MachinistCharts

M22x1.5 tap drill size

The tap drill for an M22 × 1.5 metric fine thread is 20.5 mm (0.8071 in). It leaves about 77 % thread, the normal range for steel.

Calculated from ISO 724 and ISO 273. Updated .

Tap drill for M22 × 1.5
20.5mm
0.8071 in
Thread engagement 77%
Section through the tapped holePick a drill below to compare

Choose a drill

Each option redraws the section above with the thread it would leave.

M22x1.5 thread data

Thread
M22 × 1.5 fine
Pitch
1.5 mm 16.9 TPI
Tap drill
20.5 mm
In inches
0.8071"
Thread engagement
77 %
Bolt torque, 8.8 dry
601 N·m
Other pitches
M22 × 2.5

Clearance holes for M22

23 mmClose
24 mmNormal
26 mmLoose

ISO 273 clearance holes. The dashed circle is the M22 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
22 mm, major diameter
drill
20.5 mm
P
1.5 mm pitch
76.98 × 1.5 / 1.5 = 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 fine threads

Common questions

What size drill for an M22 × 1.5 tap?

Use a 20.5 mm drill. It leaves about 77 % thread engagement.

What is 20.5 mm in inches?

20.5 mm is 0.8071 inch.

What size clearance hole for M22?

ISO 273 gives 23 mm for a close fit, 24 mm normal and 26 mm loose.

How tight should an M22 bolt be?

About 601 N·m for class 8.8 with dry threads.

Arrow keys to move, Enter to open, Esc to close