Drill Rod Tool Steels 86220209 A2 Flat Stock 5/16x2x18 in

Product Description

The DRILL ROD TOOL STEELS 86220209 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need a precision-ground, ready-to-use workpiece. This bar measures 5/16 inches thick, 2 inches wide, and 18 inches long, with tightly controlled tolerances: plus or minus 0.001 inches on thickness, plus 0.000 to minus 0.005 inches on width, and plus or minus 0.062 inches on length. A2 tool steel air-hardens, meaning it reaches full hardness with minimal distortion during heat treatment, making it well-suited for dies, punches, gauges, and forming tools that require dimensional stability after hardening.

This flat stock is used in job shops, tool-and-die operations, and maintenance machining environments where A2 is specified for its balance of wear resistance and toughness. Typical applications include blanking dies, trimming dies, forming tools, and precision gauging fixtures. The 18-inch length suits short-run custom tooling projects where stock can be cut to net or near-net length before machining and heat treat. The 5/16 by 2 inch cross-section is a standard size that fits common surface grinder and mill setups without requiring pre-reduction.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel - minimal distortion during heat treatment compared to oil-hardening grades
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inches for precise fit-up in close-tolerance tooling applications
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to minus 0.005 inches - stock is never oversized on width
• Length tolerance of plus or minus 0.062 inches - allows single-piece cut-to-length use
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.003 inches - faces and edges are held square for reliable setup
• Weighs 3.19 pounds - manageable for bench machining and surface grinding operations

Compatibility

Designed as a standard AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock suitable for use in any tooling, die-making, or machining application that specifies A2 material in a 5/16 by 2 by 18 inch bar size.

Installation Notes

A2 tool steel flat stock is worked by machinists and toolmakers using conventional milling, surface grinding, and EDM equipment. Always anneal if additional machining is required after any prior heat treatment. Heat treatment to final hardness should follow the material supplier's recommended austenitizing and air-quench procedure; A2 achieves full hardness by cooling in still air, which reduces warpage risk. Use appropriate personal protective equipment and follow shop safety protocols when cutting, grinding, or heat-treating tool steel.