Tap drill charts are essential tools for anyone working with taps and drills. These handy charts provide valuable information about the correct drill sizes to use for tapping holes of various sizes. Whether you are a professional machinist or a DIY enthusiast, having access to a tap drill chart can save you time and ensure accurate results.
Printable Tap Drill Charts
One of the most reliable sources for printable tap drill charts is Template Lab. They offer a comprehensive collection of tap drill charts that you can easily download and print for your reference. These charts are available in PDF format, making them accessible and easy to use.
Template Lab provides a variety of tap drill charts, each designed for a specific purpose. From basic charts that cover standard tap sizes to more specialized charts that cater to specific industries or applications, you can find the perfect chart to meet your needs. With 23 different tap drill charts available, Template Lab has got you covered.
For example, one of the charts provided by Template Lab is designed for use with metric taps. It includes drill sizes for various tap sizes ranging from M1.6 to M39. This chart can be extremely useful if you frequently work with metric taps and need to find the correct drill sizes quickly.
How to Use a Tap Drill Chart
Using a tap drill chart is straightforward. First, identify the size of the tap you plan to use. This is typically indicated by the tap’s thread size, such as 1/4-20 or M8x1.25.
Next, locate the corresponding tap size on the chart. The tap drill chart will provide the recommended drill size that should be used to create a hole before tapping. The drill size is typically denoted by a number or a decimal equivalent.
For instance, if you are using a 1/4-20 tap, the tap drill chart will tell you to use a drill bit with a size of #7 or 0.201 inches in diameter. Simply find the intersection of the 1/4-20 column and the #7 row on the chart, and you have the correct drill size.
The Importance of Accuracy
Using the correct drill size when tapping is crucial to ensure that the threaded hole is properly formed. If the hole is too small, the tap may become stuck or break. On the other hand, if the hole is too large, the threads may not hold securely.
A tap drill chart eliminates the guesswork associated with selecting the appropriate drill size, providing you with accurate information to achieve the best results. By following the recommendations on the chart, you can tap holes efficiently and effectively.
Conclusion
Having access to a reliable tap drill chart is invaluable for anyone working with taps and drills. Template Lab offers a wide range of printable tap drill charts that can be easily downloaded and printed for your convenience. These charts provide accurate and essential information to help you select the correct drill sizes for tapping holes of various sizes.
Whether you are a professional machinist or a DIY enthusiast, using a tap drill chart can save you time, improve the accuracy of your work, and ensure successful outcomes. Make sure to refer to a tap drill chart whenever you need to tap holes, and enjoy the benefits of precise and efficient hole creation.
