Balax 54033-01T Straight Flute Bottoming Tap 10-32 Unf

Product Description

The BALAX 54033-01T is a straight flute bottoming tap designed for threading 10-32 UNF holes in production and maintenance machining applications. Built from M42 cobalt high-speed steel and finished with a titanium nitride (TiN) coating, this tap delivers extended tool life when cutting harder workpiece materials or running at elevated speeds. It carries a 2B class of fit and an H3 thread limit, making it suitable for standard tolerance threaded holes. With 4 flutes and a bottoming chamfer, it cuts close to the bottom of blind holes where a plug or taper tap cannot reach. Overall length is 2.375 inches with a thread length of 0.64 inches.

This tap is intended for use in machine tapping operations on materials including aluminum, cast iron, magnesium, and zinc. The bottoming chamfer configuration makes it the final-stage tap in a sequence when full thread depth is required to the bottom of a blind hole. It is part of the BALAX BX600 series and is well suited for CNC machining centers, drill presses, and tapping heads operating in light-to-medium duty threading cycles. Coolant-through is not supported on this tap.

Key Features

• M42 cobalt HSS construction resists heat and wear during high-speed or interrupted-cut tapping
• TiN coating reduces friction and extends tool life on abrasive materials
• Bottoming chamfer allows full thread depth in blind holes
• H3 thread limit and 2B class of fit for standard tolerance threaded fastener applications
• 4 straight flutes suitable for short-chip materials such as cast iron, aluminum, and zinc
• Right-hand thread direction; compatible with standard tapping heads and machine spindles

Compatibility

Designed for machine tapping of 10-32 UNF threads in aluminum, cast iron, magnesium, and zinc workpieces. Recommended 75 percent thread drill size is 0.1600 inches.

Installation Notes

This tap is intended for use by machinists and toolroom technicians on machine tapping equipment. Always ensure the spindle is fully stopped and the machine is powered down before changing tooling. Use the recommended drill size prior to tapping to achieve proper thread engagement and prevent tap breakage. Apply appropriate cutting fluid for the workpiece material to extend tool life and improve thread finish quality.