Drill America DWTSMT22X1.25 M22 x 1.25 High Speed Steel Plug Tap

Our review of the Drill America DWTSMT22X1.25 plug tap finds it best suited to machinists and hobbyists who need a reliable tool for creating or repairing threads in thru holes. The bottom line: this single high speed steel plug tap delivers sharp cutting performance and good thread accuracy for common workshop materials, making it a practical, low-cost choice for general purpose tapping by hand or under power. It is offered uncoated, so users get the raw HSS substrate with predictable cutting behavior and the option to add their own lubricant or coating for tougher jobs.

Key Features

• High Speed Steel construction: Provides a balance of toughness and cutting edge retention for general machine and hand tapping tasks.
• Plug style cutting: Designed for thru holes, so it starts cutting clean threads quickly and is versatile for many common applications.
• Uncoated finish: Leaves the base metal exposed so users can apply the lubricant or treatment they prefer for specific materials.
• Hand and power use: Suitable for controlled hand tapping or for use under tapping power in a machine or CNC operation.
• Single tap packaging: Sold as an individual plug tap, allowing buyers to replace a worn tap or build a custom set without excess cost.

Who It's For

This plug tap is aimed at general machinists, maintenance techs, and home shop users who frequently create or repair threads in thru holes and need a sharp, straightforward tool. It works well on common metals and softer materials where a high speed steel edge and plug geometry provide clean thread form.

Those who routinely tackle deep blind holes, require specialized coatings for extreme wear resistance, or need guaranteed long-life performance in production cutting hardened alloys should look to coated taps or a full multi-tap set instead of this single uncoated HSS plug tap.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sharp HSS cutting edge gives clean cuts and good thread accuracy in typical workshop materials.
• Plug style is convenient for thru hole threading and quick engagement with the workpiece.
• Simple, uncoated tool is versatile and can be paired with the user s preferred lubricant or treatment.

Cons

• Reports of reduced durability under heavy use mean it may break if overloaded or used improperly; users should avoid excessive torque and follow proper tapping technique.

Specifications

Product name	DWTSMT22X1.25 plug tap
Thread size	M22 x 1.25
Material	High Speed Steel (HSS)
Style	Plug style (for thru holes)
Finish	Uncoated
Package quantity	Pack of 1

Our Verdict

The Drill America M22 x 1.25 HSS plug tap is a practical, good-value choice for anyone needing to cut or repair threads in thru holes with hand or machine tapping. It delivers sharp cutting and acceptable thread accuracy for general use, but users should respect its HSS limits and avoid abusive conditions that can lead to breakage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tap suitable for blind holes?
Answer. This specific tap is a plug style intended for thru holes; a bottoming tap is better for blind hole threading.

Can it be used in a drill press or CNC machine?
Answer. Yes, the high speed steel plug tap is suitable for controlled tapping under power, provided proper speed, lubrication, and alignment are maintained.

Does it come coated for extra wear resistance?
Answer. No, this tap is uncoated so the base HSS substrate is exposed; users can apply lubricant or a separate coating if needed for tougher materials.