Balax 40244-000 Spiral Flute Tap 1-8 Unc 4 Flutes BX200

Product Description

The BALAX 40244-000 is a spiral flute tap designed for cutting internal 1-8 UNC threads in a wide range of materials. Built from M42 powdered metal, this tap features a 45-degree helix angle and fast flute style that evacuates chips upward through the flute, making it well suited for blind-hole applications. The modified bottoming chamfer allows threading closer to the bottom of a hole than a plug or taper chamfer. The bright/uncoated finish suits use across non-abrasive to moderately abrasive workpiece materials. It carries a 3B class of fit and H4 thread limit, targeting close-tolerance production work. Licensed machinists and tool-and-die professionals are the primary installers.

The 40244-000 is used in machine shop, production, and maintenance-repair-operations environments where 1-8 UNC internal threads are required. The spiral flute design is particularly effective in aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, magnesium, zinc, wrought aluminum alloy, carbon steel, and stainless steel. It is suited for CNC tapping centers, drill presses, and manual tapping operations where a right-hand thread is needed. The BX200 series designation identifies it as part of BALAX's powdered metal spiral flute tap line.

Key Features

• M42 powdered metal construction provides wear resistance across a broad range of workpiece materials
• 45-degree helix angle with fast flute style drives chips up and out of blind holes
• Modified bottoming chamfer threads closer to hole bottom than plug or taper alternatives
• H4 thread limit and 3B class of fit for close-tolerance thread production
• Right-hand thread direction, right-hand flute direction
• Bright/uncoated finish - no additional coating to affect thread tolerance stack

Compatibility

Designed for cutting 1-8 UNC right-hand internal threads in aluminum, brass, bronze, carbon steel, copper, magnesium, stainless steel, wrought aluminum alloy, and zinc. Coolant-through tooling is not supported by this tap.

Installation Notes

Installation is performed by qualified machinists using a tapping center, drill press, or manual tap wrench. Secure the workpiece firmly before tapping to prevent movement under torque. Use an appropriate cutting fluid matched to the workpiece material to extend tool life and improve thread quality. Inspect the tap for wear or chipping before each use; a damaged tap should not be used, as it can seize in the hole or produce out-of-tolerance threads.