Automotive Engines Theory and Servicing

Ninth Edition

Chapter 3
Fasteners and Thread
Repair

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 OBJECTIVES
3.1 Identify bolts and and explain the strength
ratings of threaded fasteners.
3.2 Discuss the purpose of nuts, taps, dies, and
washers.
3.3 Discuss how snap rings and clips are used.
3.4 Explain how to avoid broken fasteners.
3.5 Compare the different types of thread repair
inserts.

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 THREADED FASTENERS
• The fastener threads must
match the threads in the
casting or nut.
• The threads may be
measured either in
fractions of an inch or in
metric units.
• The size is measured
across the outside of the FIGURE 3–1 The dimensions of a typical
bolt showing where sizes are measured.
threads. The major diameter is called the crest.
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 METRIC BOLTS
• The size of a metric bolt is specified by the letter
M followed by the diameter in millimeters (mm)
across the outside (crest) of the threads.
• Typical metric sizes would be M8 and M12.
• Fine metric threads are specified by the thread
diameter followed by X and the distance between
the threads measured in millimeters (M8 X 1.5).

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 FIGURE 3–4 The metric system specifies fasteners by diameter,
length, and pitch.

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 GRADES OF BOLTS (1 OF 2)
• Bolts are made from many different types of steel,
and for this reason some are stronger than others.
• The strength or classification of a bolt is called the
grade.
• The bolt heads are marked to indicate their grade
strength.

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 GRADES OF BOLTS (2 OF 2)
• Graded bolts are commonly used in the
suspension parts of the vehicle but can be used
almost anywhere in the vehicle.

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 FIGURE 3–5 Stronger threads are created by cold-rolling a heat-
treated bolt blank instead of cutting the threads using a die.

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 TENSILE STRENGTH
• What is tensile strength?
• Metric bolt tensile strength property class is shown
on the head of the bolt as a number, such as 4.6,
8.8, 9.8, and 10.9
– The higher the number, the stronger the bolt

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 FIGURE 3–6 Metric bolt (cap screw) grade markings and
approximate tensile strength.

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 NUTS (1 OF 2)
• Most nuts used on cap screws have the same hex
size as the cap screw head.
• Metric nuts are often marked with dimples to show
their strength.
– More dimples indicate stronger nuts.

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 NUTS (2 OF 2)
• Some nuts and cap screws use interference fit
threads to keep them from accidentally loosening.
• Nuts can also be kept from loosening with a nylon
washer fastened in the nut or with a nylon patch or
strip on the threads.

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 FIGURE 3–7 Types of lock nuts. On the left, a nylon ring; in the
center, a distorted shape; and on the right, a castle for use with a
cotter key.

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 TAPS AND DIES (1 OF 3)
• Taps and dies are used
to cut threads.
– Taps are used to cut
threads in holes drilled
to an exact size
depending on the size
of the tap.
– A die is used to cut
threads on round rods FIGURE 3–8 A typical bottoming tap
or studs. used to create threads in holes that
are not open, but stop in a casting,
such as an engine block.

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 TAPS AND DIES (2 OF 3)
• Most taps and dies come as a complete set for the
most commonly used fractional and metric
threads.
– Taps
 Taper Tap
 Bottoming Tap

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 TAPS AND DIES (3 OF 3)
– Dies
– Proper Use of Taps and Dies
 Tap Usage
 Die Usage

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 FIGURE 3–10 A die is used to cut threads on a metal rod.

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 FIGURE 3–11 (a) A T-handle is used to hold and rotate small taps.
(b) A tap wrench is used to hold and drive larger taps.

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 FIGURE 3–12 A die handle used to rotate a die while cutting
threads on a metal rod.

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 THREAD PITCH GAUGE
• What is a thread pitch gauge?
• How does a technician determine the thread pitch
size of a fastener?

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 FIGURE 3–13 A typical metric thread pitch gauge.

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 SHEET METAL SCREWS
• What are sheet metal screws?
• How can you reinstall self-tapping screws?

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 FIGURE 3–15 Sheet metal screws come with many head types.

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 WASHERS
• Washers are often used under cap screw heads
and under nuts.

FIGURE 3–16 Various types of nuts

(top) and washers (bottom) serve
different purposes and all are used to
secure bolts or cap screws.

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 SNAP RINGS AND CLIPS
• Snap Rings
– Constructed of spring steel
– Used to attach parts without a threaded fastener
• Door Panel Clips
• Pins
• Rivets
• Locking Nuts

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 FIGURE 3–17 Some different types of snap rings. An internal snap ring fits inside
of a housing or bore, into a groove. An external snap ring fits into a groove on the
outside of a shaft or axle. An E-clip fits into a groove in the outside of a shaft. A C-
clip shown is used to retain a window regulator handle on its shaft.

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 BROKEN FASTENER REMOVAL
• Try not to break, strop, or round off fasteners
• Don't force fasteners loose
• Left-handed threads
• Penetrating oil
• Proper tightening

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 THREAD REPAIR INSERTS (1 OF 2)
• Thread repair inserts are used to replace the
original threaded hole when it has become
damaged beyond use.
• The original threaded hole is enlarged and tapped
for threads and a threaded insert is installed to
restore the threads to the original size.
– Helical Inserts

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 THREAD REPAIR INSERTS (2 OF 2)
– Threaded Inserts
– Self-tapping Inserts
– Solid-bushing Inserts
– Key-locking Inserts

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 FIGURE 3–24 Helical inserts look like small, coiled springs. The
outside is a thread to hold the coil in the hole, and the inside is
threaded to fit the desired fastener.

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 SUMMARY (1 OF 3)
• The most common type of fastener is a threaded
one often referred to as a bolt.
• A nut or threaded hole is used at the end of a bolt
to fasten two parts together.
• The size of threaded fasteners includes the
diameter, length, and pitch of the threads, as well
as the shape of the head of the bolt.

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 SUMMARY (2 OF 3)
• The diameter across the threads of metric bolts is
in millimeters followed by the distance between
the threads measured in millimeters.
• Graded bolts are hardened and are capable of
providing more holding force than nongraded
bolts.

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 SUMMARY (3 OF 3)
• Many nuts are capable of remaining attached to
the bolt regardless of vibration. These types of
nuts are often called prevailing torque nuts.
• Threads can be repaired using a Heli-Coil® or
threaded insert.

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