5 Regal Cutting Tools Every Houston Shop Needs

In the world of metalworking, the tools you choose directly impact speed, surface finish, accuracy, and even employee safety. Regal Cutting Tools has been a go-to name for machinists, toolmakers, and manufacturers for decades—and for good reason. Their American-made taps, drills, and end mills bring real performance to the spindle and keep production moving.

At CTIS, we don’t just move tooling—we work with shops every day across our service areas to figure out what’s actually working out on the floor. From sourcing and tooling & supply programs to technical support, our services are built to keep your operation running strong. Based on what we see in the field and what our customers ask for most, here are five Regal tools that earn their place in any serious shop.

*Read more in our blog, “Why Regal Cutting Tools Taps Are the Gold Standard for Threading.”

1. Regal Spiral Point Taps

Also known as "gun taps," spiral point taps are a staple in high-volume production environments. Regal's versions are made from premium high-speed steel (HSS) and feature aggressive fluting that pushes chips forward and out of the hole—perfect for through-hole tapping. For extended tool life and maximum value, CTIS also supports regrinding & coating services to keep your tooling performing like new.

Why they belong in your shop:

• Chip ejection reduces breakage and galling

• Ideal for CNC or manual use

• Faster tapping cycles, especially in carbon and alloy steels

• Complements your shop’s full lineup of tooling and welding supplies for complete production support

Use Case: Machine shops running repeat parts in mild steel or 4140 often use these taps in automated tapping arms or CNCs — especially in automotive manufacturing, where consistent threading and chip control are critical for precision and production speed. As part of your trusted lineup of CNC machining supplies, Regal Spiral Point Taps deliver the reliability and performance your operation depends on.

2. Regal High-Performance Carbide Drills

When you need tight hole tolerance, excellent chip evacuation, and long tool life, Regal’s line of solid carbide drills steps up. Available in both jobber and stub lengths, these drills are built with specialized tool design for high-speed machining of tough materials like stainless and hardened steels.

Why they belong in your shop:

• Excellent wear resistance

• Higher cutting speeds = reduced cycle times

• Available with coolant-through options for maximum performance when paired with HydroCut coolants

Use Case: Those in the aerospace engineering and energy production fields love these drills for titanium applications where standard drills can’t handle the heat. They’re also a perfect complement to your carbide cutting inserts, giving you a complete high-performance setup for precision drilling and finishing in demanding environments.

*Want to see how CTIS is transforming manufacturing efficiency from the ground up? Check out our blog post, “Revolutionizing Tool Delivery for the Modern Manufacturer."

3. Regal TiAlN-Coated End Mills

TiAlN (Titanium Aluminum Nitride) coatings provide exceptional heat resistance and lubricity, and Regal’s coated end mills put it to work. Their high-performance cutters are built to mill at higher speeds without sacrificing edge life — and when it’s time for maintenance, CTIS offers expert regrinding services to extend tool performance and value.

Why they belong in your shop:

• Excellent in dry or MQL conditions

• Superior performance in hardened steels and tool steels

• Less downtime for tool changes

Use Case: Ideal for die/mold shops and toolrooms working in D2, S7, or hardened H13. These end mills are also a smart addition for manufacturers handling hydraulic supplies, maintenance & calibration, and precision components — where durability and dimensional accuracy are critical to performance.

4. Regal Taper Pipe Taps (NPT)

Threading tapered pipe threads requires strength and accuracy. Regal’s NPT taps are made from hardened HSS and feature ground threads for smoother engagement and longer life — a result of precision tool design that ensures consistent performance in demanding applications. Pair them with CTIS’s vending & automation solutions to keep your tooling organized, accessible, and production running without interruption.

Why they belong in your shop:

• Meets ANSI standards

• Durable, reliable, and repeatable

• Available in a variety of sizes and pitches

Use Case: HVAC and plumbing-focused machine shops use these to thread fittings, valves, and connectors—especially in brass or cast iron components. CTIS partners with trusted suppliers like Ladish Valves to ensure you get precision tooling and quality components backed by our fast tool order delivery.

*For a deeper look at how delays in tooling can impact your bottom line, check out our blog post, “The Hidden Costs of Delayed Tool Deliveries—and How to Avoid Them.”

5. Regal Thread Forming Taps

No chips? No problem. Regal’s thread forming taps displace material rather than cut it, creating stronger threads and eliminating chip evacuation issues. And when your tooling needs attention, CTIS offers expert tool repair services and vendor managed inventory (VMI) programs to keep your production running smoothly.

Why they belong in your shop:

• No chips to manage or clear

• Improved thread strength in ductile materials

• Redued tool wear

Use Case: Medical and electronics parts manufacturers use thread formers for aluminum and soft steel components where clean threads and minimal burrs are critical. As part of your essential consumables lineup, Regal thread forming taps deliver long-lasting performance and consistency across high-volume or precision manufacturing applications. And when you need help selecting the right tooling, CTIS offers personal sales visits to keep your operation running at its best.

Get the Regal Edge, Without the Wait

Whether you're running high-speed production or one-off prototypes, the right tools make all the difference. Regal tools deliver the precision, performance, and durability your jobs demand; that's why CTIS has joined forces with them in a tooling supply partnership! And when you need them fast? CTIS can source and supply Regal tools without the wait — all with competitive pricing that keeps your operation efficient and profitable.

At CTIS, we take pride in being the reliable partner behind your operation — learn more about us and how we keep your shop running strong. Our team is committed to exceptional customer service, which means you get the support, speed, and solutions your team can count on — from the faces you know and trust right here at CTIS. Book online or contact us today for a quote, or set up a supply program that keeps your best tools in reach—no delays, no downtime.

Discover the CTIS advantage; let’s get you cutting.

*Want to see how CTIS is transforming the way manufacturers think about tooling support? Check out our blog post, “The Evolution of Tool Services: From Traditional Methods to Modern Solutions.”