# M5 tap drill size

URL: https://www.clove3d.com/tools/tap-drill/m5/

Tap drill for M5 × 0.8: 4.2 mm (0.1654 in / 4.20 mm), about 77% thread.

## Thread specs

- Series: ISO metric coarse
- Major diameter: 5.00 mm
- Pitch: 0.8 mm
- Basic minor diameter: 4.13 mm

## Every drill that works (50-85% thread)

| Drill | % thread | in | mm | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.4 mm | 58% | 0.1732 | 4.40 | deep holes only |
| #17 | 58% | 0.1730 | 4.39 | deep holes only |
| 11/64" | 61% | 0.1719 | 4.37 | hard or tough metals |
| #18 | 67% | 0.1695 | 4.31 | hard or tough metals |
| 4.3 mm | 67% | 0.1693 | 4.30 | hard or tough metals |
| #19 | 75% | 0.1660 | 4.22 | general use |
| 4.2 mm (standard) | 77% | 0.1654 | 4.20 | general use |

## Clearance hole

- Close (fine): 5.3 mm (0.2087 in / 5.30 mm)
- Normal (medium): 5.5 mm (0.2165 in / 5.50 mm)
- Loose (coarse): 5.8 mm (0.2283 in / 5.80 mm)

## Counterbore (socket head cap screw)

- NBK: diameter 9.50 mm, depth 5.40 mm
- AMES: diameter 9.75 mm, depth 5.00 mm

Countersink (flat head socket screw): 90 degrees to 11.20 mm across for a flush head.

## Heat-set insert hole (3D prints)

- CNC Kitchen: 6.40 mm
- ruthex: 6.40 mm, insert length 9.5 mm, min. wall 2.6 mm
- Accu: 6.40 mm
- Generic (Albany County): 6.40 mm

## Thread repair (Helicoil / STI drill)

- MISUMI: 5.2 mm (0.2047 in / 5.20 mm)

## FAQ

Q: What size drill do I use for an M5 tap?
A: Use a 4.2 mm (4.20 mm / 0.1654 in) drill. It leaves about 77% thread, the standard for general-purpose tapping.

Q: What inch drill can I use for an M5 tap?
A: #19 (4.22 mm / 0.1660 in) is the closest, giving about 75% thread. Anything from about 65% to 80% thread taps well in most materials.

Q: What size clearance hole for an M5 screw?
A: 5.3 mm (5.30 mm) for a close fit, 5.5 mm (5.50 mm) for a normal fit.

Q: What hole size for an M5 heat-set insert?
A: 6.4 mm in the brands listed here. Check your insert's own listing; the hole is sized for that insert's knurl.

Q: What is the inch equivalent of M5?
A: 10-24 is the closest size (4.83 mm vs 5.00 mm major diameter). The pitches differ, so the screws and tapped holes are not interchangeable.

## Sources

- Engineers Edge: metric ISO tap drill chart: https://www.engineersedge.com/manufacturing/metric-iso-tap-drill-chart.htm
- Penn MEDesign: tap drill chart: https://medesign.seas.upenn.edu/index.php/Guides.TapDrillChart
- Albany County Fasteners: clearance hole chart (PDF): https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/media/6b/b8/g0/1764944339/clearance-hole-chart.pdf
- AMES: metric clearance hole chart (ASME B18.2.8): https://amesweb.info/Screws/Metric-Clearance-Hole-Chart.aspx
- NBK: dimensions of holes for hexagon socket head cap screws: https://alb02.internal.nbk1560.com/en/resources/other/article/technical-22-dimensions-of-holes-for-hexagon-socket-cap-screws
- AMES: counterbore hole dimensions, metric (Machinery's Handbook): https://amesweb.info/Screws/Metric-Counterbore-Hole-Dimensions-Chart.aspx
- Global Fastener: ISO 10642 hexagon socket countersunk head screws: https://www.globalfastener.com/standards/detailn_182.html
- Eugene Fastener: flat head socket screw countersink guide: https://www.eugenefast.com/Home/Page/resources/flat-head-socket-screw-countersink-guide
- SC Fastening: flat head socket cap screw spec, ASME B18.3 (PDF): https://scfastening.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/flatsocketspec.pdf
- CNC Kitchen threaded inserts (3DJake listing, hole diameter D3): https://www.3djake.ch/en-CH/cnc-kitchen/threaded-inserts-m5-short
- ruthex threaded inserts (3DJake listing, D3 and minimum wall): https://www.3djake.com/ruthex/m2-m3-m4-m5-threaded-insert-assortment-box?sai=15214
- Accu: threaded insert hole size charts for 3D printing: https://accu-components.com/us/p/488-threaded-insert-hole-size-charts-for-3d-printing-pla-petg-resin
- Albany County Fasteners: heat-set insert specs (PDF): https://www.albanycountyfasteners.com/media/64/3d/5a/1764619189/heat-set-insert-specs.pdf
- MISUMI: Helicoil tap and drill size chart: https://blog.misumiusa.com/helicoil-tap-and-drill-size-chart/