#52 drill size
A #52 drill is 0.0635 in (1.61 mm). It sits between #53 and #51 in the number series; the nearest metric drill is 1.6 mm.
#52 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 mm | 0.0630" | −0.013 mm | −0.0005" | Smaller |
| 1.65 mm | 0.0650" | +0.037 mm | +0.0015" | 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 #52 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| M2 × 0.4 | 1.6 mm | 74 % | Good in steel |
Clearance for screws and bolts
Bolts and screws a #52 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1.6 bolt | 1.6 mm | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm | Tighter than close fit (1.7 mm) |
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 #52 drill?
A #52 drill is 0.0635 in, which is 1.61 mm (1.6129 mm exactly).
What is the metric equivalent of a #52 drill?
The nearest metric drill is 1.6 mm, 0.013 mm smaller. The other close size is 1.65 mm.
What thread can I tap with a #52 drill?
It leaves about 74 % thread in M2 × 0.4.
Which fractional drill is closest to #52?
1/16 in (0.0625 in) is the closest, 0.0010 in smaller.
What does a #52 drill clear?
It clears a M1.6 bolt with 0.01 mm total clearance (0.01 mm per side); for metric bolts: tighter than close fit.