Value Collection JY4912168 3/8-16 Lh Plug Hand Tap Hss

Product Description

The VALUE COLLECTION JY4912168 is a 3/8-16 UNC left-hand plug hand tap ground from high speed steel with a bright, uncoated finish. It is designed for cutting internal left-hand threads in through-holes and blind holes where standard right-hand threading is not suitable. The plug chamfer — typically 3 to 5 threads — makes it versatile for starting in a hole and continuing to near the bottom. With 4 straight flutes and an H3 thread limit, this tap holds tight tolerances for Class 3B thread fits. Overall length is 2-15/16 inches. Machinists, tool-and-die workers, and maintenance technicians use this tap for repair threading and production work on ferrous and non-ferrous materials.

This tap is suited for hand tapping operations in metalworking, fabrication, and maintenance environments. Left-hand taps are specified when the fastener or threaded component must resist loosening from counterclockwise rotation — common in applications such as left-hand threaded spindles, turnbuckles, and certain equipment repair scenarios. The 3/8-16 UNC thread form is a widely used coarse-pitch standard size found across general manufacturing, structural, and mechanical assembly work.

Key Features

• Left-hand thread direction for applications requiring reverse-rotation thread engagement
• Plug chamfer style for general-purpose through-hole and blind-hole tapping
• 4 straight flutes for chip clearance in a range of materials
• H3 thread limit holds Class 3B fit tolerances for precision thread quality
• High speed steel construction provides durability across ferrous and non-ferrous workpieces
• Bright uncoated finish — no coating to flake or affect thread dimensions

Compatibility

Designed as a standard hand tap for 3/8-16 UNC left-hand threaded holes in metalworking and maintenance applications. Compatible with standard tap wrenches and T-handle holders sized for the tap's square drive end.

Installation Notes

This tap is intended for hand tapping; secure the workpiece firmly before threading to prevent movement. Use a cutting fluid appropriate for the workpiece material to extend tap life and improve thread finish. Left-hand taps must be turned counterclockwise to cut — confirm thread direction before applying torque to avoid tap breakage. Back the tap off periodically to break chips and clear the flutes.