Drill and tap a grade 2 bolt?

[flatgrinder]

Anyone ever drilled and tapped a grade 2 bolt?

I have a 1/2"-13 cap screw that's 7/8" long, is it easy to drill the full length of it and tap it for a 1/4"-20 thread? I have a lathe, my concern is the taps breaking.

Do I need to use special taps or would regular hss work?

Thanks!

 

[HSC ///]

Marcus, I haven't tapped a grade 2 but I have drilled one and it's pretty soft.
Grade 2 bolt is the lowest grade rating (I think)
In my limited knowledge I would think you won't have any problem tapping it.

If it doesn't work and the tap breaks, I'll do one for you here at work and send it to you

 

[flatgrinder]

Thank you Harbeer! I'll give it a go first. :thumbup:

 

[Frank Niro]

You could mount the bolt in the head stock, drill the correct size for the tap, place the tap in the tail stock and turn the tail stock by hand power off of course.
Frank

 

[12345678910]

I've done it with spiral point HSS

If the hole is deep, you have to clear chips.