Viking Type 31 Metric HSS Taper Hand Taps are ideal for creating new threads or chasing damaged and rusted threads. The first 8 to 10 threads of a Taper Tap are chamfered. This high number of chamfered threads will make keeping the tap square to the workpiece easier. This feature makes Taper taps the ideal first step in a tapping operation when creating new threads, particularly if tapping by hand or when not using a drill press. Chamfered threads also reduce the effort necessary to create new threads by progressively increasing the amount of material being removed by the tap. Taper taps may be used in both blind or through hole tapping. The high number of chamfered threads does mean that Taper taps cannot create complete threads to the bottom of a blind hole or through a thicker piece of steel. Carrying usable threads completely through thick materials or to the bottom of holes will require a Plug or Bottom tap, often as a secondary operation done after using a Taper tap to begin the threading process. Viking taps are made in America of High Speed Steel with a bright finish. They can be used for tapping by hand or under power.