Westward
Westward 5PXH4 Pipe Tap 1/2"-14 NPT Semi-Bottoming 4 Flutes
Cuts 1/2"-14 NPT threads with a semi-bottoming, four-flute high-speed steel design from Westward
- TypeHole, Drill, Bore & Wire Gauges
- 1/2"-14 NPT threads cut cleanly with four-flute semi-bottoming design
- High-speed steel construction resists wear for repeatable pipe threading
- 1-3/8" thread length reaches deeper into fittings
- Bright uncoated finish allows easy chip inspection during use
- 75 % thread engagement matched by .7031 drill size for accurate holes
Westward 1/2"-14 NPT Pipe Tap
This Westward pipe tap cuts internal NPT threads in a 1/2 inch nominal pipe size with a 14 threads-per-inch pitch. It is a semi-bottoming style tool made from high speed steel with a bright uncoated finish and four flutes. The thread length measures 1 3/8 inches and the overall length is 3 1/8 inches. It suits maintenance and fabrication tasks requiring tapered pipe threads.
Replaces worn taps or upgrades from taper-only sets
A semi-bottoming chamfer allows threading closer to the bottom of a blind hole than a standard taper tap. The jump is worth it when existing taps no longer produce a clean 75 percent thread profile or when the 0.7031 inch drill size is needed for a Class 3B fit. It is not for through-hole work where a taper chamfer clears chips more efficiently.
Practical limits of NPT tapered threads
The tapered form creates a mechanical seal but requires thread sealant or tape for leak-free joints. Re-threading an existing fitting removes additional material and can loosen the joint over time. The four-flute design evacuates chips in ductile metals but may load up in abrasive or gummy materials without frequent clearing. The tool is not for straight parallel threads such as NPSM or BSPP.
Highlights
- 1/2"-14 NPT threads cut cleanly with four-flute semi-bottoming design
- High-speed steel construction resists wear for repeatable pipe threading
- 1-3/8" thread length reaches deeper into fittings
- Bright uncoated finish allows easy chip inspection during use
- 75 % thread engagement matched by .7031 drill size for accurate holes
Specifications
| Brand | Westward |
|---|---|
| Type | Hole, Drill, Bore & Wire Gauges |
Questions about this item
What tap-drill diameter is needed for the 1/2"-14 NPT thread?
Use a 75-percent thread drill size of .7031 in. to prepare the hole before tapping.
How should the semi-bottoming 4-flute tap be started to avoid cross-threading?
Apply steady axial pressure while keeping the tap square to the hole; the semi-bottoming chamfer requires careful alignment on the first turn.
When will the high-speed-steel tap need to be replaced?
Replace the tap once the cutting edges dull enough to produce rough or oversized threads in NPT holes.
Also in this aisle
People compared these
Same shelf, same checkout — eight coins and a 30-minute rate lock.
