Cleveland C55386 Spiral Point Tap 1/4-20 Unf Ticn Hss

Product Description

The CLEVELAND C55386 is a spiral point plug tap designed for through-hole threading applications in metal fabrication and maintenance work. Built from high speed steel (HSS) with a titanium carbonitride (TiCN) finish, it cuts a 1/4-20 UNF thread to a Class 2B fit with an H3 thread limit. The 3-flute spiral point geometry pushes chips forward ahead of the cutting zone, making it well suited for threading through holes rather than blind bores. Overall length is 2.5 inches with a thread length of 0.63 inches. The part weighs 0.5 pounds and carries a right-hand thread direction. Machinists, toolroom techs, and maintenance professionals working in production or job-shop environments are the primary users of this tap.

This tap is intended for through-hole threading in cast iron, stainless steel, and carbon steel workpieces. The plug chamfer style provides a gradual lead-in with moderate starting ease, making it appropriate for both CNC tapping cycles and hand-tapping setups. The TiCN coating adds surface hardness and lubricity compared to uncoated HSS, which extends tool life when running at production feeds and speeds in ferrous materials. It does not include coolant-through capability, so external cutting fluid application is recommended when tapping stainless steel or harder grades of cast iron.

Key Features

• Spiral point geometry pushes chips forward, optimized for through-hole threading
• TiCN finish increases surface hardness and lubricity for extended tool life in ferrous materials
• High speed steel construction provides toughness across a range of cutting speeds
• Plug chamfer for controlled lead-in on both machine and hand tapping operations
• H3 thread limit and Class 2B fit for standard tolerance through-hole applications
• 3-flute design balances chip clearance with cutting edge count in 1/4-20 UNF

Compatibility

Rated for use in cast iron, stainless steel, and steel workpieces. Part of the Cleveland Series 1011TICN tap line. Designed for through-hole threading applications where chip evacuation forward through the hole is feasible.

Installation Notes

This tap is installed by machinists or maintenance mechanics using a tap wrench, tapping head, or CNC rigid-tapping spindle. Before tapping, drill the correct tap drill size for a 1/4-20 thread and deburr the entry hole to ensure proper lead-in. Apply cutting fluid or tapping compound throughout the operation, particularly when working stainless steel, to prevent galling and premature tool wear. Do not reverse or back the tap out without clearing chips, and never exceed the rated thread limit tolerance by forcing an oversized condition.