Walter 7/16-20 NF HSS Bottoming Tap for Blind Holes

Reliable Threading Solutions for the Welding Shop

When you are in the middle of a fabrication project or repairing heavy equipment, having the right cutting tools can make the difference between a quick fix and a long, frustrating struggle. The Walter 7/16-20 NF Bottoming Tap (SKU: 03B076) is a must-have addition to any welder's or mechanic's toolbox. Built from robust High Speed Steel (HSS), this tap is designed to cut through stubborn metals like stainless steel and mild steel without losing its edge. For welders who often deal with custom fixtures or repairs on existing machinery, being able to clean up or cut new threads accurately is vital.

The "Bottoming" style of this tap is particularly useful for specific scenarios often encountered in the shop. If you are drilling and tapping into a thick plate or a casting where the hole doesn't go all the way through (a blind hole), a standard tap will stop cutting threads long before it hits the bottom. This leaves you with shallow threads that might not hold a bolt securely. This Walter tap solves that problem. With a very short lead-in of just 1-2 threads, it cuts full, usable threads all the way to the bottom of the hole. This ensures your bolts have maximum grip, which is essential for high-stress connections.

Using this tap is straightforward, but it requires care. Because it has almost no taper to help it start straight, it is best used after a "plug" or "taper" tap has already established the thread path. Once the initial threads are cut, you switch to this bottoming tap to finish the job. The precision-ground flutes help clear chips out of the way, although using a good cutting fluid is always recommended to keep the tool cool and the cut smooth. Whether you are tapping a new hole in a custom bracket or chasing damaged threads on a piece of equipment, this Walter HSS tap provides the durability and precision you need to get the job done right the first time.

Don't let stripped threads or shallow blind holes slow down your production. Equip your shop with high-quality Walter taps that stand up to the rigors of professional metalworking. With its fine thread pitch (20 TPI), this tool is perfect for applications requiring high vibration resistance and fine adjustment capabilities.