Solid tungsten carbide is the popular material for these combinations tools. High resultant side forces on the tool during the thread milling phase are caused by relatively high circumferential engagement of the tool and a very low feed per tooth (chip thickness). A combined hole making, threading and chamfering tool with staggered thread cutting teeth doubles chip thickness and reduces side forces (resulting in less engagement), consequently allowing the feed rate to be increased while reducing thread milling time. In addition, this arrangement also reduces tool chatter, thus providing a smoother surface finish in the thread. In one form, the cutting teeth are formed on one or more removable inserts, facilitating replacement or substitution thereof.