Dimensions, drill sizes and wrench sizes for 1/4-32 UNEF.
Designation
1/4-32 UNEF
Major (outside) diameter
6.35 mm · 0.25"
Pitch
0.794 mm · 32 TPI
Pitch diameter
5.834 mm · 0.2297"
Minor diameter (external)
5.376 mm · 0.2117"
Minor diameter (internal)
5.491 mm · 0.2162"
Recommended tap drill
7/32" · 5.56 mm · ≈77% thread
Clearance hole
Close 17/64" · Normal 9/32" · Loose 5/16" - nominal + 1/64" / 1/32" / 1/16" to the nearest standard drill (common shop practice).
Hex head (across flats)
7/16"
Socket key (across flats)
3/16"
Close 17/64" · Normal 9/32" · Loose 5/16" - 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 1/4-32 UNEF by fastener grade or property class.
Grade / class
Stress area
Preload
Torque
SAE Grade 2
0.0379 in²
1562 lbf
6.5 lb·ft · 78 lb·in
SAE Grade 5
0.0379 in²
2414 lbf
10 lb·ft · 121 lb·in
SAE Grade 8
0.0379 in²
3407 lbf
14 lb·ft · 170 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. The Grade 2 row applies to bolts up to 6 in long; a longer Grade 2 bolt of the same diameter drops to 33 ksi proof.
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 1/4-32 UNEF 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 1/4-32 UNEF thread, drill the hole with a 7/32" tap drill (5.56 mm) before tapping. That produces roughly 77% thread engagement, the usual target for a strong, tappable hole. The mating bolt has a major diameter of 6.35 mm and a pitch of 0.794 mm (32 TPI).
To pass a 1/4-32 UNEF bolt through a part rather than thread it, use a clearance hole: Close 17/64" · Normal 9/32" · Loose 5/16" - 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 1/4-32 UNEF thread?
Drill 7/32" (5.56 mm) before tapping 1/4-32 UNEF. That leaves roughly 77% thread engagement, the usual target for a strong hole that still taps cleanly.
Is 1/4-32 UNEF a coarse or fine thread?
1/4-32 UNEF is a Unified extra-fine (UNEF) thread at 32 threads per inch, used for thin-wall parts, short thread engagement and fine adjustment.
What size clearance hole does a 1/4-32 UNEF bolt need?
Close 17/64" · Normal 9/32" · Loose 5/16" - nominal + 1/64" / 1/32" / 1/16" to the nearest standard drill (common shop practice). A clearance hole lets the 1/4-32 UNEF bolt pass through the part instead of threading into it.
How much torque should I use on a 1/4-32 UNEF bolt?
Estimated tightening torque for 1/4-32 UNEF runs from 6.5 lb·ft (SAE Grade 2) to 14 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.