Balax 02100-000 Thread Forming Pipe Tap 1/8-27 Npt

Product Description

The BALAX 02100-000 is a thread forming pipe tap designed to cut 1/8-27 NPT internal threads without producing chips. Manufactured from high-speed steel with a bright finish, this tap forms threads by displacing material rather than cutting it, resulting in stronger thread walls and eliminating chip-clearing concerns. The overall length is 2.125 inches with a thread length of 0.75 inches and a shank diameter of 0.315 inches. It is suited for use in aluminum and copper workpieces and belongs to the BXPT series. Licensed plumbers and pipefitters install it when tapping pipe thread entries in soft, ductile metals where thread integrity is critical.

This tap is intended for residential and light commercial plumbing and mechanical applications where 1/8-27 NPT fittings are standard, such as pressure gauge ports, instrument connections, and small-diameter pipe assemblies. The 1/8-27 NPT thread standard is common in HVAC controls, gas line accessories, and low-pressure pneumatic fittings. Best results are achieved in aluminum and copper base materials, where the form-tapping process produces clean, work-hardened threads with minimal tool wear.

Key Features

• Thread forming design displaces material instead of cutting, producing stronger threads with no chips
• High-speed steel construction for durability across repeated use in soft metals
• 1/8-27 NPT thread standard for compatibility with standard pipe fittings and ports
• Bright finish provides a baseline surface condition suitable for use with cutting fluids
• Compact 0.234-inch square drive size fits standard tap handles and machine adapters
• Rated for aluminum and copper material applications per manufacturer specification

Compatibility

Designed for tapping 1/8-27 NPT internal threads in aluminum and copper workpieces as specified by the manufacturer BXPT series designation.

Installation Notes

This tap should be installed using a properly sized tap handle or machine spindle matched to the 0.234-inch square drive. Always apply a suitable cutting or tapping fluid rated for the base material before starting the tap. Ensure the workpiece is securely fixtured and the tap is started perpendicular to the surface to avoid cross-threading or tap breakage. De-energize and depressurize any system before tapping into an existing fitting port.