Accupro T1620445 Spiral Point Tap 5/16-18 Plug Vanadium Hss

Product Description

The ACCUPRO T1620445 is a spiral point tap designed for machine tapping of through holes in ferrous and hard materials, including stainless steel. Built from 3% Vanadium High Speed Steel and finished with an oxide coating, it provides reliable wear resistance and lubricity under cutting loads. The plug chamfer geometry distributes cutting forces gradually across the first several threads, making it well suited for moderate-depth through-hole applications. The right-hand spiral point pushes chips forward and out of the hole, reducing clogging during production runs. Overall length is 2.72 inches with a 22 mm thread length and an 8.08 mm shank diameter.

This tap is intended for machine tapping operations in job shops, maintenance departments, and production environments. The 5/16-18 UNC thread form and 2B class of fit make it a standard choice for general mechanical assemblies requiring inch-series coarse threads. It is rated for use in stainless steel, making it suitable for food service, medical, and industrial fabrication work where stainless fastener holes are common. Coolant-through capability is not included, so conventional flood or mist coolant delivery is recommended when tapping stainless.

Key Features

• 3% Vanadium High Speed Steel construction for improved toughness and wear resistance in hard materials
• Oxide finish reduces friction and improves chip flow during tapping
• Plug chamfer distributes cutting load across multiple threads for smooth entry
• Spiral point geometry pushes chips forward, reducing re-cutting in through-hole applications
• H5 thread limit and 2B class of fit for standard mechanical assembly tolerances
• Right-hand thread direction compatible with standard tapping heads and CNC tap cycles

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style machine tap for use in standard tapping chucks, rigid tapping holders, and floating tap heads that accept straight-shank taps with an 8.08 mm shank diameter in the 5/16-18 thread size.

Installation Notes

Installation should be performed by a machinist or qualified maintenance technician using a properly aligned tapping machine, CNC machining center, or drill press with a tapping attachment. Always ensure the workpiece is securely fixtured before beginning the tapping cycle. When tapping stainless steel, use a cutting fluid appropriate for stainless to reduce built-up edge and extend tap life. Inspect the tap for wear or chipping regularly, as work hardening in stainless can accelerate tool degradation.