Drilling a hole for a tap is not as simple as it may seem. If you don’t know the right size hole for the tap, you may end up damaging it and the material you’re drilling into. To make sure you get the correct size hole for a 5/16 tap, follow our engineers as we outline the steps in this guide:

Choosing the Right Drill Bit Size

The first step in drilling a hole for a 5/16 tap is to choose the right size drill bit. The size of the drill bit should be slightly smaller than the size of the tap, which in this case would be 5/16 inches. A drill bit size of 13/64 inches is the most commonly used size for a 5/16 tap.

The Right Amount of Pressure

When drilling a hole for a 5/16 tap, it’s important to apply the right amount of pressure. Too much pressure can cause the drill bit to slip or the tap to break. On the other hand, not enough pressure can cause the tap to not make a clean cut.

The best way to ensure you’re applying the right amount of pressure is to start off slow and gradually increase the pressure as you go.

Creating the Pilot Hole

Once you’ve chosen the right size drill bit and applied the right amount of pressure, you’ll need to create a pilot hole. This is a small hole that will help guide the tap and ensure that it enters the material in a straight line. To create a pilot hole, use a drill bit that is one size smaller than the size of the drill bit you’ll be using for the tap.

How Do You Determine the 5/16″ Tap Drill Size?

The tap drill size for a 5/16″ tap is 13/64″. This is the size of the drill bit that should be used to create a pilot hole. This is important because it ensures that the tap will enter the material in a straight line.

Conclusion

Drilling a hole for a 5/16 tap is not as simple as it may seem. To make sure you get the right size hole, you’ll need to choose the right size drill bit (13/64 inch), apply the right amount of pressure and create a pilot hole. With these steps, you’ll be able to successfully drill the perfect hole for your 5/16 tap.