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Bright uncoated steel hand tap 1/2-20 UNF plug three flutes 3.38 in overall length

Cleveland

Cleveland C54740 Straight Flute Hand Tap Plug 1/2-20 UNF HSS 3 Flutes

SKU CH-1WK8-ECJN7

Cuts 1/2-20 UNF threads with a 3-flute HSS plug tap measuring 3.38 in overall and 1.66 in thread length

  • Cuts precise UNF threads with 1/2-20 sizing
  • Plug chamfer starts threads easily in through holes
  • High-speed steel resists wear during repeated tapping
  • Three flutes clear chips for smoother cutting
  • 66 in thread length handles standard depths

1/2-20 UNF Straight Flute Hand Tap

This Cleveland C54740 straight flute hand tap cuts unified national fine threads in a 1/2 inch diameter with 20 threads per inch. It is designed for general-purpose threading tasks where a plug chamfer is required. The high-speed steel construction provides durability for hand-tapping operations in various materials. It suits machinists and maintenance personnel creating internal threads.

Plug chamfer and H3 thread limit

The plug chamfer offers a moderate lead-in for starting threads in through-holes or blind holes with adequate clearance. The H3 thread limit produces a class 2B fit, which determines the allowance and tolerance for the finished thread. A 75 percent thread depth requires a specific 11.40 mm drill size before tapping. This tap cannot produce threads for a different class of fit or thread percentage.

3.38 inch overall length

The overall length of 3.38 inches and a thread length of 1.66 inches define the reach and cutting area of this tool. These dimensions dictate whether the tap can access the workpiece and cut the required thread depth in a single pass. Buyers needing a longer reach or a different thread length must select a different tap. The bright, uncoated finish is standard for general use.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Bits, Hole Saws & Accessory Kits, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $18.99
Cheaper than about 66% of the 5,493 comparable items (median $27.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameCLEVELAND

Questions about this item

Should I choose the H3 thread limit or a different limit for a 1/2-20 UNF hole?

The H3 limit gives a 2B class of fit, which is the standard tolerance for general-purpose unified threads. Select it when the drawing calls for 2B; choose a tighter limit only if the specification demands 3B.

What does the 75 percent thread drill size of 11.40 mm mean when I am tapping?

Drill the hole to 11.40 mm before tapping; this diameter produces roughly 75 percent thread engagement, balancing strength and tapping torque for high-speed steel in most materials.

How does the straight-flute design affect chip handling on a through-hole?

Straight flutes push chips ahead of the tap, so they work best on through-holes where chips can exit the bottom; for blind holes a spiral-flute tap would pull chips out instead.

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