03B103 - Walter 5/8-11 NC HSS Bottoming Tap for Blind Holes

Precision Threading for Blind Holes

The Walter 03B103 5/8-11NC Bottoming High-Speed Steel Tap is an essential tool for industrial machinists and maintenance professionals requiring precision and durability. Crafted from superior quality high-speed steel (HSS), this tap is engineered to withstand the rigors of cutting threads in tough materials such as stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum. Unlike standard taper or plug taps, a bottoming tap features a very short chamfer—typically only 1 to 2 threads long. This unique design allows the tool to cut full-depth threads almost all the way to the bottom of a blind hole, ensuring maximum engagement for bolts and fasteners in critical assemblies.

Walter Surface Technologies is renowned for producing tools that deliver consistent performance, and this tap is no exception. The threads are precision ground, not just cut, which ensures a smoother cutting action and tighter tolerances. This grinding process also reduces friction and heat buildup, which are common causes of premature tool failure. The tap has been hardened and tempered to provide the perfect balance of hardness for cutting edges and toughness to resist breakage under torque. Whether you are manufacturing new components or repairing stripped threads in valuable equipment, this tool offers the reliability needed for high-stakes industrial environments.

Using the correct tap for the job is crucial for efficiency. While taper taps are easier to start, they leave significant unthreaded length at the bottom of a hole. This bottoming tap is the finishing tool of choice after a hole has been started with a taper or plug tap, or for re-threading operations where the thread path is already established. Its robust HSS composition ensures it maintains its cutting edge longer than carbon steel alternatives, making it a cost-effective solution for busy workshops.

Key Technical Benefits

The 5/8"-11 NC specification adheres to National Coarse standards, making it compatible with a vast array of standard bolts and fasteners. The tool's geometry is optimized to clear chips effectively, although in blind holes, periodic reversal to break chips is recommended. By choosing Walter's premium HSS tap, you are investing in a tool that reduces downtime and improves the quality of your mechanical connections.