Balax 30165-000 Spiral Point Tap 1/2-13 Unc 4 Flute H5

Product Description

The BALAX 30165-000 is a spiral point plug tap designed for through-hole threading in a wide range of common materials. Built from M42 powdered metal high-speed steel (PM-HSS), it delivers consistent edge retention and wear resistance compared to conventional HSS. The tap cuts a 1/2-13 UNC thread to a 2B class of fit with an H5 thread limit, making it suitable for standard tolerance threaded holes in production and maintenance work. With 4 flutes and a plug chamfer, it is well-suited for through-hole applications where chips are pushed forward ahead of the tap. The overall length is 3.375 inches with a thread length of 0.9375 inches.

This tap is intended for through-hole threading operations in machining, fabrication, and maintenance environments. It is appropriate for use on low-carbon steel, 300 series stainless steel, wrought aluminum alloy, die cast aluminum, die cast zinc, magnesium, copper, brass, and bronze castings. The BX100 series is commonly used in both manual tapping and machine tapping setups where a right-hand cut, standard UNC thread form is required. The bright uncoated finish makes it easy to inspect for wear.

Key Features

• M42 powdered metal high-speed steel construction for improved edge retention over standard HSS
• Spiral point geometry pushes chips forward, ideal for through-hole threading
• 4-flute plug chamfer for controlled thread entry and balanced cutting action
• H5 thread limit with 2B class of fit for standard tolerance UNC threads
• Right-hand cut, no coolant-through, no interrupted thread design
• Bright uncoated finish allows easy visual inspection during service life

Compatibility

Designed for through-hole threading of 1/2-13 UNC threads in low-carbon steel, 300 stainless steel, wrought aluminum alloy, die cast aluminum, die cast zinc, magnesium, copper, brass, and bronze castings. Part of the BALAX BX100 series.

Installation Notes

This tap is installed and operated by machinists, tool and die makers, and maintenance mechanics using a tap wrench, tapping head, or CNC machine tapping cycle. Before tapping, confirm the drilled hole diameter matches the recommended tap drill size for 1/2-13 UNC and that the workpiece is securely fixtured. Use an appropriate cutting fluid for the material being tapped to extend tool life and improve thread finish. Do not reverse the tap under power without confirming the machine setup supports back-tapping to avoid tool breakage.