Drill Rod Tool Steels 85997252 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock

Product Description

The DRILL ROD TOOL STEELS 85997252 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who require a consistent, machinable blank before heat treatment. Measuring 0.125 inches thick, 3 inches wide, and 72 inches long, this flat stock ships in annealed condition and is ready for machining, grinding, and finish to size. A2 tool steel responds well to air-hardening, reducing distortion during the hardening cycle compared to oil- or water-hardening grades. The piece weighs approximately 4.74 pounds and is held to tight dimensional tolerances throughout.

A2 flat stock at this size is commonly used in fabricating punches, dies, forming tools, gages, and cutting blades. The 72-inch length supports cutting multiple blanks from a single piece, making it practical for short-run tooling production or prototype work in job shops and tool-and-die operations. Machinists working with CNC mills, surface grinders, or manual bridgeports will find the width and thickness tolerances tight enough to minimize pre-machining stock removal.

Key Features

• AISI A2 tool steel - air-hardening grade with low distortion during heat treat
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent stock removal
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inches, holding close to nominal
• Length tolerance of plus or minus 0.250 to 0.500 inches on the 72-inch dimension
• Squareness held to 0.003 inches on edges and 0.004 inches per inch of thickness on ends
• Annealed condition allows machining before final hardening

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 air-hardening tool steel flat bar suitable for tooling, die, and gage fabrication applications where AISI A2 material specification is required.

Installation Notes

Cutting and machining of tool steel flat stock should be performed by a qualified machinist using appropriate carbide or high-speed tooling. All heat-treating operations, including air-hardening and tempering cycles, should be performed by a qualified heat treater following established metallurgical practices for AISI A2 tool steel. Wear appropriate PPE when cutting or grinding. Store flat stock horizontally on a level surface to prevent warping.