Cleveland C54458 Hand Tap 1/4-20 Unc Plug 3-flute Hss

Product Description

The CLEVELAND C54458 is a straight-flute hand tap designed for cutting 1/4-20 UNC internal threads in both blind holes and through holes. Manufactured from high speed steel with a bright uncoated finish, it features a plug chamfer that guides the tap into the workpiece for smooth thread engagement. The tap carries a 3B class of fit and an H3 thread limit, making it suitable for standard tolerance threading applications. With three flutes and a 2.5 inch overall length, it is sized for hand-tapping operations in a wide range of shop and field settings. Licensed machinists, toolmakers, and maintenance technicians routinely use this tap in manual and semi-automated threading setups.

The C54458 is intended for threading alloy steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and free-machining stainless steel workpieces. Its plug chamfer style requires a partially formed hole before entry, making it well suited for through-hole threading and accessible blind hole applications. The 0.63 inch thread length accommodates typical fastener engagement depths for 1/4-20 hardware. This tap is sold individually and fits standard tap wrench drives via its square drive shank.

Key Features

• 1/4-20 UNC right-hand thread form, 3B class of fit, H3 thread limit for standard tolerance work
• Plug chamfer for guided entry into pre-drilled through holes and accessible blind holes
• High speed steel construction for durability across steel, aluminum, and free-machining stainless applications
• Bright uncoated finish — no coating buildup to affect thread tolerance
• Three straight flutes for efficient chip clearance in short-chipping materials
• Square drive shank compatible with standard tap wrenches and tap holders

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style hand tap for 1/4-20 UNC threading operations in alloy steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and free-machining stainless steel workpieces using standard tap wrenches or compatible tap holders.

Installation Notes

Installation is performed by machinists or maintenance technicians using a tap wrench or tapping fixture. Always drill the correct tap drill size for 1/4-20 UNC threads before tapping and ensure the workpiece is securely clamped. Apply appropriate cutting fluid to the tap and workpiece material to reduce friction and extend tool life. Back the tap off periodically to break chips and prevent binding, particularly in deeper blind hole applications.