Balax 30127-000 Spiral Point Tap 3/8-16 Unc Plug 3 Flute

Product Description

The BALAX 30127-000 is a spiral point plug tap designed for threading 3/8-16 UNC holes in a wide range of materials. Built from M42 powdered metal high-speed steel, it delivers superior wear resistance and hardness compared to standard HSS. The plug chamfer - typically 3 to 5 threads - suits through-hole tapping applications where chip flow is pushed forward ahead of the tap. The bright uncoated finish works well with cutting fluids and lubricants. Thread limit is H7, providing a tolerance class suited to close-fit fastener applications. This tap is installed by machinists, tool and die workers, and maintenance technicians.

This tap is used in production and repair tapping of through holes in aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, magnesium, carbon steel, stainless steel, wrought aluminum alloy, and zinc. The spiral point geometry pushes chips forward out of the hole, making it especially effective on CNC machining centers, drill presses, and tapping machines operating at moderate to high feed rates. The 3/8-16 UNC thread is one of the most common fastener thread sizes in North American industrial and mechanical applications.

Key Features

• M42 powdered metal HSS construction for extended tool life in abrasive and tough materials
• Spiral point design pushes chips forward, reducing chip clogging in through-hole applications
• 3 flutes with plug chamfer for smooth entry and efficient chip evacuation
• H7 thread limit ensures consistent tolerance for close-fit threaded assemblies
• Bright uncoated finish compatible with a wide range of cutting fluids
• Right-hand thread direction, 3/8-16 UNC standard

Compatibility

Designed for tapping 3/8-16 UNC through holes. Compatible with aluminum, brass, bronze, carbon steel, copper, magnesium, stainless steel, wrought aluminum alloy, and zinc workpieces. Part of the BALAX BX100 series.

Installation Notes

This tap is installed by machinists and maintenance technicians using a tapping machine, CNC machining center, or hand tap wrench. Always use an appropriate cutting fluid or tapping compound matched to the workpiece material. Ensure the tap is properly aligned to the hole axis before applying feed to avoid tap breakage. Inspect tap condition regularly - powdered metal HSS is hard but can be brittle if subjected to lateral loading or impact.