Question re: drilling a circuit board

scottnkat · Post by **scottnkat** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 9:50 am

I have a circuit board that I am going to use and the instructions mention drilling out the little holes with a #60 drill bit. What size is #60? All my drill bits are stated as inches. Is a #60 bit 1/32", 1/16", or what? Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

Pat Amaral · Post by **Pat Amaral** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:45 am

A #60 drill bit is 0.040 inches (1/25") or roughly halfway between 1/16" and 1/32". That's slightly larger than 1mm. It's my understanding that most bits that small are only rated in gages (hence #60, #80, etc.) as they're essentially a piece of wire.

jwrjr · Post by **jwrjr** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:11 pm

It is really best to use a drill press when drilling a circuit board. Otherwise the holes will not be consistent, which is important if an IC is to be mounted on the board.