Starrett 57492 A2 Tool Steel Flat Stock 1/16 X 1-1/4 X 18 in

Product Description

The STARRETT 57492 is an A2 air-hardening tool steel flat stock bar intended for toolmakers, machinists, and die makers who need a reliable, dimensionally consistent blank for fabricating punches, dies, fixtures, and cutting tools. It measures 1/16 inch thick, 1-1/4 inches wide, and 18 inches long, and ships in annealed condition ready for machining. Thickness and squareness tolerances are held to plus or minus 0.001 inch, while width tolerance is held to plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch. These tight tolerances reduce setup time when the stock is used as a direct-grind blank.

A2 tool steel is a general-purpose air-hardening grade suited for low-distortion heat treatment. This flat stock format is commonly used in toolroom and maintenance shop environments for fabricating or repairing stamping dies, form punches, blades, and precision gauging fixtures. Its moderate size makes it appropriate for both benchtop machining and surface grinding operations. Shops working with short-run tooling or prototype fixtures will find this bar stock a practical starting point.

Key Features

• AISI A2 air-hardening tool steel — low distortion during heat treatment compared to oil-hardening grades
• Thickness tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inch for consistent stock removal when grinding
• Width tolerance of plus 0.000 to 0.005 inch
• Square tolerance of plus or minus 0.001 inch
• Length tolerance of plus 0.250 inch — allows for facing or parting to final dimension
• Annealed condition suitable for machining, drilling, and grinding prior to hardening

Compatibility

Designed as a standard toolroom flat stock blank compatible with conventional machining, surface grinding, EDM, and heat-treatment processes typical of A2 tool steel applications.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel should be performed by qualified toolmakers or machinists familiar with A2 grade processing requirements. Always secure the workpiece properly before cutting or grinding operations. Heat treatment, including hardening and tempering, should follow the steel producer's recommended thermal cycle for A2 tool steel. Use appropriate personal protective equipment when grinding or handling sharp-edged stock.