In CNC machining, the usual process is to use a drill bit to drill a hole in the workpiece and then use a tap of the appropriate size to cut the desired threads in the hole. This ensures that the threads match the design requirements and can ensure that the threads fit correctly with other components.
These tools are used in custom CNC machining to create the required threads on a part in order to connect it to other parts or components.
A drill is a tool used for drilling holes, usually made of steel, with a cutting edge and a shank. A tap is a tool used to form internal threads, also made of steel. When making threads, it is necessary to first drill a suitable hole with a drill bit, and then use a tap of the corresponding specifications to make deep cuts to form a threaded structure.
The following is a table of drill and tap specifications to make it easier to determine the matching relationship between drills and taps. When selecting the correct tap specification, please choose the appropriate drill specification according to the size of the threads to be made to ensure a proper matching relationship between the threads and the drill.
1. Tap specification table
Type | Drill Diameter | Tap Specification |
---|---|---|
Metric Coarse Thread (M) | 3.0mm | M3 |
Metric Coarse Thread (M) | 3.5mm | M4 |
Metric Coarse Thread (M) | 4.2mm | M5 |
Metric Coarse Thread (M) | 5.0mm | M6 |
Metric Coarse Thread (M) | 6.8mm | M8 |
Metric Coarse Thread (M) | 8.5mm | M10 |
Metric Coarse Thread (M) | 11.0mm | M12 |
Metric Coarse Thread (M) | 14.0mm | M16 |
Metric Coarse Thread (M) | 18.0mm | M20 |
Imperial Coarse Thread (UNC) | 4.8mm | 1/4-20UNC |
Imperial Coarse Thread (UNC) | 6.5mm | 5/16-18UNC |
Imperial Coarse Thread (UNC) | 8.5mm | 3/8-16UNC |
Imperial Coarse Thread (UNC) | 10.5mm | 7/16-14UNC |
Imperial Coarse Thread (UNC) | 12.5mm | 1/2-13UNC |
Imperial Coarse Thread (UNC) | 16.5mm | 5/8-11UNC |
Imperial Coarse Thread (UNC) | 19.5mm | 3/4-10UNC |
Imperial Coarse Thread (UNC) | 22.5mm | 7/8-9UNC |
Imperial Coarse Thread (UNC) | 25.5mm | 1-8UNC |
Imperial Fine Thread (UNF) | 4.2mm | 4-40UNF |
Imperial Fine Thread (UNF) | 5.6mm | 6-32UNF |
Imperial Fine Thread (UNF) | 6.8mm | 8-32UNF |
Imperial Fine Thread (UNF) | 8.5mm | 10-24UNF |
Imperial Fine Thread (UNF) | 10.5mm | 12-24UNF |
Imperial Fine Thread (UNF) | 12.5mm | 1/4-28UNF |
Imperial Fine Thread (UNF) | 16.5mm | 5/16-24UNF |
Imperial Fine Thread (UNF) | 19.5mm | 3/8-24UNF |
Imperial Fine Thread (UNF) | 22.5mm | 7/16-20UNF |
Imperial Fine Thread (UNF) | 25.5mm | 1/2-20UNF |
2. Drill and Tap Matching Chart
Thread Size | Drill Diameter |
---|---|
M3 | 2.5mm |
M4 | 3.3mm |
M5 | 4.2mm |
M6 | 5.0mm |
M8 | 6.8mm |
M10 | 8.5mm |
M12 | 11.0mm |
M16 | 14.0mm |
M20 | 18.0mm |
Thread Size | Drill Diameter |
---|---|
1/4-20UNC | 0.2031in |
5/16-18UNC | 0.2570in |
3/8-16UNC | 0.3238in |
7/16-14UNC | 0.3770in |
1/2-13UNC | 0.4063in |
5/8-11UNC | 0.5156in |
3/4-10UNC | 0.6094in |
7/8-9UNC | 0.7031in |
1-8UNC | 0.8125in |
Thread Size | Drill Diameter |
---|---|
4-40UNF | 3/32in |
6-32UNF | 7/64in |
8-32UNF | 9/64in |
10-24UNF | 5/32in |
12-24UNF | 11/64in |
1/4-28UNF | 1/4in |
5/16-24UNF | 5/16in |
3/8-24UNF | 3/8in |
7/16-20UNF | 7/16in |
1/2-20UNF | 1/2in |
This article provides a table of drill and tap specifications, so that you can easily choose the correct tap specifications to avoid difficulties in the work. When using drills and taps, please follow the precautions to ensure the quality and accuracy of the threads.