Chapter Two

Threads and Fasteners

Prof Dr Tarek Osman

Threads
Summary
& Fasteners: Topics
1) Fasteners
2) Screw Thread Definitions
3) Types of Thread
4) Manufacturing Screw Threads
5) Drawing Screw Threads
6) Unified Threads
7) Metric Threads
8) Drawing Bolts
9) Bolt and Screw Clearances
10) Locking Devices
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 FASTENING TYPE
1. Permanent
Welding Gluing Riveting

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 FASTENING TYPE
2. Temporary
2.1 Threaded fastener
- bolts
- studs
- screws

2.2 Non-threaded fastener

- keys key

- pin

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THREAD APPLICATION
1. To hold parts together.
2. To move part(s) relative to others.

Part A Part B

Part C

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THREAD APPLICATION
1. To hold parts together.
2. To move part(s) relative to others.

Wood working vise

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C-clamp Pipe clamp
Hand screw clamp

Quick action clamp

Miter clamp

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C - Clamp

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 Threaded Fasteners
Did you know that?
• The Boeing 747 uses about 2.5 million fasteners
• 70,000 titanium costing $150,000
• 400,000 other fasteners costing about
$250,000
• 30,000 squeeze rivets, 50cents each installed
• In certain applications (such as an engine head),
you should tighten the bolt as much as possible,
if it does not fail by twisting during tightening,
there is a very good possibility that the bolt will
never fail
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Threads and
Fasteners
1) Fasteners

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Fasteners
• 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.

Prof Dr Tarek Osman

 Fasteners
• Fasteners and threaded features must be
specified on your engineering drawing.

• Threaded features: Threads are specified in a

thread note.

• General Fasteners: Purchasing information must be

given to allow the fastener to be ordered correctly.

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Threads and
Fasteners
2) Screw Thread Definitions

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

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Thread Definitions
• 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.

Chamfer

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Thread Definitions
• External Thread:

• An external thread is cut using a die or a lathe.

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 Thread Definitions
• Internal Thread: Internal threads are on the inside of
a member.
• An internal thread is cut using a die or a lathe.

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Thread 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.

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 Identify the Major, Minor & Pitch
diameters and the Thread Depth.

3
1 2
4 5

6 7 88

10 9
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 Identify the Major, Minor & Pitch
diameters and the Thread Depth.

3
1 2
4 Thread Depth

Minor Pn Major
8

10 9
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Thread Definitions
• Crest: The top surface.

• Root: The bottom Surface.

• Side: The surface between the crest and

root.

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 Skip to next part of the exercise

Identify the Crest, Root and Side.

3
1 2
4 Thread Depth

Minor Pn Major
8

10 9
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 Identify the Crest, Root and Side.

Crest
1 2
Root Thread Depth

Minor Pn Major
8

10 Side
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 Thread Definitions
• 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.

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Identify the Pitch, Screw Axis and Thread Angle.

Crest
1 2
Root Thread Depth

Minorn Pn Majorn
8

10 Side
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 Identify the Pitch, Screw Axis and Thread Angle.

Crest
Axis Pitch
Root Thread Depth

Minorn Pn Majorn
8

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

• Left Handed Thread: Advances when turned CCW.

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Threads and
Fasteners
3) Types of Thread

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Types of Thread
• There are many different types of thread
forms (shape) available. The most common
are;
•Unified
•Metric

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Types of Thread
• Thread form choice depends on;
• what it will be used for
• length of engagement
• load
• etc…

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Types of Thread (Form)
Thread Name Figure Uses
Unified screw General use.
thread
ISO metric General use.
screw thread
Square Ideal thread
for power
transmission.

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Types of Thread (Form)
Thread Name Figure Uses
ACME Stronger than
square thread.

Buttress Designed to
handle heavy
forces in one
direction.
(Truck jack)
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 Threads and
Fasteners
4) Manufacturing Screw Threads

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 Manufacturing Threads
• Internal Threads
• First a tap drill hole is cut with a twist drill.
The tap drill hole
is a little bigger
than the minor
diameter. Why?

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Manufacturing Threads
• Internal Threads Incomplete
threads
• Then the threads are cut using a tap.

The tap drill hole

is longer than the
length of the
threads. Why?

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 Manufacturing Threads
• Internal Threads
• Chamfers are sometimes cut to allow for easy engagement.

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Manufacturing Threads
• External Threads
• You start with a shaft the same size as the major
diameter.

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Manufacturing Threads
• External Threads
• The threads are then cut using a die or on a lathe.

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 Threads and
Fasteners
5) Drawing Screw Threads

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Drawing Screw Threads
• 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.

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Detailed Representation
• A detailed representation is a close approximation
of the appearance of an actual screw thread.

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Schematic Representation
• The schematic representation uses staggered lines
to represent the thread roots and crests.

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Schematic Representation
• Rules of use for Schematic threads
• Should not be used for hidden internal threads or
sections of external threads.

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Simplified Representation
• The simplified representation uses visible and hidden
lines to represent the major and minor diameters.

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Simplified Internal Threads

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Simplified Internal Threads

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Drawing Screw Threads
• Thread tables in the appendix 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 85% of the major
diameter.

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Threads and
Fasteners
6) Unified Threads

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 Unified Threads (inch)
• After drawing a thread, we need to identify the size
and thread form in a thread note.

Thread Note

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Unified Thread Note Components

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Unified Threads (inch)
• Major Diameter: The largest diameter.
• Threads per inch: Number of threads per inch for a
particular diameter.
• Equal to one over the pitch (1/P).

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Unified Threads (inch)
• 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).

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Unified Threads (inch)
• Thread Class: Closeness of fit between the two
mating threaded parts.
• 1 = Generous tolerance. For rapid assembly and
disassembly.
• 2 = Normal production
• 3 = High accuracy

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Unified Threads (inch)
• External or Internal Threads
• A = External threads
• B = Internal threads
• Right handed or left handed thread
• RH = Right handed (right handed threads are assumed if
not stated.)
• LH = Left handed

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Unified Threads (inch)
• 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.

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 Unified Threads (inch)
• Thread class is assumed to be 2.
• Threads are assumed to be RH.
May be left off if
assumptions hold.

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 Example
Unified National thread note components

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Example
• Identify the different components of the following
Unified National thread note.
• 1/4 – 20 UNC – 2A – RH

1/4 .25 inch Major DIA

20 20 threads per inch (P = 1/20 = .05)
UNC Thread form & series – UN Coarse
2 Thread Class – Normal Production
A External Threads
RH Right Handed Threads
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Unified National Thread Tables
• Standard screw thread tables are available in order
to look up the:
• Major diameter
• Threads per inch
• Minor diameter or Tap drill size.

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Fasteners
Bolt Grading (Strength)

Grade 8 Grade 5 Grade 2

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Threads and
Fasteners
7) Metric Threads

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Pitch Diameter
• The pitch diameter cuts the threads at a point where
the distance of the spaces equal the distance of the
threads.

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Metric Thread Note Components

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Metric Thread Note Components

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 Metric Threads
• Metric Form: Placing an M before the major diameter
indicates the metric thread form.

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Metric Threads
• Major Diameter: The largest diameter
• Pitch: (P) Millimeters per thread.

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Metric Threads Number = Tolerance grade
Letter = Tolerance position
• Tolerance Class: It describes the looseness or
tightness of fit between the internal and external
threads.

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Metric Threads
• Tolerance Class:
• Tolerance Grade: Smaller numbers indicate a tighter fit.
• Tolerance Position: Specifies the amount of allowance.
• Upper case letters = internal threads
• Lower case letters = external threads.

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Metric Threads
• Tolerance Class: Two classes of metric thread fits
are generally used.
• 6H/6g = General purpose
• 6H/5g6g = Closer fit.
• A tolerance class of 6H/6g is assumed if it is not
specified.

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Metric Threads
• Right handed or Left handed thread:
• RH = Right handed (right handed threads are assumed if
not stated.)
• LH = Left handed

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 Metric Threads
• Depth of thread: It indicates the thread depth for
internal threads, not the tap drill depth.

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Metric Thread Note
• A tolerance class of 6H/6g is assumed.
• Threads are assumed to be RH.

May be left off if

assumptions hold.

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 Example
Metric thread note components

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Example
• Identify the different components of the following
metric thread notes.
• M10 x 1.5 – 4h6h – RH

M Metric Form
10 10 mm Major DIA
1.5 Pitch – mm/threads
4h Pitch DIA tolerance
6h Minor DIA tolerance
Int. or Ext. External
RH Right handed threads
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Metric Thread Tables
• Standard screw thread tables are available in order
to look up the;
• Major diameter
• Pitch
• Tap drill size or Minor diameter

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 Fasteners
Metric Threaded Fasteners
•ISO Metric – International Organization for Standardization
•Most new vehicles have metric fasteners
•M6, M7, M8, M10, M12, M14 …

M8 X 25 X 1
Metric 8mm 25mm long Pitch (threads are 1mm apart)

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Threads and
Fasteners
8) Drawing Bolts

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 Drawing Bolts
• D represents the major diameter.
• Nuts are drawn in a similar fashion.

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Threads and
Fasteners
9) Bolt and Screw Clearances

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Bolt and Screw Clearances
• Bolts and screws attach
one material with a
clearance hole to
another material with a
threaded hole.

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Bolt and Screw Clearances
• The size of the
clearance hole depends
on;
• the major diameter of
the fastener
• and the type of fit
• normal
• close
• loose

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Bolt and Screw Clearances
• 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.
Bolt and Screw Clearances
• 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)
Bolt and Screw Clearances
• Countersink:
Countersinks are angled
holes that are designed
to recess screws with
angled heads.

Typically,
C1 = D1 + 1/8 (3 mm)
 Nuts
Hex Nut – Most common on automobiles.

Castle Nut – locks with a cotter pin

Wing Nut – No tool required

Locking Nut – Nylon Patch (center, top)

Lug Nut – Taper face to help center the wheel

Speed Nut – Push-on (mostly screws)

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 Screws
Machine Screws –
no nut required ( usually less then ¼”)
Passes through one piece and threads into other.

Sheet Metal Screws(self tapping) –

makes its own hole/threads

Set Screw – (allen wrench/no head)

Used for aligning pullies on the shaft.

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 Washers
Flat Washer –
Distributes pressure over a wider surface
area.

Lock Washer - Prevents the fastener from loosening.

Used at high vibration places.
Bites into the material and the fastener.

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 Fasteners
Roll-pins/Spring-pins aligns + locking devices driven into a hole
to Lock a pulley or a spline.

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 Fasteners
C - Clips
•External C-Clip
•Internal C-Clip

Snap Ring Pliers

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 BOLT : Terminology
Bolt is a threaded cylinder with a head.

Thread length

Length
Hexagonal head
Width Head
bolt and nut across flat thickness

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 BOLT : Application

2. Insert a washer.

3. Screw a nut.
1. Insert a bolt into
a clearance hole

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 Let’ s think together…
What do you think about the following suggestions for
design improvement?

(A) Nothing have to be changed.

(B) Use shorter bolt with the

same thread length.

(C) Reduce the thread length.

(D) Add washer or nut.

Prof Dr Tarek Osman

Correct Inappropriate Wrong
 Let’ s think together…
What do you think about the following suggestions for
design improvement?

(A) Nothing have to be changed.

(B) Use a bolt of this length but

has a longer thread length.

(C) Use a longer bolt with the

same thread length.

(D) Add washer.

Prof Dr Tarek Osman

Correct Inappropriate Wrong
 Let’ s think together…
What do you think about the following suggestions for
design improvement ?

(A) Nothing have to be changed.

(B) Use a bolt of this length but

has a shorter thread length.

(C) Use a longer bolt with the

same thread length.

(D) Add washer.

Prof Dr Tarek Osman

Correct Inappropriate Wrong
 Let’ s think together…
What do you think about the following suggestions for
design improvement?
(A) Use a bolt of this length but
has a shorter thread length.

(B) Use a longer bolt with the

same thread length.

(C) Use a longer bolt by

increasing a thread length

(D) Remove washer.

Prof Dr Tarek Osman

Correct Inappropriate Wrong
 Let’ s think together…
What do you think about the following suggestions for
design improvement ?
(A) Increase the bolt diameter.

(B) Use washer with larger

outside diameter.

(C) Reduce the hole diameter.

(D) Add washer at bolt head.

Prof Dr Tarek Osman

Correct Inappropriate Wrong
 Let’ s think together…
What do you think about the following suggestions for
design improvement ?

(A) Nothing have to be changed.

(B) Use a bolt with shorter

thread length.

(C) Add washer.

(D) Increase drill and thread

depths.

Prof Dr Tarek Osman

Correct Inappropriate Wrong
 Let’ s think together…
What do you think about the following suggestions for
design improvement ?

(A) Nothing have to be changed.

(B) Use a bolt with slightly

longer thread length.

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Correct Inappropriate Wrong
 STUD : Terminology

Stud is a headless bolt, threaded at both ends.

Thread length Thread length

Drawing
representation

Length

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 STUD : Drawing steps

Draw Draw line making Draw

45o Chamfer 30o with axis 45o Chamfer
Minor f

Draw
Major

stud
axis

Thread Length Thread Length

Stud Length
Starting
position

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 STUD : Application

1. Drill a hole.
2. Tap a hole.
3. Screw a stud.
4. Place the part to be
fastened.
5. Insert washer and
fastened a nut.
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 Let’ s think together…
What is the mistake in the following use of stud ?

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 Let’ s think together…
What is the mistake in the following use of stud ?

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 CAP SCREW : Terminology
Cap screw is similar to bolt, but has a longer thread
than a bolt.

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CAP SCREW : Counterbore hole

x drill, x drill,w deep,

f y C’bore, f y C’bore,
z deep z deep

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CAP SCREW : Countersink hole

x drill, x drill, w deep,

CSK to fy Draw 90o CSK to fy
y

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 SET SCREW : Terminology
Set screw is a threaded cylinder used to prevent
rotation or movement between parts.

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 SET SCREW : Application

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