Regal Cutting Tools 018406RS 8-32 Unc Solid Carbide Hand Tap

Product Description

The REGAL CUTTING TOOLS 018406RS is a solid carbide straight-flute hand tap designed for cutting 8-32 UNC internal threads in demanding materials. Built from micrograin solid carbide with a bright uncoated finish, it delivers hardness and wear resistance suited for production tapping in hard metals, cast iron, and abrasive materials where high-speed steel taps fall short. The plug chamfer style provides a gradual thread lead-in, making it well-suited for through-hole tapping. With 4 flutes and a right-hand thread direction, this tap produces clean, accurate threads at a 2B class of fit with an H3 thread limit for consistent dimensional control across repeated use.

This tap is intended for hand tapping or use in rigid tapping setups where a straight-flute design is appropriate. The 8-32 UNC thread form is one of the most common unified coarse thread standards in mechanical assembly, found in light-gauge sheet metal work, electronics enclosures, instrument panels, and general machine assembly. Licensed machinists, toolroom technicians, and maintenance mechanics regularly use this tap for repair threading and new production work. The plug chamfer makes it suitable for through-hole applications where a starting taper is not required but a full bottoming tap is not needed.

Key Features

• Micrograin solid carbide construction for superior hardness and extended tool life in abrasive or hard materials
• Bright uncoated finish suitable for use without additional coating requirements
• Plug chamfer provides controlled thread lead-in for through-hole tapping
• 4-flute straight-flute geometry for clean thread form in short-chipping materials
• H3 thread limit with 2B class of fit for precise, repeatable thread dimensions
• No coolant-through requirement - compatible with standard hand tapping and manual machine setups

Compatibility

Designed as a standard replacement hand tap for 8-32 UNC through-hole threading applications requiring a solid carbide straight-flute plug tap.

Installation Notes

This tap is installed by machinists and toolroom technicians using standard tap handles or rigid tapping fixtures. Always ensure the workpiece is securely fixtured and the tap is aligned perpendicular to the hole before starting. Carbide is brittle - avoid side-loading, off-angle entry, or over-torquing, which can cause fracture. Apply appropriate cutting fluid for the workpiece material and clear chips frequently to prevent tap breakage.