03B106 - Walter 5/8-18 NF HSS Bottoming Tap for Blind Holes

Precision Threading for Industrial Maintenance

The Walter 03B106 5/8"-18 NF Bottoming Tap is a high-performance threading tool designed to meet the rigorous demands of industrial maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO). Crafted from premium High Speed Steel (HSS), this tap is engineered to deliver exceptional durability and wear resistance, even when working with tough materials like stainless steel and alloy steels. Unlike standard carbon steel taps, Walter's HSS composition ensures that the cutting edges remain sharp for longer periods, reducing tool replacement frequency and downtime in busy machine shops.

This specific model features a "Bottoming" chamfer, characterized by a very short lead of only 1 to 2 threads. This geometry is critical for threading "blind holes"—holes that do not go all the way through the workpiece. Standard taper or plug taps would leave unthreaded space at the bottom of such holes, but the Walter 03B106 allows you to cut threads almost to the very bottom, ensuring maximum thread engagement and bolt holding power. This is particularly important in heavy machinery assembly where every millimeter of thread depth contributes to the structural integrity of the connection.

The threads on this Walter tap are precision ground, not just cut, which provides a superior surface finish and reduces friction during the tapping process. This precision grinding results in tighter tolerances and smoother operation, minimizing the risk of binding or breaking the tap inside the hole. The 5/8"-18 NF (National Fine) thread profile is ideal for applications requiring finer adjustments or greater tensile strength compared to coarse threads. Whether you are fabricating new components or repairing stripped threads in critical equipment, the Walter 03B106 offers the reliability and precision professional machinists trust.

In addition to its cutting capabilities, the tap undergoes a specialized hardening and tempering process. This heat treatment balances hardness with toughness, preventing the brittleness that often leads to catastrophic tool failure under torque. For MRO professionals looking for a tool that combines longevity, accuracy, and specialized blind-hole performance, this Walter bottoming tap is an essential addition to the tool crib.