Tapcon is a common brand for screws and is really popular. They can be used for a wide variety of drill bit sizes. If you want to know what size drill bit for a 3/16” Tapcon, keep reading.
Contents
What Size Drill Bit for a 3/16″ Tapcon?
A 3/16” Tapcon needs a size drill bit of 5/32” diameter bit. However, the length may vary depending on the hole drilled. It’s essential you have a hole that is ½” deeper than the Tapcon screw.
Also do not confuse this with the size of the drill bit 10mm tap since tap and Tapcon are different. The length should meet the minimum embedment depth of 1 inch and allows for the drill to penetrate the base material. The length of a 3/16” Tapcon may vary from the following:
- 3 ½ inches
- 4 ½ inches
- 5 ½ inches
The length depends on the required minimum hold depth. There are also other styles of drill bits you can use for Tapcon screws. However, the majority of people mostly use either the 3/16-inch or the ¼-inch Tapcon size chart.
Tips for Using Small Drill Bits
Lubricate Drill Bits to Make Them Last Longer
Lubrication decreases the friction between surfaces. This means less heat is generated, making your drill bits less compromised when they’re not that heat resistant. It also keeps your drill bits working longer since it coats them with protection against rust and other stuff.
Some surfaces like aluminum, brass, or cast iron don’t necessarily need lubrication to drill properly. It doesn’t always have to be the case as lubrication also offers other things.
Lubrication boosts your drilling speed since there is less friction. If you’ve drilled with and without lubrication, you probably noticed that drilling without lube is slower, especially if you’re not forcing your way through.
Never Force the Drill Bit
It’s not a good decision to force the drill bit through the material most of the time. The speed of the drill bit won’t change even if you force it through, and it will only do more harm than good.
You also might end up breaking the bit if you’re being forceful. Small drill bits are usually brittle so you need to use them carefully. Forcing it through also blunts the bit’s tip, making it unusable.
In the end, you want to ensure that the drill bit you’re using is compatible with the surface. If it is and still doesn’t drill effectively, other underlying problems might need to be addressed.
Use a Drill Press
Drilling with small drill bits requires a lot of accuracy. With a drill press, your accuracy increases significantly and generally produces better results. Most drill presses are built with metalworking features.
It has features that make drilling with small drill bits easier. For example, it has a handle that results in the bit going down into the workpiece at an accurate angle, creating a precise drilling area.
If you’re going to work on a lot of small drill bits in the future, it’s not bad to invest in a drill press with many features related to drilling with small drill bits.
Conclusion
Drilling with a 3/16” Tapcon requires certain sizes of drill bits. Make sure you check with your drill bit size chart and Tapcon recommendations. The lengths will vary depending on what application you are aiming for.