Classes of Thread:

Unified Inch Srew Thread:

Classes of thread fit is one of three factors one must consider when deciding what type of
thread is best for a given fastener application. The other 2 are thread form and thread series.
We will discuss thread form and thread series in future Tech Tips.

Thread fit is a measure of looseness or tightness of mating threads. For unified inch threads,
there are 3 thread classes for external threads- 1A, 2A and 3A - and three for internal
threads - 1B, 2B and 3B. All of these are clearance fits which indicates that they assemble
without interference.

As a general guideline, the higher the class number, the tighter the fit. For example, an
assembly which mates class 1A and 1B threads will have a looser fit than an assembly
having class 3A and 3B threads.

Classes 1A and 1B are infrequently used, but they do have their applications. They are
ideally suited when quick assembly and disassembly are a key consideration in a design.
Classes 2A and 2B are the most common thread classes in use, offering a balance of ease
of manufacture, cost and performance. Classes 3A and 3B are best suited where close
tolerances, safety and strength are required, and thus are frequently specified for socket cap
and socket set screws.

It is not necessarily true that tighter thread tolerances and closer fit insure a better quality
assembly and performance.

Metric Srew Thread:

The tolerance system for metric threads is composed of a two sets of a number followed by
a letter. The first set indicates the pitch diameter tolerance, and the second set indicates the
major diameter tolerance. Numbers indicate the range of tolerance or tolerance grade.
Capital letters indicate internal thread (nut) tolerance. Lowercase letters indicate external
thread (bolt) tolerance. It is customer to not repeat the set if the second set repeats the first
set. For example, 6g6g would just be 6g.

The 6g thread tolerance is comparable to a 2A Unified thread tolerance. The 6g tolerance
allows room for plating. The 6h tolerance is comparable with the 3A Unified thread tolerance.
The 6H tolerance is comparable to a 2B Unified thread tolerance. Like the inch series,
internal threads with allowance are not standard practice.