Westward
Westward 5TWD1 Spiral Point Tap 1/4"-20 UNC 2 Flutes Bright
A spiral-point tap cuts 1/4"-20 UNC threads in through-holes with two straight flutes and a bright high-speed-steel finish
- TypeHole, Drill, Bore & Wire Gauges
- Spiral point pushes chips forward for smooth through-hole threading
- High-speed steel construction resists wear during repetitive tapping
- Two-flute design balances chip clearance with cutting strength
- Bright uncoated finish suits general-purpose steel and non-ferrous materials
- 1/4"-20 UNC thread with H3 limit meets Class 3B fit requirements
What the tap is for
The Westward 5TWD1 is a spiral point tap designed to cut 1/4"-20 UNC threads in through-holes. It suits machinists and maintenance technicians who need to produce Class 3B internal threads in steel or similar materials. The H3 thread limit provides a standard fit for general-purpose fastening applications. Bright high-speed steel construction resists wear during repeated use.
Installation and common issues
The plug chamfer allows the tap to start easily in a correctly drilled hole, while the spiral point pushes chips ahead of the flutes to reduce clogging. Two flutes provide adequate chip space for this thread size. Problems usually arise when the drill size is wrong, the workpiece material is too hard for uncoated HSS, or cutting fluid is omitted, leading to premature wear or broken flutes.
Limits of the UNC interface
The 1/4"-20 UNC standard defines a coarse pitch that is not interchangeable with fine-pitch or metric threads. Class 3B tolerance leaves minimal allowance for plating or coating buildup on the finished fastener. Uncoated high-speed steel loses hardness at elevated temperatures, so the tap is unsuitable for high-speed production tapping or hardened alloys without appropriate cooling and speed reduction.
Highlights
- Spiral point pushes chips forward for smooth through-hole threading
- High-speed steel construction resists wear during repetitive tapping
- Two-flute design balances chip clearance with cutting strength
- Bright uncoated finish suits general-purpose steel and non-ferrous materials
- 1/4"-20 UNC thread with H3 limit meets Class 3B fit requirements
Specifications
| Brand | Westward |
|---|---|
| Type | Hole, Drill, Bore & Wire Gauges |
Questions about this item
How do I verify the tap is cutting correctly after setup?
Check that threads are clean and the gauge fits the 3B class of fit with a snug engagement.
What comes in the box and what must I buy separately?
The box contains the 1/4"-20 UNC spiral point tap; a tap handle and cutting fluid are not included.
Which version of this tap should I choose for standard through-hole threading?
The H3 limit plug-style tap with two flutes is designed for general-purpose through-hole work.
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