1" NPT tap drill size

For a 1" NPT taper pipe tap, drill 1-5/32" (29.37 mm). The nearest metric drill is 29.25 mm.

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Drilling and tapping

Taper pipe taps cut the full thread form as they go deeper, so there is no “% of thread” choice: use the chart drill. For a better taper form, drill a few thou smaller and finish with a 1:16 taper pipe reamer before tapping.

About this size

NPT is the American taper pipe thread (1 in 16 on diameter, 60° form). It seals on the thread with PTFE tape or a thread sealant.

1" NPT thread data

Threads per inch11.5 TPI (2.209 mm pitch)
Thread angle60°
Taper1 in 16 on diameter (1.7899° half-angle)
Pipe outside diameter1.315" (33.401 mm)
Pitch diameter at small end (E0)1.214" (30.826 mm)
Pitch diameter at gauge plane (E1)1.239" (31.461 mm)
Hand-tight engagement (L1)0.400" (10.16 mm)
Effective thread length (L2)0.683" (17.34 mm)
Thread height1.767 mm

Quick calculator: taper diameter

Nearest alternatives

Same nominal size, British parallel pipe: G1 (1" BSP).

Questions

What size drill for a 1" NPT tap?

For a 1" NPT taper pipe tap, drill 1-5/32" (29.37 mm). The nearest metric drill is 29.25 mm.

Will 1" NPT screw into 1" BSP?

Not properly. 1" NPT has 11.5 TPI and a 60° thread; 1" BSP has 11 TPI and a 55° thread. The pitches differ, so they will cross-thread after a turn or two. Use an adaptor.

What is the hand-tight engagement of 1" NPT?

About 10.16 mm (0.400"), the L1 length in ASME B1.20.1. Wrench make-up adds a few more turns.

Sources: Basic dimensions per ASME B1.20.1. Drill from the common taper-pipe-tap chart (drill only, no reamer). Values are for reference only – check your tap maker’s chart. See the disclaimer.

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