M45×3 Tap Drill Size
The number you came for, then the reasoning behind it.
M45×3 tap drill — 75% thread
42 mm
42.077 mm exact · nearest inch drill 53/32 (1.6562")
How it's calculated
Tap drill = major diameter − pitch → 45 − 3 = 42 mm
The exact 75% figure is major − (pitch × 75 / 76.98). The simple subtract-the-pitch rule lands within a hundredth of a millimetre of it, which is why every machinist uses it.
All engagement percentages
| % thread | Exact hole | Metric drill | Inch equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | 43.051 mm | 43 mm | 1.6875" (27/16 drill) |
| 65% | 42.467 mm | 42.5 mm | 1.6719" (107/64 drill) |
| 75% | 42.077 mm | 42 mm | 1.6562" (53/32 drill) |
| 85% | 41.687 mm | 41.5 mm | 1.6406" (105/64 drill) |
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.
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.