Balax 17426-010 Thread Forming Tap M2.5x0.45 6H Bottoming Hss

Product Description

The BALAX 17426-010 is a bottoming-style thread forming tap designed for cutting M2.5x0.45 metric coarse internal threads in blind holes. Unlike cut taps, thread forming taps cold-form material rather than cutting chips, producing stronger threads with no swarf to clear from the hole. Made from high-speed steel with a bright uncoated finish, this tap carries a 6H class of fit and a D6 thread limit, making it suited for close-tolerance threaded holes in production and maintenance applications. It is part of the BALAX BXMB series and is intended for use by machinists, tool and die makers, and precision manufacturing technicians.

This tap is applied in blind hole threading operations where a full thread form is needed close to the bottom of the hole. The bottoming chamfer of 2.5 thread pitches allows the tap to form threads nearer to the bottom of a blind bore compared to plug or taper chamfer styles. Typical use cases include threading small metric holes in aluminum, brass, copper, and other ductile metals in precision manufacturing, electronics assembly, and mechanical component fabrication. No coolant-through capability is present, so external cutting fluid or tapping fluid applied at the workpiece is standard practice.

Key Features

• Thread forming (chipless) design produces stronger threads and eliminates chip evacuation concerns in blind holes
• Bottoming chamfer with 2.5P allows thread forming close to the bottom of blind bores
• M2.5x0.45 metric coarse thread size with 6H class of fit and D6 thread limit for close-tolerance work
• High-speed steel construction provides wear resistance suitable for general production use
• Bright uncoated finish - compatible with a wide range of tapping fluids and lubricants
• Right-hand thread direction, no oil grooves, BXMB series

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style replacement or direct-use thread forming tap for M2.5x0.45 metric coarse blind hole applications requiring a 6H class of fit in ductile workpiece materials.

Installation Notes

Installation is performed by machinists using a tap wrench, tapping head, or CNC rigid tapping cycle with appropriate spindle speed for the workpiece material. Secure the workpiece fully before tapping and ensure the pilot hole diameter is correct for thread forming, as forming taps require a larger pilot hole than cut taps for the same thread size. Apply tapping fluid to the tap and hole before and during operation. Never force a tap that has stalled - back out carefully to avoid breakage in small-diameter taps.