Cleveland C54166 M3x0.50 Bottoming Hand Tap Hss

Product Description

The CLEVELAND C54166 is a straight-flute hand tap designed for cutting M3x0.50 metric coarse internal threads in both blind and through-hole applications. Built from high speed steel with a bright uncoated finish, this bottoming tap features a 3-flute geometry that clears chips efficiently in short-thread-depth situations. With an overall length of 1.938 inches and a thread length of 0.31 inches, it is sized for compact M3 work where full thread depth close to the bottom of a blind hole is required. The 6H class of fit and D3 thread limit deliver consistent tolerance control for general-purpose metric threading. Machinists and tool-and-die technicians reach for this tap when standard plug or taper taps cannot reach full depth.

This tap is suited for manual tapping operations in job shop, maintenance, and production environments. It handles blind-hole and through-hole threading in a range of workpiece materials. Its bottoming chamfer — typically 1 to 2 thread leads — allows threading to the bottom of a blind hole after a plug tap has started the thread. Series 1003 identifies this as a standard Cleveland metric hand tap line intended for light-duty hand and machine-assisted tapping setups.

Key Features

• Bottoming chamfer for threading close to the bottom of blind holes
• 3-flute straight-flute geometry for efficient chip evacuation in short-thread applications
• High speed steel construction for durability across a range of workpiece materials
• Bright uncoated finish — no coating buildup to affect thread tolerance
• 6H class of fit with D3 thread limit for consistent metric tolerance control
• Right-hand thread direction, M3x0.50 metric coarse pitch

Compatibility

Designed for threading M3x0.50 metric coarse threads in alloy steel, aluminum, carbon steel, and free-machining stainless steel workpieces in both blind-hole and through-hole applications.

Installation Notes

This tap is installed by machinists or maintenance technicians using a standard tap wrench or T-handle; ensure the workpiece is securely fixtured before tapping. Use a plug or taper tap to start the thread before using this bottoming tap in a blind hole. Apply appropriate cutting fluid for the workpiece material to extend tap life and improve thread finish. Follow OSHA and shop safety guidelines when operating hand tapping tools.