6-32 tap drill size

    Use a #36 drill (0.1065 in) for a 6-32 cutting tap at 75% thread.

    Drills for 6-32 (UNC)
    Tap typeDrillDecimal (in)
    Cutting tap, 75% thread#360.1065
    Cutting tap, 50% thread (hard material)#320.1160
    Roll / form tap, 65% thread1/80.1250
    Helicoil / STI insert (#6-32×1D)#250.1495
    Pitch
    0.7938 mm (32 TPI)
    Major Ø
    0.1380
    Pitch Ø
    0.1177
    Minor Ø
    0.0997

    6-32 tapping speeds and feeds

    Feed = pitch (0.0313 in per rev). Starting points for a general-purpose HSS cut tap:

    • Aluminum 6061 / 7075: 1,940 RPM · 60.6 IPM
    • Free-machining / mild steel: 550 RPM · 17.2 IPM
    • 304 / 316 stainless: 280 RPM · 8.75 IPM

    6-32 tap speeds and feeds: all materials, form taps and G84 code · #36 drill size and speeds

    Common questions

    What size drill for a 6-32 tap?
    Use a #36 drill (0.1065 in) for a 6-32 cutting tap at 75% thread.
    What drill for a 6-32 roll (form) tap?
    About 0.1242 in; the nearest standard drill is 1/8. Check your tap maker's table.
    What drill for a 6-32 Helicoil?
    Drill #25 (0.1495 in), then tap with the 6-32 STI tap.

    Other UNC 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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