Balax 40024-010 Spiral Flute Tap 4-40 Unc Modified Bottoming

Product Description

The BALAX 40024-010 is a spiral flute tap designed for blind hole threading in a wide range of materials. It carries a 4-40 UNC thread form with 2 right-hand flutes and a 45-degree helix angle that efficiently evacuates chips up and out of the hole during the cut. The modified bottoming chamfer allows threading close to the bottom of a blind hole while maintaining thread quality. Manufactured from M42 powdered metal, the tap offers enhanced wear resistance compared to standard HSS tooling. The bright, uncoated finish is suitable for general-purpose tapping across most recommended material groups. This tap is installed by machinists and toolroom technicians.

The 40024-010 is rated for blind hole threading applications in aluminum, brass, bronze, carbon steel, copper, magnesium, stainless steel, wrought aluminum alloy, and zinc. Its fast flute style and 45-degree helix are particularly effective in softer and gummy materials where chip packing is a concern. The BX200 series is sized for small-diameter, fine-pitch work where tool control and consistent thread form are critical. Overall length is 1-7/8 inches, with a thread length of 0.56 inches, making it suitable for compact workpiece geometries.

Key Features

• 4-40 UNC thread form, right-hand thread direction, H4 thread limit for consistent oversize tolerance control
• 45-degree helix angle with fast flute style for efficient chip evacuation in blind holes
• Modified bottoming chamfer for threading close to the bottom of a blind hole
• M42 powdered metal construction for improved wear resistance over standard HSS
• Rated for 9 material types including stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, brass, and copper
• Oversize designation confirms tap is ground to produce threads within H4 tolerance class

Compatibility

Designed for blind hole threading in aluminum, brass, bronze, carbon steel, copper, magnesium, stainless steel, wrought aluminum alloy, and zinc. Part of the BALAX BX200 series for small-diameter spiral flute tapping applications.

Installation Notes

This tap is typically installed in a tapping head, CNC spindle, or hand tap wrench by a machinist or toolroom technician. Power down and lock out the machine before changing tooling. Use an appropriate cutting fluid or tapping compound for the workpiece material, particularly when tapping stainless steel or copper alloys. Do not reverse the tap before it has completed the threading pass in blind hole applications, as chip buildup can cause tap breakage.