Drill Bit Size vs. Pin Size

[Dave Hub]

So, I recently learned a 5/32" pin won't fit in a hole drilled with a 5/32" bit. What size bit should I use to drill the hole? A #22 or #21? The #22 is the next size larger, but it's only 0.0008" larger than the 5/32" bit.

When drilling a hole for a pin, how much larger should the hole be relative to the pin size?

 

[kuraki]

#21 or even #20. If you can get a .003-005" clearance between pin and drill size they should always slide right together easily but not have an excessive gap. If there is still problems getting pins through scales and tang with .005" clearance it's due to angular runnout in the different components holes, generally.

 

[Horsewright]

Not specific to your 5/32nd question but I use a #30 for a 1/8" pin and a F for 1/4" stock. I like the pins to go in easy by hand but not fall out either.

 

[Hesparus]

I use 1/4" pins or lanyard tubes on some knives, and I fix the holes with .252" reamers. Works great.

Chris