Goliath BSW Spiral Point (Gun) HSS-Co5 Bright Tap HSS-Co (Cobalt) Bright Finish BSW Spiral Point Machine Tap. HSS-Co Spiral Point (Gun Nose) Taps. Spiral point taps, also known as 'Gun nose taps', have straight flutes supplemented by angular cutting faces at the lead. The design of the cutting portion propels the swarf ahead of the tap leaving the flutes clear for the flow of coolant to the cutting teeth. Primarily designed for use in through holes, these taps can be used in blind holes provided that there is ample clearance beyond the threaded section to accommodate the swarf. The advantages of a gun nose tap are the shearing action of the angular cutting faces, which produces a fine finish on the threads and shallower flutes. This allows a stronger cross-section throughout the tap. British Standard Whitworth angle of thread is 55 degrees as opposed to 60 degrees in Metric and Unified threads. This thread form was developed by Sir Joseph Whitworth in 1841. The thread form has rounded roots and crests and is specified in BS84:1956. Manufactured from HSS-Co5, this modern design tap uses straight flutes supplemented by angular cutting faces at the point to produce a fine finish on the threads. Shallower flutes achieve a stronger cross section allowing the tap to withstand greater cutting forces.