Balax 54040-006 Cleanout Tap 1/4-20 Unc 4 Flute Hss

Product Description

The BALAX 54040-006 is a 1/4-20 UNC cleanout tap designed for thread restoration and bottom-of-hole threading in ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Built from high-speed steel (HSS) with a nitride oxide finish, it resists wear and runs dry or with minimal cutting fluid. The modified bottoming chamfer allows threading closer to the bottom of a blind hole than a standard plug tap, making it the right choice when full thread depth is required in a confined bore. With 4 flutes and a 0.790-inch thread length, it produces clean, accurate threads suited to production and repair applications alike.

This tap is used in metalworking and maintenance repair operations where 1/4-20 UNC threads must be chased, restored, or cut to near-bottom in blind holes. It fits manual tap wrenches and machine tapping setups. The 0.255-inch shank diameter and 0.191-inch square drive size are compatible with standard tap wrenches and quick-change tapping heads in that size range. Machinists, maintenance technicians, and pipe and mechanical trades use this tap for thread repair work on equipment housings, brackets, and fittings.

Key Features

• Modified bottoming chamfer for threading close to the bottom of blind holes
• High-speed steel construction for durability across ferrous and non-ferrous materials
• Nitride oxide finish reduces friction and improves wear resistance
• 4-flute design provides clean chip clearance and accurate thread form
• 0.790-inch thread length accommodates standard 1/4-20 UNC thread engagement depths
• BALAX BX450 series for consistent dimensional tolerancing

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style replacement or direct-use tap for 1/4-20 UNC thread repair and cutting applications in standard tap wrenches and machine tapping holders accepting a 0.255-inch shank and 0.191-inch square drive.

Installation Notes

Installation is performed by qualified machinists or maintenance technicians using a calibrated tap wrench or tapping machine set to appropriate torque for the workpiece material. Secure the workpiece fully before starting and apply cutting fluid suited to the base material when threading steel or cast iron. Back the tap out periodically to clear chips and prevent tap breakage. Follow applicable shop safety and tooling standards for cutting tool handling and machine guarding.