Drill Rod Tool Steels 85997716 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock

Product Description

The DRILL ROD TOOL STEELS 85997716 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar measuring 1/16 inch thick, 3/4 inch wide, and 18 inches long. A2 tool steel is an air-hardening, cold-work steel known for its dimensional stability during heat treatment, moderate toughness, and good wear resistance. This flat stock is ground to tight tolerances, with thickness held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, making it well suited for precision tooling, die work, punches, and fixture components. Machinists, tool-and-die makers, and maintenance technicians work with this material to fabricate or repair cutting tools and precision fixtures.

This flat stock is used in toolroom and job-shop environments where dimensional accuracy and hardenability are critical. Typical applications include blanking dies, forming tools, punches, gages, and small fixture components in both light manufacturing and maintenance-repair operations. The small cross-section is particularly useful for producing narrow punches, shims with hardened wear surfaces, or custom blades. Its air-hardening designation means it achieves full hardness without oil or water quenching, reducing the risk of warping in thin sections.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel minimizes distortion during heat treatment compared to oil- or water-quenching grades
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches supports precision tooling and close-tolerance die work
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to minus 0.005 inches ensures consistent fit in die sets and fixtures
• Length tolerance of plus or minus 0.062 inches on the 18-inch bar
• Squareness held to 0.003 inches on edges and 0.004 inches per inch of thickness on ends
• Small 1/16 x 3/4 inch cross-section suits narrow punches, blades, and thin die components

Compatibility

Designed as a standard A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock for use in toolroom fabrication, die making, and precision machining applications where AISI A2 material specification is required.

Installation Notes

A2 tool steel is typically machined in the annealed condition before hardening. Heat treatment should be performed by a qualified heat treater following established AISI A2 parameters; do not attempt air hardening without proper furnace equipment and temperature control. Secure workpieces with appropriate fixturing when grinding or machining to prevent movement and maintain tolerances. Always wear appropriate PPE when cutting or grinding tool steel stock.