M52×3 Tap Drill Size
The number you came for, then the reasoning behind it.
M52×3 tap drill — 75% thread
49 mm
49.077 mm exact · nearest inch drill 123/64 (1.9219")
How it's calculated
Tap drill = major diameter − pitch → 52 − 3 = 49 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% | 50.051 mm | 50 mm | 1.9688" (63/32 drill) |
| 65% | 49.467 mm | 49.5 mm | 1.9531" (125/64 drill) |
| 75% | 49.077 mm | 49 mm | 1.9219" (123/64 drill) |
| 85% | 48.687 mm | 48.5 mm | 1.9062" (61/32 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.