#32 drill size
A #32 drill is 0.1160 in (2.95 mm). It sits between #33 and #31 in the number series; the nearest metric drill is 2.95 mm.
#32 at a glance
Decimal, metric and the nearest sizes in the other series.
Nearest metric drills
Metric drills step by 0.05 mm below 3 mm and by 0.1 mm from 3 mm. Difference is metric minus inch size.
| Metric drill | Inch | Difference | In inches | Hole |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.9 mm | 0.1142" | −0.046 mm | −0.0018" | Smaller |
| 2.95 mm | 0.1161" | +0.004 mm | +0.0001" | Larger |
Nearby inch drills
The next size down and up in each inch series, so you can pick a substitute from the drawer.
Threads a #32 drill can tap
Threads from the tap tables on this site that this drill can tap, with the thread percentage it leaves (55–85 % shown).
| Thread | Standard drill | Thread with this drill | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| M3.5 × 0.6 | 2.9 mm | 71 % | Good in steel |
| #6-40 UNF | #33 | 68 % | Good in steel |
Clearance for screws and bolts
Bolts and screws a #32 hole clears, with the diametral clearance and the gap each side. Metric sizes are compared with ISO 273.
| Fastener | Diameter | Clearance | Per side | ISO 273, metric only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 screw | 0.0730" | 0.0430" | 0.0215" | – |
| #2 screw | 0.0860" | 0.0300" | 0.0150" | – |
| M2.5 bolt | 2.5 mm | 0.45 mm | 0.22 mm | Normal fit (normal 2.9, loose 3.1 mm) |
| #3 screw | 0.0990" | 0.0170" | 0.0085" | – |
| #4 screw | 0.1120" | 0.0040" | 0.0020" | – |
Inch clearance is the drill size minus the basic major diameter. A drilled hole usually cuts slightly oversize.
Number drill index
Every size in the series, holes drawn to scale.
Common questions
What size is a #32 drill?
A #32 drill is 0.1160 in, which is 2.95 mm (2.9464 mm exactly).
What is the metric equivalent of a #32 drill?
The nearest metric drill is 2.95 mm, 0.004 mm larger. The other close size is 2.9 mm.
What thread can I tap with a #32 drill?
It leaves about 71 % thread in M3.5 × 0.6 and 68 % in #6-40 UNF.
Which fractional drill is closest to #32?
7/64 in (0.1094 in) is the closest, 0.0066 in smaller.
What does a #32 drill clear?
It clears a #4 screw with 0.0040" total clearance (0.0020" per side).