Balax 40175-000 Spiral Flute Tap 1/2-20 Unf 3 Flutes BX200

Product Description

The BALAX 40175-000 is a spiral flute tap designed for threading 1/2-20 UNF holes in production and job-shop environments. Built from M42 powdered metal with a bright/uncoated finish, it runs 3 right-hand flutes at a 45-degree helix angle to evacuate chips upward and out of the hole - a geometry well-suited to blind-hole applications. The modified bottoming chamfer allows threading close to the bottom of a hole. At 3-3/8 inches overall length with a 0.367-inch shank diameter and 0.275-inch square drive, this tap fits standard tap handles and machine adapters for both hand and CNC tapping operations. Thread limit is H5, Class of Fit 2B.

The 40175-000 is suited for threading operations across a wide range of materials, including aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, magnesium, zinc, wrought aluminum alloy, carbon steel, and stainless steel. The fast flute style and 45-degree helix move chips efficiently in blind-hole setups, reducing the risk of chip packing. This tap is appropriate for both manual tapping and CNC tapping centers in light manufacturing, fabrication shops, and maintenance/repair operations where consistent 1/2-20 UNF thread quality is required.

Key Features

• 1/2-20 UNF thread size, Class 2B fit, H5 thread limit for standard tolerance threading
• 45-degree helix angle with fast flute style for efficient upward chip evacuation in blind holes
• Modified bottoming chamfer for threading close to the bottom of blind holes
• M42 powdered metal construction for wear resistance across ferrous and non-ferrous materials
• 3 right-hand flutes, right-hand thread direction
• Bright/uncoated finish - compatible with most standard tapping fluids and coolants
• No coolant-through feature; suitable for conventional flooded or manual lubrication setups

Compatibility

Part of the BALAX BX200 series. Compatible with materials including aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, magnesium, zinc, wrought aluminum alloy, carbon steel, and stainless steel. Fits standard tap holders and machine adapters accepting a 0.367-inch shank diameter with a 0.275-inch square drive.

Installation Notes

Installation is performed by machinists or maintenance technicians using a standard tap wrench, tapping arm, or CNC tapping head sized for the 0.275-inch square drive. Always ensure the workpiece is securely fixtured and the tap is aligned perpendicular to the work surface before beginning. Apply an appropriate cutting fluid for the material being tapped; do not run this tap dry in steel or stainless steel. Back the tap out periodically when hand tapping deep holes to break and clear chips.