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Walter 1/2-13 NC HSS Bottoming Tap for Blind Holes

$43.60/ea $112.50/3 per each only $37.50/eaSave 14%

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OVERVIEW

Reliable Thread Repair with Walter 1/2-13 Bottoming Taps

When you are deep in a fabrication project or fixing a critical piece of equipment, a stripped thread in a blind hole can bring work to a grinding halt. The Walter 03B083 1/2-13 NC Bottoming Tap is the solution you need to get back up and running. Built by Walter, a trusted name in metalworking solutions, this tap is designed to cut clean, precise threads right to the bottom of a hole where other taps can't reach. It is the perfect finishing tool after using a taper or plug tap, or for re-threading damaged holes to ensure bolts seat fully and securely.

Constructed from heavy-duty High-Speed Steel (HSS), this tap is far superior to the brittle carbon steel taps often found in generic hardware stores. HSS stands up to the heat and friction generated when cutting through hard metals like stainless steel and structural mild steel. This means you can tap more holes with a single tool without worrying about the teeth dulling prematurely or the tap snapping off inside your workpiece—a nightmare scenario for any welder or mechanic. The threads are precision ground, which helps the tool slice through metal with less resistance, requiring less torque on your tap handle and reducing operator fatigue.

The "Bottoming" style of this tap features a very short chamfer at the tip, typically only 1 to 1.5 threads long. This geometry is specifically intended for blind holes (holes that don't exit the other side of the material). By minimizing the non-cutting lead-in, the Walter 03B083 ensures you get usable threads all the way to the bottom of the drilled depth. This is crucial for achieving maximum holding power for studs and bolts in engine blocks, machinery frames, and custom fixtures. Pair this tap with a quality cutting fluid or lubricant to extend its life even further and achieve the smoothest possible finish on your threads.

Why Choose the Walter 03B083?

  • Reach the Bottom: Threads blind holes fully for maximum bolt engagement.
  • Tough Construction: HSS material resists heat and wear better than carbon steel.
  • Versatile Use: Works great on aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel.
  • Precision Fit: Ground threads ensure your bolts fit perfectly every time.
Additional Information
Brand:Walter Surface Technologies
Size:1/2"
Thread Type:1/2-13 NC
Material:High-Speed Steel (HSS)
Tap Style:Bottoming
Chamfer Length:1-2 Threads
Flute Type:Straight
Application Material:Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Drill Bit Size:27/64"
Packaging Description:3 per each

INCLUDED

  • 1 x Walter 1/2-13 NC High-Speed Steel Bottoming Tap
  • Protective packaging

APPLICATIONS

  • Creating new threads in blind holes
  • Repairing damaged or stripped threads
  • Maintenance and repair operations (MRO)
  • Automotive engine and chassis work
  • Machining and fabrication workshops
  • Metalworking on stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum

FAQ

The main difference is the chamfer length. A plug tap has a chamfer of 3-5 threads, making it easier to start, while a bottoming tap like the Walter 03B083 has a very short chamfer of 1-2 threads, allowing it to cut threads all the way to the bottom of a blind hole.

For a standard 1/2-13 NC thread, the recommended drill bit size is 27/64 inch. This provides the correct percentage of thread engagement for a strong hold.

Yes, the Walter 03B083 is made from High-Speed Steel (HSS), which is durable enough to cut threads in stainless steel. It is recommended to use a high-quality tapping fluid to reduce friction and heat.

While it is possible, bottoming taps are difficult to start straight because they lack a tapered lead-in. It is best practice to start the thread with a taper or plug tap and then finish the bottom of the hole with this bottoming tap.

Yes, using a cutting oil or tapping fluid is highly recommended. It lubricates the cutting edges, helps clear chips, and significantly extends the life of the tap while producing a cleaner thread.

NC stands for 'National Coarse'. It refers to the thread pitch standard. A 1/2-13 NC tap has a 1/2-inch diameter and 13 threads per inch, which is the standard coarse thread for this diameter.

This specific SKU (03B083) refers to a single Walter 1/2-13 NC Bottoming Tap.

While HSS taps can be used in machine tapping heads, bottoming taps in blind holes require extreme caution if used with power tools to avoid hitting the bottom and breaking the tap. Hand tapping is often safer for blind holes unless using a specialized tapping head with a clutch.