Superior Material: Made from High Speed Steel to resist dulling and breakage.
  • Easy Starting: Taper chamfer allows for effortless alignment and thread initiation.
  • Multi-Material Use: Effective on aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel.
  • Precision Engineering: Ground threads provide tight tolerances for secure fastening.
Additional Information
Packaging Description:1 per each, 3 per each
Brand:Walter
Thread Size:5-40 NC
Tap Style:Taper
Material:High Speed Steel (HSS)
Application Material:Aluminum, Mild Steel, Stainless Steel

INCLUDED

  • 1 x Walter 5-40 NC Taper HSS Tap
  • Protective packaging

APPLICATIONS

  • Creating new 5-40 NC threads in drilled holes
  • Repairing or "chasing" damaged threads in maintenance applications
  • Tapping through-holes in metal plates and castings
  • Machining operations involving aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel
  • Automotive and machinery repair
  • Custom fabrication and assembly work

FAQ

A taper tap, like this Walter model, has a more gradual chamfer (7-10 threads) which makes it easier to start the thread straight. A plug tap has a shorter chamfer (3-5 threads) and is typically used after the taper tap to thread closer to the bottom of a blind hole.

For a 5-40 NC thread, the standard drill bit size is a #38 drill bit. Using the correct drill size is crucial to prevent tap breakage and ensure proper thread percentage.

Yes, this Walter tap is made from High Speed Steel (HSS), which is durable enough to cut threads in stainless steel, as well as mild steel and aluminum.

Yes, using a high-quality cutting fluid or tapping lubricant is highly recommended. It reduces friction, dissipates heat, and helps clear chips, significantly extending the life of the tap.

While a taper tap can be used in blind holes, it will not thread all the way to the bottom due to its long chamfer. For blind holes, it is best used to start the thread, followed by a plug or bottoming tap to finish the threads near the bottom.

NC stands for 'National Coarse'. It refers to the thread pitch standard. A 5-40 NC tap creates a coarse thread with 40 threads per inch on a #5 diameter shaft.

High Speed Steel (HSS) retains its hardness at higher temperatures and is generally tougher than carbon steel. This allows HSS taps to cut harder materials and last significantly longer in industrial applications.

While it is possible to power tap with the correct equipment and clutch settings, taper taps are often used by hand to ensure the thread is started straight. Extreme care must be taken with power tools to avoid breaking the tap.