Tap drill ≈ 16 − 2 = 14.0 mm. Fine M16 × 1.5 uses 14.5 mm. Normal clearance is 18 mm. At this diameter, tapping torque is significant — use a spiral-flute tap or thread mill in blind holes.
Common metric tap drills: M3 tap drill size · M6 tap drill 5.0 mm · M8 tap drill size · M10 tap drill 8.5 mm · M12 tap drill 10.2 mm · M24 tap drill 21.0 mm.
Formula
Major Ø 16 mm
Pitch 2 mm
Tap drill 14 mm
Minor Ø 13.835 mm
M16 × 2 at a glance
Tap drill vs clearance hole
Tap this hole (then cut the thread): 14 mm. Bolt must pass (clearance): 17.2 mm normal. That is why “M16 × 2 drill size” can mean two different holes — this page lists both.
How we use this in the toolroom
M16 shows up on machine bases and lifting points. We thread-mill blind holes in tool steel rather than risk a hand tap at this torque.
Accurate Industries in Pune still looks these sizes up the same way: tap drill ≈ major − pitch, then a clearance hole for the bolt. AlwaysReach is that chart in the browser — our story.
Full metric and imperial lookup lives on the thread & tap drill calculator. After tapping, check a locational bore on the ISO tolerance calculator. Other pages: M8 × 1.25, M10 × 1.5, M12 × 1.75, M6 × 1, M4 × 0.7, M5 × 0.8, 1/4-20 UNC, M3 × 0.5, M20 × 2.5, M24 × 3, 5/16-18 UNC, 3/8-16 UNC, 1/2-13 UNC, UNC chart, UNF chart, BSW chart, UNEF chart, BSF chart.