Dimensions, drill sizes and wrench sizes for 1-1/2-6 UNC.
Designation
1-1/2-6 UNC
Major (outside) diameter
38.1 mm · 1.5"
Pitch
4.233 mm · 6 TPI
Pitch diameter
35.35 mm · 1.3918"
Minor diameter (external)
32.906 mm · 1.2955"
Minor diameter (internal)
33.517 mm · 1.3196"
Recommended tap drill
1" · 25.4 mm · ≈231% thread
Clearance hole
Close 1" · Normal 1" · Loose 1" - nominal + 1/64" / 1/32" / 1/16" to the nearest standard drill (common shop practice).
Hex head (across flats)
2-1/4"
Close 1" · Normal 1" · Loose 1" - nominal + 1/64" / 1/32" / 1/16" to the nearest standard drill (common shop practice).
Tightening torque estimate
Target preload is 75% of proof load; torque is estimated from T = K · F · d.
Proof-load preload and estimated tightening torque for 1-1/2-6 UNC by fastener grade or property class.
Grade / class
Stress area
Preload
Torque
SAE Grade 2
1.4053 in²
34780 lbf
869 lb·ft · 10434 lb·in
SAE Grade 5
1.4053 in²
77991 lbf
1950 lb·ft · 23397 lb·in
SAE Grade 8
1.4053 in²
126473 lbf
3162 lb·ft · 37942 lb·in
Strengths are SAE J429 for this diameter band. J429 steps down with size: Grade 2 falls to 33 ksi proof above 3/4 in and Grade 5 to 74 ksi above 1 in, so these figures are not the small-size values.
These figures assume a nut factor of K = 0.20 (dry / as-received steel). K captures thread and head friction and can swing torque by 30% or more - a lubricated joint needs noticeably less. Change the lubrication assumption in the bolt-torque calculator.
Put 1-1/2-6 UNC on a job sheet
The bolt schedule collects the fasteners for one job onto a single sheet - tap drill, wrench size, grade and tightening torque on every line, taken straight from pages like this one. Free schedules hold 3 lines and are saved in this browser only.
For a 1-1/2-6 UNC thread, drill the hole with a 1" tap drill (25.4 mm) before tapping. That produces roughly 231% thread engagement, the usual target for a strong, tappable hole. The mating bolt has a major diameter of 38.1 mm and a pitch of 4.233 mm (6 TPI).
To pass a 1-1/2-6 UNC bolt through a part rather than thread it, use a clearance hole: Close 1" · Normal 1" · Loose 1" - nominal + 1/64" / 1/32" / 1/16" to the nearest standard drill (common shop practice)..
All values are generated from the standard thread formulas (ISO 68-1 / ASME B1.1) and published standard tables - not hand-entered. See the full reference.
Frequently asked questions
What drill size do I need to tap a 1-1/2-6 UNC thread?
Drill 1" (25.4 mm) before tapping 1-1/2-6 UNC. That leaves roughly 231% thread engagement, the usual target for a strong hole that still taps cleanly.
Is 1-1/2-6 UNC a coarse or fine thread?
1-1/2-6 UNC is a Unified coarse (UNC) thread at 6 threads per inch, the default inch series for general fastening in this diameter.
What size clearance hole does a 1-1/2-6 UNC bolt need?
Close 1" · Normal 1" · Loose 1" - nominal + 1/64" / 1/32" / 1/16" to the nearest standard drill (common shop practice). A clearance hole lets the 1-1/2-6 UNC bolt pass through the part instead of threading into it.
How much torque should I use on a 1-1/2-6 UNC bolt?
Estimated tightening torque for 1-1/2-6 UNC runs from 869 lb·ft (SAE Grade 2) to 3162 lb·ft (SAE Grade 8), targeting 75% of proof load with a dry nut factor of K = 0.20. Lubricated threads need noticeably less torque.
Nearest standard metric sizes by major diameter. These are substitutes by size only - the thread forms are not interchangeable, so never run one into the other.