The correct drill bit size for a 6-32 tap is No. 36, with a decimal equivalent of 0.1065.
What Size of Drill Bit Do I Need for an 8-32 Tap? The #29 drill bit is needed for a #8-32 tap. It is the same as a 3.454-millimeter drill bit, which measures 0.136 inches.
Prior to drilling the hole you will eventually tap, determine what size you need to drill for the bolt you are trying to screw in. Your hole will be smaller than the diameter of the bolt, because the threads tapped will increase the diameter.
As a rule of thumb, for Metric threads, the tapping drill can be calculated by subtracting the pitch from the diameter of the thread. eg for an M5x0. 75 thread the tapping drill is 5-0.75mm = 4.25mm. For Imperial (inch) threads the tapping drill size is calculated in the same way, diameter minus pitch.
The first number is the diameter. The bigger the number the bigger the screw. The second number is the number of threads per inch.
#6-32 UNC screw
The #6-32 UNC is a UTS screw specifying a major thread diameter of #6 which is defined as 0.1380 inches (3.51 mm); and 32 tpi (threads per inch) which equates to a thread pitch of 0.031250 inches (0.7938 mm).
Receptacle screws are used to fasten outlet boxes or other receptacles to existing construction. Long screws are useful when mounting switch covers to thick surfaces, such as those with paneling. These receptacle screws feature a truss head, which is wider than both round and pan head screws.
ISO metric range. 6-32 means size number 6 and 32 threads per inch. This fastener can also be specified as #6 UNC.
Hole Sizes for Metric Bolts
So an M8 bolt would have a shaft diameter that's slightly under 8mm which means that the bolt should fit through an 8mm hole.
For all practical purposes, I would drill 6.5 or 7.0mm for tapping M8. Unless the project demands any higher precision. The sound advice here, is to tap carefully and rewind every quarter turn, to clear the chips, you can always feel if the tap is straining unnaturally.
M10 male fasteners are usually 1.5 mm or 1.25 mm distance from crest to crest. M12 male fasteners are usually 1.75 mm or 1.5 mm crest to crest.
Q:What size Hex Wrench fits this? A: Everbilt #6-32 x 3/16 in. Stainless-Steel Socket Set Screws (2-Piece) will work with 1/16" hex wrench size.
10-32 screws have a diameter of 3/16″ (4.8mm) where as 12-24 screws have a diameter of 7/32″ (5.6mm). M6 threads are 6mm in diameter, only . 4 mm larger than 12-24 screws.
The pilot hole size varies according to the type of wood:
For softwoods, use a drill bit that's slightly smaller than the screw diameter. For hardwoods, use a drill bit that's slightly larger than the screw diameter. If you're unsure which to select, choose a drill bit that's 1/64” larger than the screw diameter.
A 1/4-inch chuck is sufficient for a light-duty drill driver. A 3/8-inch drill accepts a wide range of bits, making it versatile for common tasks around the house. A 1/2-inch drill handles heavier applications.
Choose the right size drill bit.
If you are creating a pilot hole for a nail, the right drill bit is slightly smaller than the nail's shank. If you are creating a pilot hole for a screw, the drill bit should be the same size as the body of the screw—not including the threads.