MachinistCharts

M39 tap drill size

The tap drill for an M39 × 4 metric coarse thread is 35 mm (1.3780 in). It leaves about 77 % thread, the normal range for steel.

Calculated from ISO 724 and ISO 273. Updated .

Tap drill for M39 × 4
35mm
1.3780 in
Thread engagement 77%
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M39 thread data

Thread
M39 × 4 coarse
Pitch
4 mm 6.3 TPI
Tap drill
35 mm
In inches
1.3780"
Thread engagement
77 %
Major diameter
39 mm

Clearance holes for M39

40 mmClose
42 mmNormal
45 mmLoose

ISO 273 clearance holes. The dashed circle is the M39 bolt at the same scale.

How much thread you need

Thread percentage to aim for by material.

Mild and alloy steel65–75 % thread
Stainless steel60–70 % thread
Cast iron70–80 % thread
Aluminium75–85 % thread
Brass and bronze75–85 % thread
Plastics75–85 % thread

Bars run from 50 % to 90 % thread. Typical shop practice for cut taps. Harder, tougher materials take less thread to save the tap; soft materials need more engagement to hold.

How the percentage is worked out

% = 76.98 × (D − drill) / P
D
39 mm, major diameter
drill
35 mm
P
4 mm pitch
76.98 × 4 / 4 = 77 %

Why not 100 %?

Going from 75 % to 100 % thread adds only about 5 % strength but roughly triples the torque needed to turn the tap. That is why the standard drill leaves 70–80 %.

For cut taps the quick rule is drill = major diameter − pitch. Form (roll) taps displace metal instead of cutting it and need a larger hole, roughly D − 0.5 P; check the tap maker's chart.

Other metric coarse threads

Common questions

What size drill for an M39 × 4 tap?

Use a 35 mm drill. It leaves about 77 % thread engagement.

What is 35 mm in inches?

35 mm is 1.3780 inch.

What size clearance hole for M39?

ISO 273 gives 40 mm for a close fit, 42 mm normal and 45 mm loose.

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