THREADING TOOLS / INDUSTRIAL PROCUREMENT

UNC UNF and BSW Spiral Point Tap

For inch through-hole orders, match the thread family and leave space for forward-moving chips.

The UNC, UNF and BSW spiral point tap range covers 15 listed inch-thread entries. Its forward chip direction distinguishes it from the inch spiral flute range, even where the overall and holder dimensions look similar. Full thread-family identification remains essential.

15 defined entriesSize-by-size dimensions for an identifiable purchasing list.
HSS / HSS-CoTie the tool-material requirement to the selected application.
Order-line controlKeep the approved geometry and quantities together for replenishment.
  • Spiral point design for through hole threading.
  • UNC, UNF and BSW thread specifications.
  • American 60° and British Whitworth 55° profiles.
  • Material requirement selected with the requested thread execution.

Sizes, Dimensions & Drive Interface

Dimensions are in millimetres except thread designations, drive labels and lead counts. Read each column with the dimension reference below.

Thread / designationOverall length L (mm)Working / cutting length Lc (mm)Listed diameter d (mm)Square / drive k (mm)Pilot reference (mm)
4-40 UNC448.532.52.3
6-32 UNC481343.22.8
8-32 UNC5213543.4
10-24 UNC60165.54.53.9
10-32 UNF60165.54.54.1
1/4-20 UNC621964.55.1
5/16-18 UNC70226.156.8
3/8-16 UNC752475.58
1/2-13 UNC85299710.8
1/8-40 BSW448.532.52.6
3/16-24 BSW60165.54.53.7
1/4-20 BSW621964.55
5/16-18 BSW70226.156.5
3/8-16 BSW752475.57.9
1/2-12 BSW85299710.5

Match pilot-hole preparation to the thread system, workpiece and agreed acceptance requirement.

The range has 44–85 mm overall lengths. The 5/16-18 UNC pilot reference is listed as 6.80 mm in this series; use this item’s table and application review rather than copying a value from the spiral flute range.

Send the sizes and dimensions your customer needs.Request a Quote →

Application, Chip Path & Selection Limits

Match the component and operation

Consider this point geometry for through holes with a clear exit. Review component thickness and the space beyond the threaded section, then match tool material and operating conditions to the workpiece.

Check the operating boundary

A 55° BSW profile must not be substituted with a 60° UNC or UNF profile. A blind-hole use case needs a separate chip-volume and depth assessment; matching shank dimensions do not solve that issue.

Compare the Adjacent Product Families

Product familySelection boundary to review
UNC UNF and BSW Spiral Flute TapKeep UNC, UNF and Whitworth threads separate when replenishing blind-hole tap stock.
HSS Metric Spiral Point Machine TapKeep the chip exit clear when sourcing metric taps for through-hole work.
DIN 376 HSS Spiral Point Machine TapSeparate reduced-shank reach and forward chip clearance in a DIN 376 point-tap enquiry.

Keep the selected family, thread designation and dimensional reference together. Shared nominal sizes or drive shapes do not establish interchangeability.

Workshop, Material Handling & Order Organisation

Forward chip evacuation and inch-thread identity define this procurement brief. During the supplier review, keep the point configuration attached to the full UNC/UNF/BSW designation rather than relying on diameter or shank appearance.

Storage racks and machine area

Identify the point form and thread family in the proposed label wording. For mixed inch-tap orders, list counts against complete designations so BSW and UNC tools remain distinguishable during replenishment.

Bar-stock handling

Carry the HSS / HSS-Co requirement with the item drawing when discussing material preparation for this range.

Component feed and transfer

Keep the approved item identity and dimensional revision with components during order discussions. Use the exact thread and drive dimensions to distinguish similar tools.

Plan the order around the approved item

  1. Define the thread and application using this product’s selection table.
  2. Compare the tool interface and cutting geometry with the sample or drawing.
  3. Agree sample acceptance, quantities by size and the requested pack arrangement.
  4. Reference the same approved item and revision for replenishment.

Quality Review for the Selected Specification

The point and flute condition need to be assessed alongside thread identification. For mixed UNC/BSW shipments, agree clear item labels and sample matching before approving a replenishment list.

Use the following items to define the sample and order acceptance brief.

Review itemWhat to agreeProcurement risk addressed
Thread identificationUNC/UNF/BSW, nominal size and TPIAvoid the wrong thread family or pitch
Dimensions and holdingThe range has 44–85 mm overall lengths. The 5/16-18 UNC pilot reference is listed as 6.80 mm in this series; use this item’s table and application review rather than copying a value from the spiral flute range.Avoid holder mismatch, insufficient reach or unintended substitution
Geometry / set identityThe point and flute condition need to be assessed alongside thread identification. For mixed UNC/BSW shipments, agree clear item labels and sample matching before approving a replenishment list.Avoid the wrong cutting form or incomplete member sequence
Sample acceptance planAgree the reference drawing, acceptance method and sampling requirement for the applicationMake sample approval and repeat-order review refer to the same item

Packaging, Custom Requests & Bulk Purchasing

Keep the packing brief specific

Split inch-thread purchasing by point geometry as well as diameter/TPI/series. Add workpiece thickness and chip-exit constraints to the order brief so procurement does not substitute a return-chip tool solely because the thread designation matches.

Marking, packs & repeat orders

Identify the point form and thread family in the proposed label wording. For mixed inch-tap orders, list counts against complete designations so BSW and UNC tools remain distinguishable during replenishment.

Turn the selection into a clear purchasing list

For inch through-hole orders, match the thread family and leave space for forward-moving chips.

Discuss Your Requirements ↗

Product Questions

What does spiral point mean on an inch tap?

It describes a cutting-point geometry that directs chips forwards. It does not mean the tap has helical flutes that lift chips out of a blind hole.

Can 1/4-20 UNC replace 1/4-20 BSW?

No. The matching diameter and TPI conceal different thread profiles: 60° UNC and 55° BSW. Specify the complete family.

Is the 5/16-18 UNC pilot reference the same as on the spiral flute page?

The source tables differ: 6.80 mm here and 6.60 mm in the spiral flute range. The final hole needs application review rather than an automatic cross-series substitution.

How much clearance is required beyond a through hole?

Enough for the cutting lead and forward-moving chips under the actual conditions. Supply the component and exit geometry; no single clearance value covers this entire range.

Does this page cover all UNC and UNF sizes?

No. It covers the 15 listed entries, including 10-32 UNF. Request the exact designation rather than treating the family name as a complete range.

How should I distinguish this tool on a wholesale purchase order?

Write spiral point, thread family, nominal diameter and TPI together, then material, holder dimensions and quantity. Include hole thickness and exit conditions for selection review.

Request a Quote for UNC UNF and BSW Spiral Point Tap

Send the selected thread designation, quantities and the application details below. Add a drawing or size list to keep the enquiry tied to the required configuration.

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