Threads and Fasteners

What will we learn?

How to represent fasteners and threads on an engineering drawing.

How to calculate bolt and screw clearance holes.

Key point...

Threads are represented by thread symbols, not by a realistic

drawing.

Fasteners include:

bolts and nuts (threaded)

set screws (threaded)
washers
keys
pins
Fasteners are not a permanent means of assembly such as welding or
adhesives.

Fasteners and threaded features must be specified on your engineering

drawing.

Threaded features: Threads are specified on a detailed drawing in a

thread note.

General Fasteners: Purchasing information of a general fastener is

given on a standard parts sheet to allow the fastener to be ordered
correctly.

Screw Threads

Screw Thread: A ridge of uniform section in the form of a helix.

External Thread: External threads are on the outside of a member. A

chamfer on the end of the screw thread makes it easier to engage the nut.
An external thread is usually cut using a die or a lathe.

Internal Thread: Internal threads are on the inside of a member. An

internal thread is usually cut using a tap.

Definitions

Major DIA (D): The largest diameter (For both internal and external
threads).

Minor DIA (d): The smallest diameter.

Depth of thread: (D-d)/2

Pitch DIA (DP): The diameter at which a line cuts the spaces and threads
equally.

Crest: The top surface.

Root: The bottom Surface.

Side: The surface between the crest and root.

Pitch (P): The distance from a point on a screw thread to a corresponding

point on the next thread (in/Threads).

Angle of Thread (A): The angle between the threads.

Screw Axis: The longitudinal centerline.

Lead: The distance a screw thread advances axially in one turn.

Right Handed Thread: Advances when turned CW. (Threads are assumed
RH unless specified otherwise.)

Left Handed Thread: Advances when turned CCW.

Item

Right or Left handed

thread?

Check

Right Pedal on a bicycle

Left Pedal on a bicycle

Propane fitting

The objective of this exercise is to familiarize you with the features of a

helical thread.

Identify the thread features by clicking on the appropriate button.

Pitch (P)

Thread Axis

Crest

Major Diameter (D)

Thread Angle (A)

Root

Minor Diameter (d)

Pitch Diameter (DP)

Thread Depth (D-d)/2

Side

Thread Form
There are many different types of thread forms (shape) available. The most
common are;

Unified
Metric

Thread Form Choice

Thread form choice depends on;

what it will be used for

length of engagement
load
etc
Thread Form Figure

Uses

Unified

General use.

Metric

General use.

Square

Ideal thread for power

transmission.

ACME

Stronger than the

square thread.

Buttress

Designed to handle
heavy forces in one
direction (e.g. truck
jack).

How are threads made?

Internal Threads:

First a tap drill hole is cut with a twist drill.

Then the threads are cut using a tap.
Chamfers are sometimes cut to allow for easy engagement.
External Threads:

You start with a shaft the same size as the major diameter.
The threads are then cut using a die or on a lathe.

Why is the tap drill diameter a little bigger than the minor diameter of the
mating thread?
The external threads need to fit into the internal threads. This would not be
possible if the tap drill diameter was not a little bigger than the minor
diameter.
Why is the tap drill hole longer than the length of the threads that you
specify?
There are three useless threads at the end of a taper tap. The end needs
space to go in order for the full length of the threads to be cut.
There are three methods of representing screw threads on a drawing.

Detailed
Schematic
Simplified
Screw thread representation present in this chapter is in accordance with
the ASME Y14.6-2001 standard.

Detailed Representation
A detailed representation is a close approximation of the appearance of an
actual screw thread.
What do you think the pros and cons are for this type of representation?
(Add interactivity)

Schematic Representation
The schematic representation uses staggered lines to represent the thread
roots and crests.
What do you think the pros and cons are for this type of representation?
(Add interactivity)

Simplified Representation
The simplified representation uses visible and hidden lines to represent the
major and minor diameters.
What do you think the pros and cons are for this type of representation?
(Add interactivity)

Drawing Screw Threads

Thread tables in the appendix of the Engineering Graphics Essentials book
can be used to look up value for the;

Pitch
Minor diameter
Tap drill diameter
If screw thread tables are not available, the minor diameter can be
approximated as 75% of the major diameter.

Unified National Thread Note Components

After drawing a thread, we need to identify the size and thread form in a
thread note.

The following items are included in a thread note.

1.

Major Diameter: The largest diameter.

2.

Threads per inch: Number of threads per inch for a particular

diameter. This is equal to one over the pitch (1/P).

3.

Thread Form and Series: The shape of the thread cut.

UNC = Unified National coarse. For general use.

UNF = Unified National fine. Used when high degree of tightness is
required.

UNEF = Unified National extra fine. Used when length of

engagement is limited (Example: Sheet metal).
4.

Thread Class: Closeness of fit between the two mating threaded

parts. A thread class of 2 is assumed if none is stated.

1 = Generous tolerance. For rapid assembly and disassembly.

2 = Normal production
3 = High accuracy

5.

External or Internal Threads:

A = External threads
B = Internal threads

6.

Right handed or Left handed Thread:

RH = Right handed (right handed threads are assumed if not stated.)

LH = Left handed

7.

Depth of thread: The thread depth is given at the end of the thread
note and indicates the thread depth for internal threads. This is not the tap
drill depth.

The objective of this exercise is to familiarize you with the features of a

Unified National thread note.

Identify the different components of the following Unified National thread note

1/4 - 20 UNC - 2A - RH

Thread Note Component

1/4

Enter Answer

Check

20

UNC

RH

Unified National Thread Tables

Standard screw thread tables (ASME B1.1-2003) are available in order to
look up the:

Major diameter
Threads per inch
Minor diameter or Tap drill size.
Thread tables are located in Appendix of the Engineering Graphics
Essentials book.
Enter the thread note for a #10 fine thread.

Enter Thread Note:

What are the major and minor diameters for the above thread in inches?

Diameters

Enter Answer

Check

Major DIA

Round to 3 decimal places.

Minor DIA

Metric Thread Note Components

After drawing a thread, we need to identify the size and thread form in a
thread note.

The following items are included in a thread note.

1.

Metric Form: Placing an M before the major diameter indicates the

metric thread form.

2.

Major Diameter: The largest diameter.

3.

Pitch: (P) Millimeters per thread.

4.

Tolerance Class: It describes the looseness or tightness of fit

between the internal and external threads. Two classes of metric thread fits
are generally used.

6H/6g = General purpose. A tolerance class of 6H/6g is assumed if it

is not specified.

6H/5g6g = Closer fit.

o
o

Tolerance Grade: (Number) Smaller numbers indicate a tighter fit.

Tolerance Position: (Letter) Specifies the amount of allowance.
Upper case letters = internal threads
Lower case letters = external threads

5.

Right handed or Left handed Thread:

RH = Right handed (right handed threads are assumed if not stated.)

LH = Left handed

6.

Depth of thread: The thread depth is given at the end of the thread
note and indicates the thread depth for internal threads. This is not the tap
drill depth.

What is the pitch diameter?

The metric thread note may contain a pitch diameter tolerance. The pitch
diameter cuts the threads at a point where the distance of the spaces equal
the distance of the threads.

The objective of this exercise is to familiarize you with the features of a

Metric thread note.

Identify the different components of the following Metric thread note.

M10 x 1.5 - 4h6h - RH

Thread Note
Component

Enter Answer

10

1.5

4h

6h

Intrernal thread/ External hread

RH

Check

Metric Thread Tables

Standard screw thread tables (ASME B1.13M-2001) are available in order

to look up the:

Major diameter
Pitch
Minor diameter or Tap drill size.
Thread tables are located in the Appendix of the Engineering Graphics
Essentials book.

The objective of this exercise is to familiarize you with the features of a

Metric thread note.

Fill in the following information for a n16 thread.

For a n16 internal Metric thread, what are the two available pitches and the
required tap drill diameter, and the corresponding minor diameter for the
mating external thread?

Pitch

Tap drill
size

Minor Diameter

Round to 3 decimal places.

Round to 3 decimal places.

Check

Which thread pitch has the finer thread?

M16 x

How do you draw a bolt or nut?

To draw a bolt (usually only on an assembly drawing) follow the figure

given. D represents the major diameter. Nuts are drawn in a similar fashion.

Enter the thread note for a 16 mm diameter coarse thread.

Enter Thread Note:

Clearance Holes
Bolts and screws attach one material with a clearance hole to another
material with a threaded hole. The size of the clearance hole depends on;

the major diameter of the fastener

the type of fit (normal, close, loose)
These clearance hole diameters may be found in the appendix of
the Engineering Graphics Essentials book.

Sometimes bolt or screw heads need to be flush with the surface. This can
be achieved by using either a counterbore or countersink depending on
the fasteners head shape.
Counterbores: Counterbores are holes designed to recess bolt or screw
heads below the surface of a part. Typically, CH = H + 1/16 (1.5 mm) and
C1 = D1 + 1/8 (3 mm).

Countersink: Countersinks are angled holes that are designed to recess

screws with angled heads. Typically, C1 = D1 + 1/8 (3 mm).

The objective of this exercise is to familiarize you with looking up

information in the fastener tables.

Fill in the following information related to clearance holes and fasteners.

What is the normal fit clearance hole diameter for the following nominal bolt
sizes?

Nominal size

Clearance hole

Check

1/4

3/4

A 5/16 - 18 UNC - Socket Head Cap Screw needs to go through a piece of

metal in order to screw into a plate below. The head of the screw should be
flush with the surface. Fill in the following table for a normal fit clearance
hole. Refer to the Appendix in the Engineering Graphics Essentials Book.

Enter Answer

Check

Max. Head diameter

Max. Height of head

Clearance hole diameter

Counterbore diameter

Counterbore depth

An M8 x 1.25 Flat Countersunk Head Metric Cap Screw needs to go

through a piece of metal in order to screw into a plate below. The clearance

hole needs to be close and the head needs to go below the surface. What
should the countersink diameter and clearance hole diameter be? Fill in the
following table for a normal fit clearance hole. Refer to the Appendix in
the Engineering Graphics Essentials Book.

Enter Answer

Check

Major diameter

Head diameter

Countersink diameter

Clearance hole diameter

Threads and Fasteners Crossword Puzzle: The image of the crossword

puzzle is shown for reference only. Enter your answers in the form below
the crossword puzzle. Do not use spaces in your answers. Use the "Submit
Answer" button to check your answers.

Across
Question

Answer

Check

Answer

Check

4. 1/4 - 20 UNC. What is 20?

7. The simplified thread symbol uses a .... line to
represent the minor diameter on external treads
10. A bolt or screw clearance hole diameter depends on
what factor?
11. A bolt or screw clearance hole diameter depends on
what factor?

Down
Question
1. How much longer is the tap drill depth than the
thread depth? (.... times the pitch)
2. The schematic thread symbol draws lines at every
crest and ....

3. Unified National Coarse. What is the thread form?

5. The units of pitch are mm or inches per ....
6. The tap drill size is closest in size to the ....
diameter.
8. Unified National Coarse. What is the thread series?
9. M5 x 0.8. What is 0.8?

Supplemental Problem 1: Write the thread notes for the following external
threads. Also, what are the minor diameter and the pitch? Thread class = 2.
Click the "Submit Answers" button to check your answers.
Enter Answer
Major diameter

7/16

Thread series

Coarse

Check

Thread note
Round to 3 decimal places

Minor diameter

Round to 3 decimal places

Pitch

Supplemental Problem 2: Write the thread notes for the following internal
threads. Also, what are the tap drill size and/or diameter and the pitch?
Thread class = 3. Click the "Submit Answers" button to check your
answers.
Enter Answer
Major diameter

9/16

Thread series

Fine

Thread note
Tap drill diameter

Check

Round to 3 decimal places

Pitch

Supplemental Problem 3: Write the thread notes for the following threads.
Also, what is the major diameter in inches? Click the "Submit Answers"
button to check your answers.
Enter Answer
Major diameter

#3

Thread series

Coarse

Check

Thread note
Major diameter in inches

Supplemental Problem 4: Write the thread notes for the following external
threads. Also, what are the minor diameter and the number of threads per
mm? Click the "Submit Answers" button to check your answers.
Enter Answer
Major diameter

M33

Thread series

Fine

Check

Thread note
Minor diameter
# of Threads per mm

Supplemental Problem 5: Write the thread notes for the following internal
threads. Also, what are the tap drill size and/or diameter and the number of
threads per mm? Click the "Submit Answers" button to check your answers.
Enter Answer
Major diameter

M24

Thread series

Coarse

Check

Thread note
Tap drill diameter
Round to 3 decimal places

# of Threads per mm

Supplemental Problem 6: Fill in the given table for a hex head bolt with
the following major diameters. Click the "Submit Answers" button to check
your answers.
Enter Answer
Major diameter

Check

3/4

Width across the flats

Max. width across corners
Head height

Round to 3 decimal places

Round to 3 decimal places

Normal clearance hole

Supplemental Problem 7: Fill in the given table for a hexagon (socket)

head cap screw with the following major diameters. Click the "Submit
Answers" button to check your answers.
Enter Answer
Major diameter
Max. head diameter
Max. head height
Normal clearance hole
Counterbore diameter
Counterbore depth

7/8

Check

Supplemental Problem 8: Fill in the given table for a slotted flat

countersunk head cap screw with the following major diameters. Click the
"Submit Answers" button to check your answers.
Enter Answer
Major diameter

Check

1 inch

Max. head diameter

Max. head height
Normal clearance hole
Countersink diameter
Max. Countersink angle

degrees

Supplemental Problem 9: Fill in the given table for a hex head bolt with
the following major diameters. Click the "Submit Answers" button to check
your answers.
Enter Answer Check
Major diameter

M8

Max. width across the flats

Max. width across corners
Max. head height
Thread length for a screw that is shorter than 125 mm
Normal clearance hole

Supplemental Problem 10: Fill in the given table for a socket head cap
screw with the following major diameters. Click the "Submit Answers"
button to check your answers.
Enter Answer

Check

Major diameter

M14

Max. head diameter

Max. head height
Normal clearance hole
Counterbore diameter
Counterbore depth

Supplemental Problem 11: Fill in the given table for a flat countersunk
head cap screw with the following major diameters. Click the "Submit
Answers" button to check your answers.
Enter Answer
Major diameter

M20

Max. head diameter

Max. head height
Normal clearance hole
Countersink diameter
Countersink angle

For all answers visit:

http://www.engineeringessentials.com/ege/fast/fast_page10.htm

degrees

Check