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Westward straight flute hand tap 3/8"-16 UNC taper 4 flutes carbon steel bright finish

Westward

Westward 2LXE4 Straight Flute Hand Tap 3/8"-16 Taper 4 Flutes UNC

SKU CH-SQSD-1Q578

Creates UNC threads in 3/8"-16 holes using a four-flute taper design made from carbon steel

  • Product typeHole, Drill, Bore & Wire Gauges
  • Straight flute design starts threads cleanly in through-holes
  • 3/8"-16 UNC taper tap cuts standard coarse threads
  • Four flutes evacuate chips efficiently during hand tapping
  • Bright carbon steel resists wear without coating buildup
  • 2 15/16 in overall length gives ample reach for deep holes

Westward 3/8"-16 UNC Taper Tap

The Westward 2LXE4 is a straight-flute hand tap for cutting 3/8"-16 UNC threads in through-holes or blind holes with adequate chip clearance. Made from carbon steel with a bright uncoated finish, it has four flutes and a right-hand thread direction. The overall length is 2 15/16 in and the thread length is 1 1/4 in. It is supplied new and ready for workshop use.

Suited for maintenance

This tap suits mechanics and machinists who need to cut standard coarse threads in steel, cast iron or non-ferrous metals using a hand wrench or tap handle. The taper chamfer eases starting and alignment in a pre-drilled hole. It is not for buyers who need a bottoming or plug chamfer to reach full thread depth near the bottom of a blind hole. It is also not for high-volume CNC tapping where coated or spiral-point tools would be preferred.

3/8"-16 UNC thread size determines fit

The single specification that decides whether this is the right part is the thread size: 3/8"-16 UNC. Only holes drilled to the correct tap-drill diameter for this coarse-pitch series will produce a proper thread. Verify the required thread specification before ordering.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in Utility & Specialty Hand Tools, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $1.99
Cheaper than about 98% of the 2,474 comparable items (median $23.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameWestward
Product typeHole, Drill, Bore & Wire Gauges

Questions about this item

How often will the carbon steel tap need replacing when cutting new threads?

Carbon steel taps dull faster than high-speed steel; replace when threads feel rough or the tap binds in the hole.

What limits continuous threading with this uncoated 3/8"-16 taper tap?

Heat buildup in the carbon steel body is the first limit; cutting fluid and slower speed extend each session.

Does the bright finish affect heat or noise during all-day use?

The uncoated surface runs warmer and transmits more vibration than coated taps, so use ample lubricant and take regular breaks.

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