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1-1/2-6 UNC Tap Drill Size

The number you came for, then the reasoning behind it.

1-1/2-6 UNC tap drill — 75% thread 43/32 1.3438" · 34 mm metric equivalent

How it's calculated

Tap drill = major diameter − (0.01299 × %thread) / TPI  →  1.5000 − (0.01299 × 75) / 6 = 1.3376"

The nearest standard drill above that is 43/32 at 1.3438".

All engagement percentages

% threadExact hole Inch drill Metric equivalent
50%1.3918"89/64 (1.3906")35.5 mm
65%1.3593"87/64 (1.3594")34.5 mm
75%1.3376"43/32 (1.3438")34 mm
85%1.3160"21/16 (1.3125")33.5 mm
Which percentage should you actually use?
75% for through-holes in mild steel and aluminium. 65% for blind holes, stainless, titanium and anything where the tap is at risk. 50% for hand-tapping deep holes. The strength you give up going from 75% to 60% is around 5%; the tapping torque you give up is around 30%. In practice the threads almost never fail — the tap does.

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