Cleveland C56016 Hand Tap 3/8-24 Unf Plug Hss

Product Description

The CLEVELAND C56016 is a 3/8-24 UNF plug chamfer hand tap designed for cutting internal threads in ferrous and hard materials. Manufactured from high speed steel with an oxide finish, this 4-flute straight-flute tap delivers consistent thread quality in both through-hole and blind-hole applications. The plug chamfer — 3 to 5 threads of lead — makes it the most common starting tap when a hole is pre-drilled and the thread must be cut to depth. Overall length is 2.938 inches with a 0.75-inch thread length, suited for standard-depth tapping operations. Machinists, tool and die makers, and maintenance technicians install this tap by hand or in a tapping fixture.

This tap is appropriate for threading operations in cast iron, stainless steel, and steel workpieces. The straight-flute design handles both through-hole and blind-hole threading, making it a versatile choice for general-purpose shop work, MRO maintenance, and production tapping where chip control is managed externally. The H3 thread limit supports standard 2B class-of-fit tolerances, which are the most widely specified class for general-purpose UNF threaded assemblies in industrial and mechanical applications.

Key Features

• 3/8-24 UNF right-hand thread, Class 2B fit, H3 thread limit for standard tolerance threaded assemblies
• High speed steel construction provides wear resistance in cast iron, stainless steel, and steel
• Oxide coating reduces friction and provides mild corrosion resistance during storage and use
• 4-flute straight-flute geometry suits both through-hole and blind-hole threading
• Plug chamfer provides a balanced lead-in, compatible with pre-drilled holes at standard tap drill sizes
• Square drive shank (0.286-inch square size, 0.4375-inch square length) fits standard tap wrenches and holders

Compatibility

Designed as a standard hand tap for 3/8-24 UNF threaded holes in cast iron, stainless steel, and steel. Compatible with standard tap wrenches and tapping fixtures accepting a 0.381-inch shank diameter with a 7/16-inch square drive. Part of the Cleveland Series 1002BO.

Installation Notes

Installation is performed by hand with a tap wrench or in a tapping fixture by a machinist or maintenance technician. Always use the correct tap drill size for 3/8-24 UNF threads and ensure the workpiece is securely fixtured before tapping. Apply appropriate cutting fluid for the material being threaded, particularly when working with stainless steel, to reduce heat buildup and extend tap life. Back the tap off periodically to break chips when tapping blind holes.