Viking Type 24 HSS Plug Hand Taps are the most popular and versatile of the 3 common styles of hand taps. They can be used for creating new threads or chasing damaged and rusted threads. The first 3 to 5 threads of a Plug tap are chamfered. This allows the user to begin creating new threads nearly as easily as when using a Taper tap with the additional benefit of having more complete threads available for carrying a useable thread closer to the bottom of a blind hole. The progressively chamfered threads of a Plug tap reduce the effort necessary to create new threads by progressively increasing the amount of material being removed by the tap. Plug taps may be used in both blind or through hole tapping. For tapping operations that require a complete thread to the bottom of a blind hole a Bottom tap will be required. Bottom taps are often used as a secondary operation after using a Taper or Plug 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.