Balax 10284-01T Thread Forming Tap 2-56 Unc Bottoming Tin

Product Description

The BALAX 10284-01T is a thread forming tap designed for cutting 2-56 UNC internal threads in blind hole applications. Unlike cutting taps, thread forming taps displace material rather than remove it, producing stronger threads with no chips to clear from the hole. This tap carries a 2B class of fit and an H4 thread limit, making it suitable for standard fastener tolerance requirements. The bottoming chamfer allows threading closer to the bottom of a blind hole. Manufactured from high-speed steel and coated with titanium nitride (TiN) for improved surface hardness and wear resistance, this tap is installed by machinists, tool-and-die technicians, and maintenance professionals working in precision manufacturing and assembly environments.

This tap is used in blind hole threading operations on ductile materials such as aluminum, brass, copper, and low-carbon steel where chipless thread forming is preferred. The bottoming chamfer with 2.5 chamfered threads makes it appropriate as a finishing tap after a plug or taper tap has started the thread, or in shallow blind holes where maximum thread depth is required. It suits production and repair work in electronics assembly, aerospace component manufacturing, and general precision machining where 2-56 UNC fastener threads are common.

Key Features

• Thread forming design displaces material instead of cutting, producing stronger threads with no chip evacuation required
• Bottoming chamfer with 2.5 chamfered threads allows threading close to the bottom of blind holes
• High-speed steel construction provides toughness across a range of ductile workpiece materials
• Titanium nitride (TiN) coating increases surface hardness and extends tool life in higher-volume applications
• H4 thread limit and 2B class of fit meet standard tolerance requirements for 2-56 UNC fastener assemblies
• Right-hand thread direction, no oil grooves, no coolant-through - suitable for hand tapping and standard machine tapping setups

Compatibility

Designed for blind hole threading of 2-56 UNC right-hand internal threads in ductile materials. Part of the BALAX BXB series of thread forming taps.

Installation Notes

Thread forming taps require a slightly larger drill size than cutting taps - consult BALAX published forming tap drill charts for the correct hole size for 2-56 UNC before drilling. Use a suitable tapping fluid appropriate for the workpiece material; do not run thread forming taps dry. Secure the workpiece and use a calibrated torque limiting tap handle or CNC tapping cycle with tension-compression float to avoid tap breakage in small-diameter taps. Always verify thread fit with a 2B go/no-go gauge after tapping.