Cleveland C54588 Hand Tap 3/8-16 Unc Plug 4-flute Hss

Product Description

The CLEVELAND C54588 is a 3/8-16 UNC straight-flute hand tap designed for cutting internal threads in both blind and through holes. Built from high speed steel with a bright uncoated finish, it runs a plug chamfer entry and four flutes to efficiently clear chips during manual or machine-assisted tapping operations. The tap measures 2.938 inches overall length with a 0.75-inch thread length, and carries a Class 2B fit with an H5 thread limit for standard commercial tolerance threading. This tool is installed by machinists, maintenance technicians, and toolroom professionals working in metalworking and fabrication environments.

The C54588 is suited for blind hole and through-hole threading applications across a broad range of workpiece materials. Its plug chamfer — typically 3 to 5 lead threads — makes it the standard choice for through-hole work and the most common starting tap in a tap set sequence. Series 1002 designation places it in Cleveland's standard hand tap line, appropriate for general-purpose threading tasks in job shop, production, and MRO settings.

Key Features

• 3/8-16 UNC thread form with right-hand direction for standard fastener thread cutting
• Plug chamfer entry for versatile use in through holes and moderately deep blind holes
• 4-flute straight-flute geometry promotes chip clearance in short-chipping materials
• High speed steel construction provides toughness and wear resistance across common metals
• Bright uncoated finish — no coating buildup to alter tap geometry or tolerance
• H5 thread limit and Class 2B fit meet standard commercial threading specifications

Compatibility

Designed for use in alloy steel, aluminum, carbon steel, and free-machining stainless steel workpieces. Compatible with standard tap wrenches and tapping attachments accepting a 0.381-inch shank diameter with a 7/16-inch square drive.

Installation Notes

Hand taps should be installed and driven using a properly sized tap wrench to maintain axial alignment and prevent tap breakage. Always secure the workpiece and ensure the hole is drilled to the correct tap drill diameter for a 3/8-16 UNC thread before tapping. Apply appropriate cutting fluid for the workpiece material to reduce friction and extend tap life. Back the tap off periodically during operation to break and clear chips, particularly in blind hole applications.