Drill Rod Tool Steels 85998516 A2 Flat Stock 3/4x1-3/4x18in

Product Description

The DRILL ROD TOOL STEELS 85998516 is a precision-ground A2 air-hardening tool steel flat bar stocked for toolmakers, die makers, machinists, and industrial maintenance trades. AISI Type A2 tool steel offers excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment, making it a practical choice where tight tolerances must survive the hardening process. This flat stock measures 0.75 inches thick by 1.75 inches wide by 18 inches long and ships at 6.77 pounds. Thickness tolerance is held to plus or minus 0.001 inches, giving fabricators a reliable starting blank for punches, dies, jigs, and fixtures that require minimal post-heat-treat grinding.

A2 air-hardening flat stock is used in both job-shop and production tooling environments. Its air-quench hardening characteristic reduces distortion risk compared to oil- or water-hardening grades, making it well suited for intricate punch and die profiles, forming tools, and precision gauges. Machinists and tool-and-die tradespeople typically machine this stock to near-net shape before sending it out for heat treatment, then finish-grind to final dimension.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel - minimal distortion during heat treatment compared to water- or oil-hardening grades
• Thickness held to plus or minus 0.001 inches for consistent blank sizing
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to minus 0.005 inches for close-fit applications
• Length tolerance of plus or minus 0.062 inches - standard for cut-to-length flat bar
• Squareness: edge 0.003 inches and ends 0.004 inches per inch of thickness
• Ships as a single piece at 6.77 pounds - ready to machine without further processing

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel flat bar suitable for punch and die work, jig and fixture fabrication, forming tools, and precision gauges where dimensional stability through heat treatment is required.

Installation Notes

Cutting, drilling, and milling of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists using appropriate cutting fluids and tooling rated for tool steels. Heat treatment - including austenitizing temperature, soak time, and air-quench procedure - must follow the material manufacturer's published data sheet and should be performed by a qualified heat treater. Always wear appropriate PPE when cutting or grinding tool steel stock. Verify final hardness with a calibrated hardness tester before placing finished tooling into service.