Cleveland C54463 Hand Tap 1/4-20 Unc Plug 3-flute Hss

Product Description

The CLEVELAND C54463 is a straight-flute hand tap designed for cutting 1/4-20 UNC threads in both blind holes and through-holes. Made from high speed steel with a bright uncoated finish, it carries a plug chamfer for general-purpose thread starting. The tap is ground to a Class 2B fit with an H5 thread limit, making it suitable for standard tolerance threading in production and maintenance applications. Overall length is 2.5 inches with a thread length of 0.63 inches. Machinists, tool-and-die workers, and maintenance mechanics use this tap with a tap wrench or machine spindle for hand-tapping operations.

This tap is built for threading alloy steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and free-machining stainless steel. The plug chamfer, with its moderate lead, works well in through-hole applications and in blind holes where there is adequate relief below the thread zone. It fits standard tap holder and tap wrench square drives. Part of the Cleveland Series 1002 line, the C54463 suits general-purpose shop use, field repair work, and light production threading where a reliable, consistent thread form is required.

Key Features

• Plug chamfer geometry for versatile through-hole and blind-hole threading
• High speed steel construction for durability across common workpiece materials
• Bright uncoated finish — no coating buildup to affect thread tolerance
• H5 thread limit ground to Class 2B fit for standard tolerance applications
• 3-flute straight flute design for controlled chip handling in short-chipping materials
• Standard square drive shank compatible with tap wrenches and machine holders

Compatibility

Designed for use in standard 1/4-20 UNC tapping applications across alloy steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and free-machining stainless steel workpieces. Fits tap wrenches and machine tap holders sized for a 0.255-inch shank diameter with a 5/16-inch square drive.

Installation Notes

Secure the workpiece fully before tapping and ensure the tap is aligned perpendicular to the drilled hole to avoid tap breakage or thread distortion. Use an appropriate cutting fluid or tapping compound matched to the workpiece material. For hand tapping, apply steady, even pressure and back the tap off periodically to break chips. Never force a tap against resistance — back off and clear chips before continuing.