1/2" UNF tap drill size
The tap drill for 1/2-20 UNF is 29/64" (11.51 mm). That’s the standard chart size and gives about 72% of full thread.
Open in the full tap drill finder
Tap drill by thread percentage
75% is the usual workshop figure. Less thread is easier to tap; more adds little strength.
| Thread % | Ideal drill | Nearest metric drill | Nearest imperial drill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60% | 11.71 mm 0.4610" | 11.7 mm (61%) | 15/32" 0.4688" (48%) |
| 65% | 11.628 mm 0.4578" | 11.6 mm (67%) | 29/64" 0.4531" (72%) |
| 70% | 11.545 mm 0.4545" | 11.5 mm (73%) | 29/64" 0.4531" (72%) |
| 75% | 11.463 mm 0.4513" | 11.5 mm (73%) | 29/64" 0.4531" (72%) |
| 80% | 11.38 mm 0.4480" | 11.4 mm (79%) | 29/64" 0.4531" (72%) |
About this size
UNF is the fine Unified series, common on older British and American vehicles, aircraft and instruments.
- For stainless steel, duplex and other tough materials, go to about 65% thread: a 11.6 mm drill gives 67%. For mild steel, brass and cast iron the 29/64" drill is fine.
- For a blind hole with 1.5 × D thread engagement (19 mm), drill about 24.1 mm deep. That leaves room for the 3–4 tapered lead threads on a second or plug tap. In steel, 1 × D engagement is usually enough; in aluminium or cast iron allow 1.5–2 × D.
Clearance holes for 1/2" UNF
| Fit | Drill |
|---|---|
| Close | 17/32" (13.49 mm) |
| Medium (normal) | 35/64" (13.89 mm) |
| Free (loose) | 37/64" (14.68 mm) |
Worked out with our own rule, not taken from a standards table: close = the larger of D + 4% and D + 0.2 mm, medium = the larger of D + 8% and D + 0.4 mm, free = the larger of D + 15% and D + 0.75 mm, each rounded up to the next 1/64". Check against your drawing where the fit matters.
1/2" UNF thread data
| Designation | 1/2-20 UNF |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASME B1.1 Unified basic profile (same 60° basic form as ISO metric) |
| Pitch | 20 TPI (1.27 mm pitch) |
| Thread angle | 60° |
| Major diameter | 0.500" (12.7 mm) |
| Pitch (effective) diameter | 0.468" (11.875 mm) |
| Minor diameter, external | 0.439" (11.142 mm) |
| Minor diameter, internal | 0.446" (11.325 mm) |
| Thread depth (internal) | 0.687 mm |
Basic sizes. Real screws are slightly under and real nuts slightly over these values because of tolerance classes.
Quick calculator
Nearest alternatives
If you don’t have the right drill, these give:
- 11.4 mm drill → about 79% thread
- 11.5 mm drill → about 73% thread
- 11.6 mm drill → about 67% thread
Threads close in size (not interchangeable – the pitch and/or angle differ):
- 1/2" UNC – 12.7 mm major, 13 TPI (1.954 mm pitch)
- 1/2" BSW – 12.7 mm major, 12 TPI (2.117 mm pitch)
- 1/2" BSF – 12.7 mm major, 16 TPI (1.587 mm pitch)
- G1/4 (1/4" BSP) – 13.16 mm major, 19 TPI (1.337 mm pitch)
- M12 – 12 mm major, 1.75 mm pitch (14.5 TPI equivalent)
Questions
What size drill for a 1/2" UNF tap?
The tap drill for 1/2-20 UNF is 29/64" (11.51 mm). That’s the standard chart size and gives about 72% of full thread.
What size clearance hole for 1/2" UNF?
For a 1/2" UNF screw or bolt, drill 17/32" for a close fit, 35/64" for a medium (normal) fit or 37/64" for a free fit. These come from our stated rule, not a standards table.
What is the pitch of 1/2" UNF?
1/2-20 UNF has a 20 TPI (1.27 mm pitch), a 60° thread angle and a 12.7 mm major diameter.
Sources: Basic sizes per ASME B1.1. Chart drill from the common UN 75% tapping chart where one exists. Number and letter drill sizes checked 25/10/2026. Values are for reference only – check your tap maker’s chart. See the disclaimer.
Spotted a mistake? Report an error.