Value Collection MSC-04481198 Hand Tap 5/16-18 Unc

Product Description

The VALUE COLLECTION MSC-04481198 is a 5/16-18 UNC bottoming hand tap manufactured from high speed steel with a bright, uncoated finish. It is designed for cutting internal threads to the bottom of blind holes, where a standard or plug tap cannot reach full thread depth. The 4-flute straight flute geometry provides clean chip formation in through-hole and short blind-hole applications. With a thread limit of H5 and a Class 2B fit, this tap produces threads to standard tolerance for general-purpose fastener assembly. Licensed machinists, maintenance mechanics, and tool-and-die tradespeople use this tap with a hand tap wrench or in low-speed machine tapping operations.

This tap is suited for threading mild steel, aluminum, brass, and similar machinable materials in production and maintenance environments. The bottoming chamfer — typically 1 to 2 threads of lead — allows threading to within a few threads of the bottom of a blind hole. At 2-23/32 inches overall length with a 1-1/8 inch thread length, it fits standard tap holders and T-handle wrenches used in bench and field repair work.

Key Features

• Bottoming chamfer for threading close to the bottom of blind holes
• 5/16-18 UNC thread form, Class 2B fit with H5 thread limit
• High speed steel construction for durability across a range of workpiece materials
• 4-flute straight flute design for balanced cutting and chip clearance
• Bright, uncoated finish — no coating buildup to affect thread tolerance
• Right-hand thread direction, compatible with standard tap wrenches and holders

Compatibility

Designed as a standard replacement or supplemental tap for any application requiring 5/16-18 UNC internal threads with a Class 2B tolerance and H5 thread limit; fits standard tap wrench and machine collet holders sized for 5/16-inch shank taps.

Installation Notes

Secure the workpiece firmly before tapping to prevent movement. Use a cutting fluid appropriate to the workpiece material to reduce heat and extend tap life. When hand tapping, advance one-quarter turn forward and back-off periodically to break chips and prevent binding. Never force a tap — if resistance increases sharply, back out and clear chips before continuing.