6-32 Tap Drill Size and Drill Bit for Tap
Use a #36 drill bit
6-32 · 0.1065 in / 2.71 mm · ~75% thread
6-32 is a small but widely used machine screw thread in electronics, small hardware and repair work. A #36 bit gives the correct 75% thread.
At a glance
| Tap drill | #36 |
|---|---|
| Inches | 0.1065 in |
| Millimetres | 2.71 mm |
| Major diameter | 0.138 in |
| Pitch | 0.0313 in |
| Threads per inch | 32 |
Why this size
drillØ = major − (pitch × %thread) = 0.138 − (0.0313 × 0.75) = 0.1145 in → next standard drill #36 (0.1065 in / 2.71 mm)
For a slightly larger hole in softer material a #33 bit (0.1130 in) gives a lighter tap thread. The #36 is the tap drill.
Clearance holes for 6-32
A clearance hole lets the bolt pass through unthreaded – close fit keeps parts aligned, free fit allows movement.
| Tap drill (cuts threads) | #36 |
|---|---|
| Close fit clearance | #23 bit |
| Free fit clearance | #13 bit |
Related sizes
Compare with adjacent threads – coarse, fine and the opposite measurement system: