Brubaker tool plug chamfer 7/16-14 bright hss hand tap h3 limit these general purpose taps can be used by hand or under power, in through or blind holes and are suitable for tapping most materials. The chips are retained in the flutes during use. Three-fluted taps have the greatest chip holding capacity and should be used, in the size range where available, for tapping holes deeper than 1-1/2 diameters. A variety of surface treatments are available to improve performance.