MachinistCharts

M30x2 tap drill size

The tap drill for an M30 × 2 metric fine thread is 28 mm (1.1024 in). It leaves about 77 % thread, the normal range for steel.

Calculated from ISO 724 and ISO 273. Updated .

Tap drill for M30 × 2
28mm
1.1024 in
Thread engagement 77%
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M30x2 thread data

Thread
M30 × 2 fine
Pitch
2 mm 12.7 TPI
Tap drill
28 mm
In inches
1.1024"
Thread engagement
77 %
Bolt torque, 8.8 dry
1,514 N·m
Other pitches
M30 × 3.5

Clearance holes for M30

31 mmClose
33 mmNormal
35 mmLoose

ISO 273 clearance holes. The dashed circle is the M30 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
30 mm, major diameter
drill
28 mm
P
2 mm pitch
76.98 × 2 / 2 = 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 M30 × 2 tap?

Use a 28 mm drill. It leaves about 77 % thread engagement.

What is 28 mm in inches?

28 mm is 1.1024 inch.

What size clearance hole for M30?

ISO 273 gives 31 mm for a close fit, 33 mm normal and 35 mm loose.

How tight should an M30 bolt be?

About 1,514 N·m for class 8.8 with dry threads.

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