Kennametal 1544534 Hand Tap 5/16-18 Plug Unc Tin Hss

Product Description

The KENNAMETAL 1544534 is a 5/16-18 straight-flute hand tap designed for cutting right-hand internal threads in ferrous materials. Built from high-speed steel with a titanium nitride (TiN) coating, it provides increased surface hardness and extended tool life compared to uncoated alternatives. The plug chamfer style — with roughly 3 to 5 lead threads — makes it suited for through-hole tapping and starting a thread in a pre-drilled hole. With a 4-flute design and an H3 thread limit, this tap holds tight tolerances for a 3B class of fit. Overall length is 2.719 inches and thread length is 1.125 inches. Licensed machinists, tool-and-die makers, and maintenance technicians routinely specify this tap for production and repair threading operations.

This tap is intended for hand tapping applications in cast iron, stainless steel, and carbon or alloy steel workpieces. The UNC (Unified National Coarse) thread form at 5/16-18 is one of the most common fastener thread sizes in North American industrial and maintenance work, making this tap a practical choice for both production shops and field repair scenarios. The TiN coating reduces galling when threading stainless steel and extends tap life in abrasive cast iron. It is cataloged under Kennametal Series 2305 and 2314.

Key Features

• High-speed steel construction for toughness and re-sharpenability
• Titanium nitride (TiN) coating for improved wear resistance and reduced friction
• Plug chamfer (approximately 3 to 5 lead threads) suited for through-hole and starter threading
• 4-flute straight-flute geometry for chip control in ferrous materials
• H3 thread limit maintains consistent 3B class-of-fit tolerances
• Right-hand thread direction — standard for UNC 5/16-18 applications

Compatibility

Designed for cutting 5/16-18 UNC right-hand internal threads in cast iron, stainless steel, and steel workpieces. Compatible with standard tap wrenches and tapping heads that accept taps with a 0.318-inch shank diameter. Listed under Kennametal Series 2305 and 2314.

Installation Notes

Hand taps should be installed in a proper tap wrench or T-handle — never driven with an impact tool. Ensure the workpiece is securely fixtured and the pilot hole is drilled to the correct tap drill size for a 5/16-18 UNC thread before starting. Apply appropriate cutting fluid for the workpiece material, particularly when threading stainless steel, to reduce heat and prevent tap breakage. Back the tap out periodically to break and clear chips during the threading cycle.