1-72 tap drill size

    Use a #53 drill (0.0595 in) for a 1-72 cutting tap at 75% thread.

    Drills for 1-72 (UNF)
    Tap typeDrillDecimal (in)
    Cutting tap, 75% thread#530.0595
    Cutting tap, 50% thread (hard material)#520.0635
    Roll / form tap, 65% thread#510.0670
    Helicoil / STI insert (#1-72×1D)#450.0820
    Pitch
    0.3528 mm (72 TPI)
    Major Ø
    0.0730
    Pitch Ø
    0.0640
    Minor Ø
    0.0560

    1-72 tapping speeds and feeds

    Feed = pitch (0.0139 in per rev). Starting points for a general-purpose HSS cut tap:

    • Aluminum 6061 / 7075: 3,660 RPM · 50.8 IPM
    • Free-machining / mild steel: 1,050 RPM · 14.6 IPM
    • 304 / 316 stainless: 520 RPM · 7.22 IPM

    1-72 tap speeds and feeds: all materials, form taps and G84 code · #53 drill size and speeds

    Common questions

    What size drill for a 1-72 tap?
    Use a #53 drill (0.0595 in) for a 1-72 cutting tap at 75% thread.
    What drill for a 1-72 roll (form) tap?
    About 0.0669 in; the nearest standard drill is #51. Check your tap maker's table.
    What drill for a 1-72 Helicoil?
    Drill #45 (0.0820 in), then tap with the 1-72 STI tap.

    Other UNF sizes

    Drill sizes from Machinery's Handbook and ASME B1.1/B1.13M; roll tap sizes from the form-tap formula. Tap and insert makers' tables are authoritative.

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