Receiving Helpdesk

how do you read imperial bolt sizes

by Emanuel Okuneva Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

How do you read Imperial bolt sizes?

  • Read the first letter of the size. This the largest diameter: the measurement of the screw on the thread.
  • Read the second number. This is either the number of threads per unit of the distance between threads; also known as the...
  • Read the third number, generally the one following the "x."

Part of a video titled How to Measure Screws & Bolts - US & Metric Sizing - YouTube
0:21
2:23
So when you read a bolt that says quarter 20 by 2 that means quarter inch diameter 20 TPI that'sMoreSo when you read a bolt that says quarter 20 by 2 that means quarter inch diameter 20 TPI that's threads per inch which would be here.

Full Answer

What is the difference between metric and Imperial bolts?

The bolt dimension can also be expressed in imperial units. 1. Diameter: the width of the bolt shank, the bolt head is not included. The defined diameter of metric bolts is actually slightly larger than the actual diameter.

How do you measure the length of a bolt?

But for flat head bolts, the length includes the height of the bolt head and for dome head bolts the length is measured from the highest point on the curved head. The length of a metric bolt is measured and defined in exactly the same way as imperial bolts (fasteners). Check out the standard bolts size chart in metric or imperial below.

What is the TPI of the im Imperial bolt thread?

Imperial - Inch Bolt Thread Pitch Chart (Threads Per Inch - TPI) 2 Size 1 1-1/8 2 2-1/4 UNC 8 7 4.5 4.5 UNF 14 12 12 12 UN8 8 8 8 8

How do I identify the grades of bolts?

This chart helps to identify the grades of bolts using the identification marks on the bolt's head along with the strength and hardness of common grade bolts. Please note the bolt heads may also include the manufacturer's identification stamp, especially with high strength bolts.

How are Imperial bolt sizes measured?

How to measure an Imperial Product | Imperial Supplies. For length, measure from under the head to the end with the bolt gauge or digital caliper. For diameter, use the holes in the bolt gauge or digital caliper. USS and SAE threads are determined by threads per inch on backside of gauge.

What do bolt size numbers mean?

The number 1 or number larger than one, or number one or number larger than one followed by a fraction, is the diameter of the shaft. The number following the hyphen is the number of threads per inch; that is, the number of threads on the shaft itself, per inch of shaft length. Same as for smaller parts.

How do you read metric bolt sizes?

Metric Bolt SizesThe letter 'M' indicates that this bolt uses a metric thread.The number '8' refers to the nominal diameter of the bolt shaft in millimeters.The number 1.0 is the thread pitch of the bolt, which is the distance between threads, in millimeters.And the final figure, 20, is the length in millimeters.

How do you write the size of a bolt?

0:242:15How to Read a Metric Screw Thread Callout - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSection on metric items this number is stamped on the surface of the fastener. And is preceded byMoreSection on metric items this number is stamped on the surface of the fastener. And is preceded by the letter M a bolt with M 3 stamped on its head will have a diameter of 3 millimeters.

How do you read bolt specs?

0:212:23How to Measure Screws & Bolts - US & Metric Sizing | Fasteners 101YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo when you read a bolt that says quarter 20 by 2 that means quarter inch diameter 20 TPI that'sMoreSo when you read a bolt that says quarter 20 by 2 that means quarter inch diameter 20 TPI that's threads per inch which would be here.

How do you read a bolt part number?

The number following the dash indicates the length in eighths (1/8) of an inch up to 7/8. If a bolt is longer than an inch the first digit is the number of inches and the second digit is the number of eighths. For example: AN3-12 is a bolt with 3/16 inch diameter and the length is 1 inch plus 2/8 or 1-1/4 inch long.

Which is bigger M8 or 5 16?

The size of a metric screw or bolt is specified as diameter, pitch and length, in millimeters (millimeters is abbreviated "mm"). For nuts, size will appear as diameter and pitch....Table 3.MetricClosest InchM8-1.255/16-18 (Smaller)M10-1.53/8-16 (Smaller)M12-1.751/2-13 (Larger)M14-2.09/16-12 (Larger)16 more rows

What does 8.8 mean on a bolt?

So, in English, a Property Class 8.8 bolt is a bolt with a nominal tensile strength of 800 MPa and a nominal yield strength that is 80% of that nominal tensile strength, so 640 MPa.

What does M8 1.25 mean?

For metric fasteners, you will see a M8 x 1.25 or an M8 x 1. For thread pitch, the distance between two points is the second number meaning the higher the number the fewer threads there are. This means the M8 x 1.25 is the coarse threading and the M8 x 1 is the fine thread.

What does a #8 screw mean?

In all cases, the larger the number, the larger the size. Consequently a #8 screw is larger than a #4 screw, just as a 3 inch bolt is larger than a 2 inch bolt.

How do you read a bolt head?

0:242:01Determining Bolt Grade and Head Markings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen you're talking about a grade 5. You always want to see 3 radial slashes on the top of the headMoreWhen you're talking about a grade 5. You always want to see 3 radial slashes on the top of the head that mark is a grade.

What does M10 bolt mean?

M10-1.0 x 20 M = This designates the fastener is a metric size. 10 = The nominal diameter in millimeters. 1.0 = The thread pitch, or distance between threads, in millimeters. 20 = The fastener's length, in millimeters.

Metric & Standard Bolt & Screw Size Chart: M2, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10

Fastener Size Tables | MechaniCalc

How to measure the length of a bolt?

Measure the shank length of the bolt from the bottom of the head ( where it meets the shank) to the bottom of the bolt, using a measuring tape to determine its overall length.

What is the pitch of a M10 thread?

For example, an M10x1. 5 (coarse) thread has a 1.5mm pitch, while an M10x1. 25 (fine) thread has a 1.25mm pitch. For example, the thread "M10" automatically means a coarse pitch, while any added pitch callout, such as M10x1. 25, specifies a non-coarse pitch.

What is thread size?

1.Thread sizes in inches are specified by diameter and threads per inch. For example, in the screw size 10-24, the first digit refers to the thread diameter, the and second digit is threads-per-inch (TPI). When the diameter smaller than 1/4”, the value is indicated by a number, like #1 or No.1. 2.Thread sizes in metric are specified by diameter ...

What is a 6mm thread?

Thread sizes are given in nominal sizes, not in actual measurement. For instance, when a screw or bolt measures 5.9mm, it is called a 6mm thread. There are two common methods to write the thread dimensions. 1.Thread sizes in inches are specified by diameter and threads per inch.

How do you determine screw size?

When looking into and determining screw size, there are two things you need to understand – the length and the thread count. The latter is also commonly referred to as threads per inch (TPI) or thread pitch. We use the TPI to determine the thread’s fineness. The number will also tell if a screw can thread through a bolt.

How do I identify screw size?

Identifying sizes can be tricky if you don’t know how to read them. They are represented in an alphanumeric code, which is difficult to understand if you are not familiar with it. Codes such as “1/8-10 x 4/6”, “M5-0.4 x 15”, and “4-30 x 0.10” may seem overwhelming and meaningless at the same time, but it is the most vital information.

What do the numbers mean on screw sizes?

If you often do DIY, one of the popular items you are using is screws. It comes in several sizes, which you can find in the packaging. Finding the correct size can be a daunting task if you don’t know the imperial or metric system. A conversion table would be handy if you often convert between these two systems.

Metric System

The metric system was based on the meter, a system of measurement whose origin was in France in the 1970s. When taking the length of a screw, we use meters.

Standard System

The standard system, otherwise known as the imperial system, was introduced in the British Weights and Measures Act 1824. It evolved through a series of amendments in the said act. For some time, the imperial system had been the standard measurement system. However, by the late 20th century, several countries have adopted the metric system.

Buying Guide

Now that we have discussed some of the basics, it is time to guide you through what you need to know. Finding the right type and specifications will hold materials together nicely.

Types

Depending on the application, they come in different forms and sizes. Here are some of the most common ones.

Where is the length of a flathead screw measured?

This is the length of the screw. With the exception of flathead screws, which are meant to sit flush with the surface, these are measured to the bottom of the head.

What does metric screw mean?

Metric screws show the length in millimeters.

What is a screw larger than 10?

Screws larger than 10 are listed as fractions of an inch. For example: 1/8-10 x 4/6 has a major diameter of 1/8th of an inch. Metric threads use "M" to denote the measurement in millimeters. For example: M5-.4 x 15 has a major diameter of 5 millimeters.

What is the diameter of a 4-30 x 10?

For example: 4-30 x .10 has a major diameter of 0.112".

How to measure a fastener?

Fastener length is usually measured from where the surface of the material is presumed to be when the fastener is installed, to the end of the fastener. US fasteners are measured in inches, while metric fasteners are measured in millimeters (mm). For more information on how to measure specific fastener types see our Measuring Fastener Length page.

What is the x on a fastener?

In Metric fasteners, an x is used to seperate each of the parts of the size. Each part (including the thread pitch) is a measurement in millimeters, so each may be followed by the abbreviation mm. Often this is left off from the thread pitch. Sometimes it is also left off of the other parts of the size. This should be avoided as it can lead to confusion with US fastener sizes. To shorten metric sizes many people use a capital M in front of the diameter, and then leave the units off of the other parts of the size. This method results in a shortened size that is still clearly a metric size.

How many threads are in a 1.5 pitch?

US fasteners specify threads per inch (TPI), commonly called thread count, so 20 would represent 20 threads per inch. Metric fasteners instead specify a thread pitch which is the distance between the threads. Therefore, a 1.5 pitch would have 1.5 millimeters between each thread.

What is the difference between a dash and a x on a fastener?

In US fasteners, a dash should be used to separate the diameter and thread count (if there is a thread count), while an x is used to seperate them from the length.

What material is used for fasteners?

However, many other materials are used including, brass, bronze, and nylon. This property will always be present even if no grade or plating is specified. Thus, a full material description for a fastener might simply be: Brass.

How many parts are in a fastener?

For most fasteners, the size consists of two or three parts. For example:

Can you use a capital M on a fastener?

This should be avoided as it can lead to confusion with US fastener sizes. To shorten metric sizes many people use a capital M in front of the diameter, and then leave the units off of the other parts of the size.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9