A #26 drill measures 0.1470 inch (3.734 mm). The closest fractional drill is 9/64" (0.1406") and the closest metric drill is 3.7 mm (0.1457").
What are the #26 drill equivalents?
| Drill | System | Decimal (in) | mm | Difference (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #26 | number | 0.1470 | 3.734 | 0 |
| 3.7 mm | metric | 0.1457 | 3.700 | -0.0013 |
| #25 | number | 0.1495 | 3.797 | +0.0025 |
| 3.8 mm | metric | 0.1496 | 3.800 | +0.0026 |
Drill sets that include this size
Number and letter sizes come in indexed sets; buy the set rather than single drills.
What speed should a #26 drill run?
| Material | RPM (HSS) | Feed (in/rev) |
|---|---|---|
| 6061-T6 aluminum | 5,197 | 0.0029 |
| 360 free-machining brass | 3,898 | 0.0026 |
| 1018 cold rolled steel | 2,079 | 0.0022 |
| 304 stainless steel | 1,039 | 0.0015 |
Starting points from conservative HSS drilling speeds. Small drills often call for more RPM than a benchtop drill press offers; run at the top speed and feed gently. Use cutting oil in steel and stainless, and clamp the work: never hold it by hand.
Cutting fluid for drilling
Frequently asked questions
What is a #26 drill in inches?
0.1470 inch, which is 3.734 mm. Number drills get smaller as the number rises, so the next number up is a smaller drill. If you do not have this exact size, 3.7 mm is within 0.0013 inch.
What tap uses a #26 drill?
No common UNC or UNF thread uses it as its standard 75% tap drill, but it often serves as an alternative drill for a slightly different percentage of thread, or as a clearance or pilot size. The tap drill chart lists every standard pairing.