Cleveland C54585 Hand Tap 3/8-16 Plug Hss Unc

Product Description

The CLEVELAND C54585 is a 3/8-16 plug chamfer hand tap designed for cutting internal threads in a wide range of metallic materials. Made from high speed steel with a bright uncoated finish, this tap runs in right-hand direction with a 3-flute straight flute configuration and a Class 3B fit to the H3 thread limit. Overall length measures 2.938 inches with a 0.75 inch (3/4 inch) thread length. It conforms to UNC thread standards and is built for both blind hole and through-hole threading applications in production and maintenance machining environments.

This tap is suited for threading operations in alloy steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and free-machining stainless steel. The plug chamfer — typically 3 to 5 threads of chamfer lead — makes it appropriate for starting threads in through holes or partially threaded blind holes where some lead-in clearance is available. It is commonly used by machinists, maintenance technicians, and toolroom operators working on manual tapping machines, drill press setups, or hand-tapping with a T-handle or tap wrench. The 3-flute straight flute design works well in softer materials and shorter chip situations.

Key Features

• Plug chamfer provides a gradual thread lead-in, suited for through-hole and shallow blind-hole threading
• High speed steel construction offers durability across a broad range of workpiece materials
• Bright uncoated finish — no coating interference, easy to inspect for wear
• 3-flute straight flute geometry compatible with alloy steel, carbon steel, aluminum, and free-machining stainless steel
• Class 3B fit with H3 thread limit ensures close-tolerance threading for precision assemblies
• Right-hand thread direction, UNC standard, Series 1002

Compatibility

Designed for blind hole and through-hole threading in alloy steel, aluminum, carbon steel, and free-machining stainless steel. Fits standard 3/8-16 UNC tapping applications. Shank diameter of 0.381 inches is compatible with standard tap holders and T-handle wrenches sized for this tap range.

Installation Notes

This tap is installed by machinists and toolroom technicians using a T-handle tap wrench, tapping stand, or drill press with a floating tap holder. Always use cutting fluid appropriate to the workpiece material to extend tool life and improve thread finish. Ensure the workpiece is securely fixtured and the tap is started perpendicular to the drilled hole to avoid tap breakage. Use the correct tap drill size for a 3/8-16 UNC thread before tapping.