What Size Drill Bit Do You Need for a 5/16-24 Tap? Power Drills Explained

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Written By John Gibbs

 

 

 

» Power Tools » Drill » Drill Bits » What Size Drill Bit Do You Need for a 5/16-24 Tap? Power Drills Explained

Are you looking for the answer to the question: “What size drill bit do you need for a 51624 tap?” If so, this article has you covered. Here, you’ll find the answer to the question: what size drill bit is needed for a 51624 tap? Keep reading to learn more about the drill bit size necessary for tapping a 51624 tap.

Types of Taps

Types Of Taps

51624 Tap

For a 51624 tap, you will need a #21 drill bit. This is the most common size and is typically used for standard manual tapping applications.

71614 Tap

For a 71614 tap, you will need a #19 drill bit. This is a slightly larger size than the 51624 tap, so it is important to use the correct size drill bit for the job. To ensure you get the best results, it is recommended to use a high-speed steel drill bit specifically designed for tapping operations.

Drilling the correct size hole for the tap is essential for successful tapping operations. If you use the wrong size drill bit, you may experience issues such as broken taps, stripped threads, and poor thread quality. To avoid any potential issues, make sure you are using the correct size drill bit for the tap you are using — in this case, a #19 for a 71614 tap.

Drill Bit Requirements for 51624 Tap

Drill Bit Requirements For 51624 Tap

The 51624 tap is a 24 thread per inch (TPI) thread size, and requires a #9 drill bit for cutting threads. The drill bit should be a high-speed steel (HSS) bit, with a 118° point angle and a diameter tolerance of H6. It is important to ensure that the drill bit is in good condition and sharp before using it to create threads. A dull bit may not create the correct thread size, or may cause the tap to break. It is also important to use the correct type of lubricant when creating threads, as this will help to reduce friction and prevent the tap from breaking.

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Drill Bit Requirements for 71614 Tap

Drill Bit Requirements For 71614 Tap

For a 71614 tap, the drill bit size required is 0.144 inches. This size is slightly larger than the tap size, allowing for the tap to cut threads into the material. It also helps to ensure the tap does not become stuck in the material. Additionally, using a drill bit slightly larger than the tap size helps to prevent the tap from breaking.

Special Considerations

Special Considerations

  • Tap Size – A 5/16-24 tap is a standard size used in many applications, and it is the same size as a #24 drill bit.
  • Drill Size – The recommended drill size for a 5/16-24 tap is a #24 drill bit.
  • Length – The length of the drill bit should be at least as long as the depth of the hole that needs to be tapped.
  • Material – The type of material being tapped will determine the size of the drill bit. For example, harder materials such as stainless steel require a larger drill bit than softer materials such as aluminum.
  • Threads – The number of threads on the tap determines the size of the drill bit. The more threads, the larger the drill bit.
  • Speed – The speed of the drill should be adjusted to match the material being tapped. Slower speeds are recommended for harder materials and higher speeds for softer materials.
  • Lubrication – The proper lubrication should be used when tapping a hole. This will help to reduce friction and heat, which can damage the tap.

Drill Bit Materials

Drill Bit Materials

  • High Speed Steel (HSS): This is the most common material used to make drill bits. It is durable and can withstand high temperatures that are created when drilling into harder materials.
  • Cobalt Steel: Cobalt steel is an alloy of steel and cobalt. It is stronger than HSS and is used for drilling into harder materials such as stainless steel.
  • Carbide: Carbide is a very hard material and is used for drilling into extremely hard materials such as concrete or brick. It is also the most expensive material used for drill bits.
  • Titanium: Titanium is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant material that is used to make drill bits. It is more expensive than HSS, but is more durable and can drill into harder materials.
  • Diamond: Diamond is the hardest material used to make drill bits. It is used to drill into the hardest materials such as stone and glass. It is also the most expensive material.
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Drill Bit Length

Drill Bit Length

To accurately tap a 5/16″24 thread, a drill bit should be at least 0.1766″ in length. If the hole is deeper than the bit, it may not provide a clean thread, leaving the tap to break or strip the threads. Using a longer bit is the best option for a successful tap.

Drill Bit Angles

When drilling a hole for a 51624 tap, the most important factor to determine the correct size of drill bit is the angle of the drill bit. Drill bits come in a variety of angles, from 90° to 135°. A 90° bit is used for general-purpose drilling, while a 135° bit is used for drilling harder materials like stainless steel or cast iron.

Angle Material
90° Soft woods, plastics, aluminum
118° General-purpose drilling
135° Stainless steel, cast iron

For a 51624 tap, you should use a 135° bit to ensure the hole is drilled accurately. This will help ensure that the tap is properly aligned and that the threads are cut correctly. If you use a bit with a different angle, the threads may not align properly, resulting in a poor connection or even a stripped thread.

Frequently Asked Questions

What other sizes of drill bits do I need for different tap sizes?

The drill bit size you need for a particular tap size depends on the material you are drilling. Generally, for tapping a 5/16″-24 tap, you will need an 11/64″ drill bit. However, if you are drilling a softer material, you may need a slightly smaller bit, such as a 5/32″ or 7/64″. For harder materials, you may need a drill bit up to 1/8″ in size. To be safe, it is best to check the material’s hardness and use the proper drill bit size for your application.

What type of drill bit is best for tapping?

High Speed Steel (HSS) is the most popular type of drill bit for tapping. It is made of hardened steel and is capable of cutting through almost any material. This type of drill is highly durable and offers a longer life span than other drill bits. HSS drill bits are designed for tapping into softer materials such as aluminum, brass, copper, and mild steel.

Carbide drill bits are also a popular option for tapping. They are made of tungsten carbide, which is a very hard material that is capable of cutting through harder materials. Carbide drill bits are more expensive than HSS drill bits, but they will last much longer and can handle the tougher materials.

  • Cobalt Steel drill bits are another great choice for tapping. They are made of high-speed steel that has been alloyed with cobalt for additional strength and durability. They are more expensive than HSS drill bits and are best for tapping into harder materials such as stainless steel and titanium.
  • Titanium Nitride Coated drill bits are made of high-speed steel and coated with titanium nitride for additional durability and lubricity. These drill bits are great for longer life and are best used for tapping into hard materials such as stainless steel and titanium.

Is Tapping Harder Than Drilling?

Tapping is a machining operation similar to drilling, but with the goal of creating a threaded hole. It is often considered more difficult than drilling since there are several additional variables to consider such as cutting pressure, speed, and thread size. The right drill bit size is important to ensure a successful tap. If you’re tapping a 5/16-24 thread, a #7 drill bit is recommended.

What Kind of Drill Should I Use for Tapping?

For tapping, you should use a high-quality drill with a variable speed setting. A good drill will have enough torque to get through the material without stalling and a variable speed setting will allow you to adjust the speed according to what type of material you are working with. Additionally, you should use a drill that has a reverse setting as this will help to remove broken taps.

What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Tapping?

Wear Safety Gear: Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing when tapping.

Secure the Workpiece: Make sure the workpiece is firmly supported and secure before beginning.

Use the Right Tool: Select and use the right-sized drill bit for the size of the tap you are using.

Begin Slowly: Start tapping slowly and carefully to ensure accuracy and to prevent the tap from breaking or becoming damaged.

Check for Proper Fit: Check the tapped hole for proper fit after each tap.

Check for Burrs: Check for burrs on the tapped hole and remove any sharp edges that may cause injury.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the size drill bit you need for a 5/16-24 tap is a #7 drill bit. It is important to ensure that the size drill bit you use is the correct size for your tap in order to ensure a successful tapping process.

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About John Gibbs

Hello everyone! My name is John Gibbs. I am 60 years old and have been in the family construction business all my adult life. Construction is not only my profession but also my passion. I know everything about building and repair materials, tools, advanced methods, techniques, and approaches. I will share the same knowledge with you in my articles.

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