Missing Information Can Be a Barrier

USCTI (United States Cutting Tool Institute) is a tooling manufacturers group that provides recommendations on general dimension and design for its members in the manufacturing of the tools themselves. Tool blank dimensions, flute configuration, and tool nomenclatures are usually defined here.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) represents our Government to coordinate US Standards with International Standards to meet worldwide markets. This is the recognized stamp of approval for standards adopted by USCTI and ASME.
We know this standard as “Popular Specials”. When a tap becomes used with consistent regularity, the manufacturer may decide to include it as a stocked tap in their product offering. Most recognized examples are Extensions, Left-hand, and .005 oversized for pre-plate. In reality, the marketplace itself is another source for setting a standard in someone’s product catalog.
It is common to receive inquiries for quote, or even orders that leave out a few details. Frequently, when asked for clarification on the customer’s needs, the response is “Oh ......, whatever’s standard”. The question then becomes, “Who’s standard?” Without clarification, the decision can be a shot in the dark at a moving target. North American Tool, without further clarification would default to USCTI and ANSI.
If you are forced to use a default setting on your phone or computer, the result is not always an outcome that was desired. So it is when choosing defaults in Tool Design. As a “Specials” manufacturer, we would prefer the customer specify his need.