®

CORPORATE PRODUCT & PROCESS SPECIFICATION

1.0 SCOPE

1.1 Tolerances for symmetrically shaped clearance holes such as round, square, rectangular,
hexagon, and slotted or elongated (see Figure 1) are specified. Substitute metric drill diameters
are provided for manufacturing use when inch diameters are called out on drawings.

Tolerances for round holes based on the

basic diameter and depth dimensions.

- Tolerance Zone

Tolerances for hexagon and square holes

are based on across flats dimension.

Tolerances for the width and length of

slotted holes are based on the length of
the slot.

Figure 1 - Tolerancing Irregular Shaped Holes

2.0 APPLICATION

Tap drill hole tolerance prior to thread cutting or forming, clearance hole tolerance for fasteners,
and tolerances for miscellaneous holes not requiring tight tolerances, including; large holes,
punched holes, laser cut holes, and holes with distortion due to heat treat.

3.0 PROCESSING

Any process capable of producing the hole within the tolerance specified on the drawing is
permissible.

Note: Hole size (dimensions and tolerances) applies prior to application of paint.

THE INFORMATION HEREON IS THE PROPERTY OF CATERPILLAR INC. AND/OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES. WITHOUT WRITTEN
PERMISSION, ANY COPYING, TRANSMITTAL TO OTHERS, AND ANY USE EXCEPT THAT FOR WHICH IT IS LOANED, IS PROHIBITED.

DATE CHG NO NUMBER

CLEARANCE HOLE TOLERANCES 09 JUL 2009 20 1E0421

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CORPORATE PRODUCT & PROCESS SPECIFICATION

4.0 DRAWING DESIGNATIONS AND INTERPRETATION

4.1 Figure 2 provides interpretation of letter designations for Ø A, B, C, CE, D, E, F, or G.

Drawing Drawing
Designation Interpretation
ØX.X-A
or Tolerance applies to the complete hole
(X.XØ-A)
ØX.X-B
or Tolerance applies to the complete hole
(X.XØ-B)
Designation applies to thru holes and
provides a tolerance for:
ØX.X-C 1) Tool entering side:
or Applies to a depth of 0.25T
(X.XØ-C)
2) Tool breakout side:
Applies to remaining depth

ØX.X-CE Class C tolerances apply before heat treatment

or Class CE tolerances apply to complete hole after heat treatment
(X.XØ-CE)
ØX.X-D Designation applies to thru holes and the
or tolerance applies to the complete hole
(X.XØ-D)
ØX.X-E Class B tolerances apply before heat treatment.
or Class E tolerances apply after heat treatment.
(X.XØ-E)
Permits optional shape of finished hole within the maximum and minimum diameter limits and
depth limits specified on the drawing.
Ø X.X-X.X-F
or
(X.X-X.X Ø-F)

One diameter for full length Multiple diameters in a series of steps at random depths
Permits manufacturing to select a process drill diameter size that will provide the proper
amount of stock to be removed by the final sizing operation but controls the ØG depth that
remains in the completed part.
ØG- X.X
or
(ØG-XX DEEP)

( ) Dimensioning used on older drawings and is now not preferred.

Figure 2 - Drawing Designation Interpretation
THE INFORMATION HEREON IS THE PROPERTY OF CATERPILLAR INC. AND/OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES. WITHOUT WRITTEN
PERMISSION, ANY COPYING, TRANSMITTAL TO OTHERS, AND ANY USE EXCEPT THAT FOR WHICH IT IS LOANED, IS PROHIBITED.

DATE CHG NO NUMBER

CLEARANCE HOLE TOLERANCES 09 JUL 2009 20 1E0421

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CORPORATE PRODUCT & PROCESS SPECIFICATION

5.0 TOLERANCES

5.1 Hole Diameter Tolerance - Metric hole diameter tolerances are specified in Figure 4, 5,
and 6. Inch hole diameter tolerances are specified in Figures 7, 8, and 9.

5.2 Hole Depth Tolerance - For non-through (blind) holes designated Ø A, B, E, F, or G the
default depth tolerance is ±1 mm.

Note: When drilling and tapping are done using a single machine tool, the minimum tolerance
for the tap drill depth shall not apply, provided the minimum required thread depth is obtained.

5.3 Drill Point Shape - The drill point configuration shall lie within the zone described in
Figure 3. (Many different drill point configurations have been developed due to different
materials, hardnesses, coatings, and machine tool designs.)

Figure 3 - Drill Point Configuration - Allowed Zone

THE INFORMATION HEREON IS THE PROPERTY OF CATERPILLAR INC. AND/OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES. WITHOUT WRITTEN
PERMISSION, ANY COPYING, TRANSMITTAL TO OTHERS, AND ANY USE EXCEPT THAT FOR WHICH IT IS LOANED, IS PROHIBITED.

DATE CHG NO NUMBER

CLEARANCE HOLE TOLERANCES 09 JUL 2009 20 1E0421

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CORPORATE PRODUCT & PROCESS SPECIFICATION

Hole Diameter, Tolerance (mm)

Slot Length, Square, Breakout Complete After
or Hex Across Flats Complete Hole Tool Entering Side*
Side Hole Heat Treat
Class Class Class Class Class Class Class
Over Thru
A B C CE C & CE D E
+0.08 +0.08 +0.08 +0.13 +0.13
---- 1.57
-0.03 -0.03 -0.03 -0.08 -0.08
+0.13 +0.25 +0.25 +0.35 +0.35
1.57 6.35
-0.05 -0.10 -0.10 -0.20 -0.20
+0.15 +0.30 +0.30 +0.40 +0.40
6.35 12.7
-0.08 -0.10 -0.10 -0.20 See See -0.20
+0.20 +0.40 +0.40 +0.50 Figure 5 Figure 6 +0.50
12.7 19.05
-0.10 -0.15 -0.15 -0.30 -0.30
+0.25 +0.50 +0.50 +0.65 +0.65
19.05 25.4
-0.10 -0.15 -0.15 -0.30 -0.30
+0.25 +0.50 +0.50 +0.65 +0.65
25.4 ----
-0.13 -0.25 -0.25 -0.40 -0.40
*Applies to full thickness when material thickness is 2.5 or less.
Figure 4 - Tolerances for Class A, B, C, CE, D, and E Holes (mm)

Material Thickness Tolerance (mm)

Class Class
Over Thru
C CE
2.5 5.0 +0.8 +0.85
5.0 7.5 +1.2 +1.30
7.5 10.0 +1.6 +1.70
10.0 13.0 +2.0 +2.10
13.0 15.5 +2.4 +2.50
15.5 18.0 +2.8 +2.90
18.0 20.5 +3.2 +3.35
20.5 23.0 +3.6 +3.75
23.0 ---- +4.0 +4.15
Breakout tolerance is provided only for materials over 2.5 thick
Figure 5 - Tool Breakout Side Tolerance for
Class C and Class CE Holes (mm)

Hole Diameter, Slot Length, Class

Square, or Hex Across Flats D
Over Thru Tolerance (mm)
---- 130 ±1.8
130 300 ±2.0
300 430 ±2.3
430 ---- ±2.5
Figure 6 - Tolerances for Class D Holes (mm)

THE INFORMATION HEREON IS THE PROPERTY OF CATERPILLAR INC. AND/OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES. WITHOUT WRITTEN
PERMISSION, ANY COPYING, TRANSMITTAL TO OTHERS, AND ANY USE EXCEPT THAT FOR WHICH IT IS LOANED, IS PROHIBITED.

DATE CHG NO NUMBER

CLEARANCE HOLE TOLERANCES 09 JUL 2009 20 1E0421

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CORPORATE PRODUCT & PROCESS SPECIFICATION

Hole Diameter, Tolerance (Inch)

Slot Length, Square, Breakout Complete After
or Hex Across Flats Complete Hole Tool Entering Side*
Side Hole Heat Treat
Class Class Class Class Class Class Class
Over Thru
A B C CE C & CE D E
+.003 +.003 +.003 +.005 +.005
---- .062
-.001 -.001 -.001 -.003 -.003
+.005 +.010 +.010 +.014 +.014
.062 .250
-.002 -.004 -.004 -.008 -.008
+.006 +.012 +.012 +.016 +.016
.250 .500
-.003 -.004 -.004 -.008 See See -.008
+.008 +.016 +.016 +.020 Figure 8 Figure 9 +.020
.500 .750
-.004 -.006 -.006 -.012 -.012
+.010 +.020 +.020 +.026 +.026
.750 1.000
-.004 -.006 -.006 -.012 -.012
+.010 +.020 +.020 +.026 +.026
1.000 ----
-.005 -.010 -.010 -.016 -.016
*Applies to full thickness when material thickness is .100 or less.
Figure 7 - Tolerances for Class A, B, C, CE, D, and E Holes (Inch)

Material Thickness Tolerance (Inch)

Class Class
Over Thru
C CE
.100 .200 +.031 +.033
.200 .300 +.047 +.051
.300 .400 +.063 +.067
.400 .500 +.079 +.083
.500 .600 +.094 +.098
.600 .700 +.110 +.114
.700 .800 +.126 +.132
.800 .900 +.142 +.148
.900 ---- +.157 +.163
Breakout tolerance is provided only for materials over .100 thick.
Figure 8 - Tool Breakout Side Tolerance for
Class C and Class CE Holes (Inch)

Hole Diameter, Slot Length, Class

Square, or Hex Across Flats D
Over Thru Tolerance (Inch)
---- 5.00 ±.07
5.00 12.00 ±.08
12.00 17.00 ±.09
17.00 ---- ±.10
Figure 9 - Tolerances for Class D Holes (Inch)

THE INFORMATION HEREON IS THE PROPERTY OF CATERPILLAR INC. AND/OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES. WITHOUT WRITTEN
PERMISSION, ANY COPYING, TRANSMITTAL TO OTHERS, AND ANY USE EXCEPT THAT FOR WHICH IT IS LOANED, IS PROHIBITED.

DATE CHG NO NUMBER

CLEARANCE HOLE TOLERANCES 09 JUL 2009 20 1E0421

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CORPORATE PRODUCT & PROCESS SPECIFICATION

6.0 DRILL DIAMETER SUBSTITUTION

6.1 Substitution of metric drill diameters for inch drill diameters is permitted on drawings
specifying inch hole diameters.

6.1.1 Method of Substitution

6.1.1.1 Caterpillar Manufactured Part - Tool design and planning departments are
responsible for selecting and approving a substitution, modifying tooling (such as locators and
drill bushings) as required, and changing tool layouts, job method cards, and work orders.

6.1.1.2 Supplier Manufactured Part - The supplier may substitute mm drills for inch drills
according to Paragraphs 6.1.2 thru 6.1.4. Approval done by the Production Part Approval
Process (PPAP).

6.1.2 Tap Drill Substitution - When an inch thread and tap drill size listed in Figure 10 is
specified with 1E0421 tolerance Class A, the mm tap drill may be substituted.

6.1.3 Fastener Clearance Holes - When an inch size clearance hole (standard or oversize)
from Figure 11 is specified with 1E0421 tolerance Classes B or C, the mm clearance hole size
may be substituted.

6.1.4 Miscellaneous Holes - Miscellaneous holes (other than for tapped holes and fastener
clearance holes) specified as having 1E0421 Class B or C tolerances, may be produced with
the metric drills listed in Figure 12.

6.2 The tolerance class specified is applicable to the basic drill size used to produce the part.

THE INFORMATION HEREON IS THE PROPERTY OF CATERPILLAR INC. AND/OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES. WITHOUT WRITTEN
PERMISSION, ANY COPYING, TRANSMITTAL TO OTHERS, AND ANY USE EXCEPT THAT FOR WHICH IT IS LOANED, IS PROHIBITED.

DATE CHG NO NUMBER

CLEARANCE HOLE TOLERANCES 09 JUL 2009 20 1E0421

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CORPORATE PRODUCT & PROCESS SPECIFICATION

Inch mm Tap Drill mm Tap Drill

Thread Thread Inch
Tap Inch Inch
Size mm Size Tap Drill mm
Drill Equiv Equiv
3/8 – 16 .323 8.2 .323
No. 0 (.060) – 80 .047 1.2 .047
– 24 .339 8.6 .339
No. 1 (.073) – 64 .055 1.5 .059 7/16 – 4 .375 9.5 .374
– 72 .062 1.5 .059 – 20 .391 10.0 .394
No. 2 (.086) – 56 .070 1.8 .071 1/2 – 13 .422 11.0 .433
– 64 .070 1.8 .071 – 20 .453 11.5 .453
No. 3 (.099) – 48 .078 2.0 .079 9/16 – 2 .484 12.5 .492
– 56 .082 2.1 .083 – 18 .516 13.0 .512
No. 4 (.112) – 40 .094 2.3 .091 5/8 – 11 .531 13.8 .543
– 48 .094 2.4 .094 – 18 .578 14.5 .571
No. 5 (.125) – 40 .104 2.6 .102 3/4 – 10 .656 16.75 .659
– 44 .104 2.7 .106 – 16 .688 17.5 .689
No. 6 (.138) – 32 .109 2.8 .110 7/8 – 9 .766 19.75 .778
– 40 .113 2.9 .114 – 14 .812 20.5 .807
No. 8 (.164) – 32 .136 3.5 .138 1– 8 .875 22.5 .886
– 36 .141 3.6 .142 – 14 .938 23.75 .935
No. 10 (.190) – 24 .156 3.9 .154 1 1/8 – 7 1.000 25.5 1.004
– 32 .156 4.1 .161 – 12 1.047 26.75 1.053
No. 12 (.216) – 24 .172 4.6 .181 1 1/4 – 7 1.125 28.5 1.122
– 28 .188 4.7 .185 – 12 1.172 30.0 1.181
1/4 – 20 .203 5.2 .205 1 3/8 – 6 1.234 31.25 1.230
– 24 .219 5.6 .220 – 12 1.297 33.0 1.299
5/16 – 18 .266 6.8 .268 1 1/2 – 6 1.359 34.5 1.358
– 24 .277 7.0 .276 – 12 1.422 36.0 1.417
Figure 10 - Substitute Tap Drills for Inch Threads

Inch mm Clearance Hole Inch mm Clearance Hole

Thread Thread
Clearance Inch Clearance Inch
Size mm Size mm
Hole Equiv Hole Equiv
.281 7.5 .295
1/4 3/4 .781 20.5 .807
.312* 8.0 .315
.344 9.0 .354
5/16 7/8 .938 24.0 .945
.375* 9.5 .374
.406 10.5 .413
3/8 1 1.062 27.5 1.083
.438* 11.0 .433
.469 12.2 .480
7/16 1 1/8 1.188 30.5 1.201
.500* 12.8 .504
.531 13.8 .543
1/2 1 1/4 1.312 34.0 1.339
.562* 14.25 .561
.594 15.5 .610
9/16 1 3/8 1.438 37.0 1.457
.625* 16.0 .630
.656 17.0 .669
5/8 1 1/2 1.562 41.0 1.614
.688* 17.5 .689
*Oversize Clearance Hole
Figure 11 - Substitute Clearance Holes for Inch Threads
THE INFORMATION HEREON IS THE PROPERTY OF CATERPILLAR INC. AND/OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES. WITHOUT WRITTEN
PERMISSION, ANY COPYING, TRANSMITTAL TO OTHERS, AND ANY USE EXCEPT THAT FOR WHICH IT IS LOANED, IS PROHIBITED.

DATE CHG NO NUMBER

CLEARANCE HOLE TOLERANCES 09 JUL 2009 20 1E0421

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CORPORATE PRODUCT & PROCESS SPECIFICATION

Inch mm Drill DIA mm Drill DIA Inch mm Drill DIA

Inch
Drill mm Inch mm Inch Drill mm Inch
Drill DIA
DIA DIA Equiv DIA Equiv DIA DIA Equiv
.076 1.9 .075 .344 8.7 .343 .969 24.5 .965
.098 2.5 .098 .348 8.8 .346 1.000 25.5 1.004
.106 2.7 .106 .375 9.5 .374 1.047 26.5 1.043
.110 2.8 .110 .377 9.6 .378 1.062 27.0 1.063
.150 3.8 .150 .386 9.8 .386 1.078 27.5 1.083
.154 3.9 .154 .453 11.5 .453 1.125 28.5 1.122
.157 4.0 .157 .531 13.5 .531 1.141 29.0 1.142
.161 4.1 .161 .562 14.25 .561 1.156 29.25 1.152
.166 4.2 .165 .578 14.75 .581 1.203 30.5 1.201
.170 4.3 .169 .609 15.5 .610 1.219 31.0 1.220
.173 4.4 .173 .641 16.25 .640 1.234 31.25 1.230
.177 4.5 .177 .656 16.75 .659 1.266 32.0 1.260
.182 4.6 .181 .672 17.0 .669 1.281 32.5 1.280
.185 4.7 .185 .688 17.5 .689 1.297 33.0 1.299
.194 4.9 .193 .719 18.25 .719 1.312 33.5 1.319
.196 5.0 .197 .750 19.0 .748 1.344 34.0 1.337
.206 5.2 .205 .766 19.5 .768 1.359 34.5 1.358
.221 5.6 .220 .797 20.25 .797 1.375 35.0 1.378
.228 5.8 .228 .828 21.0 .827 1.422 36.0 1.417
.257 6.5 .256 .844 21.5 .846 1.438 36.5 1.437
.277 7.0 .276 .859 21.75 .856 1.453 37.0 1.457
.295 7.5 .295 .875 22.25 .876 1.500 38.0 1.496
.316 8.0 .315 .906 23.0 .906 1.516 38.5 1.516
.323 8.2 .323 .922 23.5 .925 1.531 39.0 1.535
.339 8.6 .339 .938 23.75 .933
Figure 12 - Substitute Miscellaneous Drills

THE INFORMATION HEREON IS THE PROPERTY OF CATERPILLAR INC. AND/OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES. WITHOUT WRITTEN
PERMISSION, ANY COPYING, TRANSMITTAL TO OTHERS, AND ANY USE EXCEPT THAT FOR WHICH IT IS LOANED, IS PROHIBITED.

DATE CHG NO NUMBER

CLEARANCE HOLE TOLERANCES 09 JUL 2009 20 1E0421

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