Cleveland C57636 Spiral Point Tap 1/2-13 Unc Hss

Product Description

The CLEVELAND C57636 is a spiral point tap designed for through-hole threading in steel and cast iron workpieces. The spiral point geometry pushes chips ahead of the cutting action, keeping the flutes clear during machine tapping and reducing the risk of chip packing. Built from high speed steel with an oxide finish, this tap handles the mechanical demands of production and maintenance threading. It cuts a 1/2-13 UNC thread to a 2B class of fit with an H3 thread limit, making it suitable for standard fastener-clearance applications. Three flutes provide a balance of chip clearance and cutting edge strength for this thread size.

This tap is intended for through-hole applications in cast iron and steel. The plug chamfer — typically 3 to 5 threads of lead — makes it the standard choice for machine tapping where the tool passes fully through the material. It is commonly used in CNC machining centers, manual knee mills, and production tapping operations. The right-hand cutting direction and 1/2-13 UNC specification align with the most common inch-standard fastener thread used in general mechanical assemblies and structural connections.

Key Features

• Spiral point design pushes chips forward, suited for through-hole machine tapping
• High speed steel construction provides durability in steel and cast iron
• Oxide finish improves lubrication retention during cutting
• Plug chamfer for standard through-hole entry and lead-in
• H3 thread limit and 2B class of fit for general-purpose inch-standard fastener threads
• No coolant-through requirement; compatible with flood coolant or cutting oil applied externally

Compatibility

Designed for through-hole threading in cast iron and steel. Compatible with standard tap holders and chucks accepting a 0.367-inch shank diameter. Suitable for use with CNC tapping cycles and manual tapping machines set for right-hand rotation.

Installation Notes

This tap is installed and driven by a licensed machinist or tool-and-die professional using a tap holder, tapping head, or rigid tapping cycle on a machine tool. Before starting, confirm the tap holder runout is within acceptable limits and that the workpiece is securely fixtured. Apply cutting oil or flood coolant appropriate for the workpiece material. Do not reverse the tap under power without confirming the machine is set for synchronized reversal, as unsupported reversal can fracture the tap in the hole.