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#10-32 UNF Clearance Hole Size

Per ASME B18.2.8. The hole in the part the bolt passes through — not the tapped hole.

Normal (medium) fit — use this by default 0.2210" (#2) Close fit: 0.2060" (#5) · Loose (free) fit: 0.2380" (B)

All three fits

Fit classHoleWhen to use it
Close0.2060" (#5)You need the fastener to help locate the part. Costs you assembly time and punishes any hole-position error.
Normal / medium0.2210" (#2)General assembly. Absorbs ordinary drilling and hole-pattern tolerance without fighting you.
Loose / free0.2380" (B)Weldments, laser-cut or punched stacks, long bolt patterns, anything where positional error accumulates.
A clearance hole is not a locating feature. A bolt in a normal-fit hole can shift by the full clearance before the shank touches anything. If the joint has to hold position under load, the friction from correct preload does that job — or you add dowel pins. Relying on bolt shank contact means the joint has already slipped.

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