Starrett 57164 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 3/16x1-1/2x18in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57164 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need a precision-ground blank ready for custom fabrication or hardening. This piece measures 3/16 inches thick, 1-1/2 inches wide, and 18 inches long, with a shipping weight of 1.43 pounds. A2 tool steel offers excellent dimensional stability during heat treatment and good wear resistance after hardening, making it a reliable choice for punches, dies, gauges, and general toolroom applications. Thickness, width, and square tolerances all hold to +0.010 to 0.015 inches, while the length tolerance is +0.25 inches.

This flat stock is suited for job-shop and in-house toolroom use across manufacturing, fabrication, and maintenance environments. It is commonly cut, ground, or milled to final shape before hardening. The 18-inch length allows for multiple smaller blanks to be cut from a single piece, reducing material waste on short-run tooling projects. Machinists and tool-and-die professionals working with punch-and-die sets, fixtures, or wear plates will find this a practical starting material.

Key Features

• A2 air-hardening tool steel — minimal distortion during heat treatment compared to oil-hardening grades
• Precision tolerances: +0.010 to 0.015 inches on thickness, width, and square; +0.25 inches on length
• Ready-to-machine flat bar format — no rough sawing required before layout
• Suitable for punches, dies, gauges, wear plates, and general toolroom blanks
• Single-piece package — order only what the job requires

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose A2 tool steel flat bar for toolroom fabrication. No specific equipment compatibility is defined for raw stock material of this type.

Installation Notes

Cutting, grinding, and heat treatment of A2 tool steel should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers familiar with tool steel handling practices. Follow the material supplier hardening guidelines for A2 steel, including proper preheat and soak times, to achieve desired hardness. Use appropriate personal protective equipment when grinding or cutting. Store flat stock horizontally on a clean surface to prevent warping prior to machining.