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Silver metal tap with fluted shaft and square drive end

Drill America

Drill America 3/8"-18 HSS Plug Hand Tap

SKU CH-8DXQ-ZYEA6

3/8"-18 HSS plug tap cuts internal threads in through holes with a plug chamfer

  • HSS material resists wear for long tool life
  • Plug style suits through-hole tapping tasks
  • Taper start aligns threads square to workpiece
  • 3/8"-18 size fits standard pipe threads
  • California Proposition 65 warning applies to this item

3/8"-18 HSS Plug Hand Tap

The Drill America 3/8"-18 HSS Plug Hand Tap cuts internal threads in through holes using high-speed steel construction. It suits machinists, maintenance technicians, and DIY users who need to create or repair NPT pipe threads by hand or under power. The plug chamfer starts the thread square with the workpiece for reliable engagement in general-purpose tapping tasks across a wide range of materials.

Plug chamfer for through-hole threading

The plug style is designed specifically for thru holes where the tap passes completely through the workpiece. This chamfer configuration provides easier starting and requires less torque than a bottoming tap, making it the standard choice for most through-hole applications in pipe fitting and plumbing work. It is not intended for blind holes that require threads to the bottom.

High-speed steel handles common materials

High-speed steel construction offers sufficient wear resistance for tapping steel, cast iron, brass, and aluminum in typical shop environments. The tap performs reliably in general machine or CNC tapping operations where coolant is used. It will wear faster than cobalt or carbide alternatives when used in hardened alloys, abrasive composites, or high-volume production runs requiring extended tool life.

Highlights

  • HSS material resists wear for long tool life
  • Plug style suits through-hole tapping tasks
  • Taper start aligns threads square to workpiece
  • 3/8"-18 size fits standard pipe threads
  • California Proposition 65 warning applies to this item

Specifications

BrandDRILL AMERICA

Questions about this item

What does the 3/8"-18 size mean when I start threading a hole?

The 3/8"-18 designation indicates a nominal diameter of 3/8 inch with 18 threads per inch, so the tap cuts 18 complete threads every linear inch of engagement.

How does the plug chamfer affect the way this tap enters a through hole?

The plug style has a moderate lead taper that starts the thread squarely and is intended for through holes where the tap can pass completely through the workpiece.

What shank dimensions should I check to ensure this tap fits my tap wrench or holder?

The tap decimal equivalent is given as .375-18, meaning the shank diameter is 0.375 inch; verify your wrench or holder accepts that size before use.

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