Westward
Westward 2LXF3 Straight Flute Hand Tap 5/8"-11 Taper 4 Flutes UNC
Cuts UNC threads in a 5/8"-11 hole with a taper lead and four straight flutes
- TypeHole, Drill, Bore & Wire Gauges
- 5/8"-11 UNC thread cuts standard coarse threads
- Taper chamfer starts threads easily in through-holes
- Four straight flutes clear chips efficiently in hand use
- Carbon steel construction handles general-purpose tapping jobs
- Bright uncoated finish suits low-speed manual operations
Thread Size and Pitch
The Westward 2LXF3 is a straight flute hand tap with a 5/8"-11 UNC thread size. It is intended for mechanics and machinists cutting new internal threads or repairing damaged ones in through-holes. The taper design provides a gradual start for easier alignment in metal workpieces.
Taper Style vs Other Taps
This taper tap replaces a plug or bottoming tap when starting threads in a blind or through hole. The jump is worth it when the first pass must cut cleanly without wandering, especially in tougher alloys where a plug tap might skip. Its 4 flute design offers a balance between chip clearance and thread strength for general purpose use.
Installation and Common Issues
The tap is turned by hand with a suitable wrench, requiring steady pressure and cutting fluid to prevent binding. Misalignment during the first few turns usually ruins the thread pitch, so a guide or drill press alignment helps. Dull flutes or lack of lubrication often cause the tap to snap inside the hole.
Highlights
- 5/8"-11 UNC thread cuts standard coarse threads
- Taper chamfer starts threads easily in through-holes
- Four straight flutes clear chips efficiently in hand use
- Carbon steel construction handles general-purpose tapping jobs
- Bright uncoated finish suits low-speed manual operations
Specifications
| Brand | Westward |
|---|---|
| Type | Hole, Drill, Bore & Wire Gauges |
Questions about this item
What size tap wrench or holder fits the 5/8"-11 straight flute tap?
The tap has a 5/8"-11 UNC thread size and 1 13/16 in thread length. Use a tap wrench or adjustable holder sized for 5/8 in diameter shanks to match the straight flute design.
How do I start the taper tap straight in a drilled hole?
Drill the correct 5/8"-11 UNC tap drill size, apply cutting fluid, and turn the taper lead slowly with steady pressure. The tapered chamfer guides the first threads, but misalignment from rushing the start ruins the thread.
When should I replace this carbon steel tap?
Replace it when the bright uncoated flutes show dull edges, chipping, or when threading 5/8"-11 UNC holes requires excessive force and produces rough threads. Carbon steel wears faster than high speed steel in repeated use.
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