Recommended Clearances
for Punching Mild Steel
Thickness of
Material
Total Clearance beween Punch and Die
3/4" and over
3/32"
1/2" through 23/32"
1/16"
3/16" through 15/32"
1/32"
3/32" through 5/32"
1/64"
15 gauge through 13 gauge
.010"
16 gauge and lighter
.006"