• Thanks for visiting The Penturners Forum today.

    There are many features and resources that currently you are unable to see or access, either because you're not yet registered, or if you're already registered, because you're not logged in.

    To gain full access to the forum, please log in or register now. Registration is completely free, it only takes a few seconds, and you can join our well established community of like-minded pen makers.

Drill bit sizes for threads

BensBespoke

Apprentice Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2017
Posts
24
Location
United Kingdom
First Name
Ben
Hi all,

What size drill bits do you use for M14 and M12 triple threads ?

Can you recommend anywhere to get specific sized bits and sets?

Many thanks - Ben
 

BensBespoke

Apprentice Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2017
Posts
24
Location
United Kingdom
First Name
Ben
Thanks... ps the sizes I am looking at is

10 x 0.75
12 x 0.8
14 x 0.8

I heard you take the pitch off the diameter is this a good guide too ?
 

Phil Dart

Moderator
Executive Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2014
Posts
5,458
Location
Colebrooke, Devon
First Name
Phil
The perceived wisdom is major diameter minus pitch equals drill size. The wisdom holds true irrespective of how many leads the thread has.

Yours both have a 0.8mm pitch, therefore:

14 - 0.8 = 13.2
12 - 0.8 = 11.2

Using a drill that is too small will be less successful than using one that is too large. A 13 or an 11 will result in torn fibers whereas a 13.5 or an 11.5 will result in a successfull cut but a looser fit. If you have drill bits that are near to size but not smaller, I suggest you experiment on some scrap material and see if you are happy with the results. If you feel that the result is too sloppy or not secure enough, that is the time to invest in the correct drill sizes. There is sometimes merit in having a looser fitting thread on the cap. Tight fit equals abrasion, equals wear and tear, but the decision needs to be assessed according to the material you are working with.
 

Penpal

Grand Master
Joined
May 26, 2013
Posts
25,342
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
First Name
Peter
Thanks Phil finding fine threads on normal charts is difficult on the IAP there are articles in their library that can help, labelled making kit free etc.

Peter.
 
Warning! This thread has not had any replies for over a year. You are welcome to post a reply here, but it might be better to start a new thread (and maybe include a link to this one if you need to).
Top