When drilling, you’ll see it’s not as simple as it seems. Trust me, you don’t want to mess up by using the wrong drill size. Using the perfect 1/2-13 tap drill size for your project will make all the difference. You can do the job faster and more accurately.
Below, I’ve jotted down some handy tables and tips to help you pick the right drill bit size. Let’s make drilling a breeze together!
What Size of Drill Bit Do I Need for a 1/2-Inch 13 Tap?
I’ve crafted this tap drill size chart below to help you visualize which size of drill bit you should use for a 1/2-inch 13 tap. It shows the screw size, drill size, the equivalent fraction, and decimal in inches and millimeters.
| Screw Size | Drill Size | Closest Fraction Equivalent | Decimal (in) | Decimal (mm) |
| 1/2-13 NC | 27/64” | 27/64” | 0.422 | 10.716 |
| 1/2-20 NF | 29/64” | 29/64” | 0.453 | 11.509 |
| 1/2-24 NS | 29/64” | 29/64” | 0.453 | 11.509 |
As you can see, the 1/2-13 tap requires a different drill size compared to the 20 and 24 taps. Knowing this can help you buy the right one that you need, saving you money and other resources.
Below is another table that displays the recommended thread percentage for creating a pilot hole, depending on the material you intend to work with.
This table includes essential details such as screw size, major and minor diameter, threads per inch (TPI), as well as 50% and 75% thread measurements.
Screw Size | Major Diameter | Threads Per Inch (TPI) | Minor Diameter | 50% Thread (Steel, Stainless, & Iron) | 75% Thread (Aluminum, Brass, & Plastic) | ||
| Drill Size | Dec. Eq. | Drill Size | Dec. Eq. | ||||
| 1/2 | 0.5 | 13 | 0.406 | 27/64 | 0.422 | 29/64 | 0.453 |
| 20 | 0.439 | 29/64 | 0.453 | 15/32 | 0.469 | ||
| 28 | 0.456 | 15/32 | 0.469 | 15/32 | 0.469 | ||
If you’re going to use harder materials, such as steel, iron, and stainless, a 50% thread is a better choice. It prevents chipping or creating an angled pilot hole into the metal.
You can use a 75% thread if the material is softer and can be drilled easily, such as plastic, brass, and aluminum [1].
Considerations to Take Note of When Drilling a 1/2-13 Tap
Taking some things into consideration before drilling a 1/2-13 tap can also help you do the project properly. It also helps in preventing damage or accidents while working.
First, identify the type of material you will work on. It will help you find the right drill bit size, thread percentage, and correct drill bit. To ensure that you have the right drill bit, try drilling onto a scrap piece of the same material. This also applies to other taps, like a 5/16” or ⅛” NPT.
Drilling Process and Steps
Now that you know what tap drill size to use, let’s go through the drilling process and steps.
1. To avoid spinning, slipping, drilling out of place, or at a wrong angle, fix the material between clamps or drill it not so tightly on a scrap piece. Missing this step can end up in injury or drilling at the wrong spot and angle.
2. Mark the spot where you want to drill. Wear safety gloves and goggles. Mark the area using painter’s tape to keep the drill bit in place and prevent leaving tape marks afterward.
3. Drill perpendicularly on the surface. A different angle will cause problems when you do the screwing or tapping of the bolts.
4. The drill bit should not overheat to prevent damage. Use cutting fluid and sharpen the drill bit for easier drilling.
5. If you are using a hand-held drill, use a guide or a drill press.
Using 1/2-13 Taps Properly
If you are done drilling the pilot hole, it is now time to use the 1/2″-13 tap. You’ll know if you have created the right drill hole or not. Here’s how to use the 13 taps properly.
1. After drilling, remove the sharp edges around the drill hole.
2. Add chamfer using either normal or specialized drill bits to make the tapping easier.
3. Clean the rest of the debris or dust around the hole.
4. Use a guide while applying pressure on the material and hole. Otherwise, you will have a crooked tap or a damaged hole. Slowly but surely, do the tapping to prevent damage and repeat the process from square one.
Pecking
Pecking is one of the safest ways to insert the tap into the hole. If you have the correct tap drill size, you can do pecking to make your job safer. Pecking prevents the drill bit from overheating and damaging your tools and materials.
As a common practice, you have to rotate the handle in a full turn, and half turn back. Pull it out slowly and add oil on the surface and the tap before doing a full turn again.
Conclusion
When doing a drilling project, it’s important to use the right 1/2-13 tap drill size. It will save you from a lot of hassle and prevented unnecessary expenses. The right tools make all the difference!
Don’t forget to check the handy tables above to guide you. Don’t miss out on them – they were a lifesaver when it came to choosing the perfect drill bit size.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
