M8×1.25 Tap Drill Size
The number you came for, then the reasoning behind it.
M8×1.25 tap drill — 75% thread
6.8 mm
6.782 mm exact · nearest inch drill H (0.2660")
How it's calculated
Tap drill = major diameter − pitch → 8 − 1.25 = 6.75 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% | 7.188 mm | 7.2 mm | 0.2812" (9/32 drill) |
| 65% | 6.945 mm | 6.9 mm | 0.2720" (I drill) |
| 75% | 6.782 mm | 6.8 mm | 0.2660" (H drill) |
| 85% | 6.620 mm | 6.6 mm | 0.2610" (G 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.