Value Collection 06090443 A-2 Tool Steel Drill Rod 11/16 in

Product Description

The VALUE COLLECTION 06090443 is an A-2 air hardening tool steel drill rod measuring 11/16 inch (0.688 inches) in diameter and 36 inches in length. Drill rod stock in A-2 tool steel is used by machinists, toolmakers, and die makers as raw material for punches, dies, gauges, cutting tools, and other precision tooling components. A-2 is an air hardening grade, meaning it achieves hardness through controlled air cooling after heat treatment rather than oil or water quench, resulting in minimal distortion and good dimensional stability through the hardening process. At 3.8 pounds, this rod is a single-piece length ready for cut-off, turning, or grinding operations in a machine shop environment.

This drill rod is suited for general toolroom and production shop applications where a reliable, consistent-diameter round stock is needed as a starting blank. Typical uses include fabricating custom tooling, jigs, fixture components, and wear parts that will be finish-ground and heat treated on site. The 36-inch length provides a practical full-length bar for most bench and lathe operations without requiring further mill cutting before initial setup.

Key Features

• A-2 air hardening grade minimizes distortion during heat treatment compared to water or oil hardening steels
• 0.688-inch (11/16 inch) diameter held to drill rod tolerance for consistent stock removal calculations
• 36-inch length provides a standard full bar for toolroom cut-to-length work
• Tool steel material supports fabrication of punches, dies, gauges, and precision cutting tools
• Single-piece packaging — no minimum split required at this quantity

Compatibility

Designed as a general-purpose tool steel round stock blank compatible with standard lathe, mill, and surface grinder operations. Suitable for any application requiring A-2 grade air hardening tool steel at 11/16 inch diameter.

Installation Notes

Machining and heat treatment of tool steel drill rod should be performed by qualified machinists or toolmakers following established shop safety procedures. Secure the workpiece properly in the lathe chuck or milling vise before cutting operations. When heat treating A-2 steel, follow the steel manufacturer's recommended austenitizing temperature and controlled air cooling procedure — do not substitute water or oil quench for this air hardening grade. Wear appropriate PPE including eye protection and heat-resistant gloves during any thermal processing.