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Engineering Thread Data

Threads

See Health & Safety Notice

Note: This information is produced for Model Engineers only. Commercial users should refer to the correct British or ISO standards as applicable.
See Notes on British & International Standards

Screw fittings, essentially a matching internal & external constant pitch and diameter helix (female & male) form an essential part of society as we
know it. It remains the ONLY practical way of joining individual elements in a secure, cheap way that can be assembled & disassembled as often
as required. All this with the minimum of skill & tools. Threads used in situations where gas or liquid tightness is required can be tapered so as to
lock up & seal on engagement.(BSP)

Threads were developed in many parts of the world, and as such produced a bewildering array of different standards. All attempts to "unify" the
system only succeeded in producing yet another standard. Almost universal in the UK was BSF (British Standard Fine) BSW (British Standard
Whitworth) & BA (British Association). As a leading manufacturer in the Industrial age British thread forms were exported around the world. The
Motor Industry made an attempt to use the American " Unified Threads" (many UK car companies had strong US connections. Ford, Vauxhall etc.)
but with the move to a European Union there has been a strong move to the Metric System (most of the large European car firms are indigenous,
Audi, Fiat, Mercedes, BMW) etc. and it is almost 100% certain that in due course all the older mainstream threads will slowly fade away as the
market for fittings and tools dies off, and costs rise to uneconomic levels. There is no signs of this as yet. (2005) America has been slow to
embraced the Metric standards but will almost certainly go that way in due course.

As far as thread development is concerned the Metric form is almost certainly the end of the road. Unless there is some unforeseen technical
development the Metric thread will continue to replace all other types. Virtually all new equipment will use the metric measurement system which
will in turn mean the adoption of metric threads. Any remaining threads will be " metricated " ie: reissued in metric dimensions as the old imperial
units disappear into the history books along with the rod, pole & perch. The older threads are usually designated "non-preffered"

As far as Model Engineering is concerned we can more or less do as we please. Much of our equipment is second hand and probably quite old and
we have a need to be able to identify threaded items and fittings on a regular basis. We also have a thread of our own, the ME or Model Engineer
thread. This is rather unique in only having two pitches for the entire range. 32tpi & 40tpi. and is based on the Whitworth form. Another curious
feature of this thread is that you cannot buy commercial ME nuts & bolts, although steam & boiler fittings are very often ME. Check first. Another
thread much used by model engineers is the BA thread. (British Association)

An attempt was made some while ago to introduce a set of metric standards for model engineering work. These are not a further set of standards,
only a recommendation of suitable sizes for model engineering work. They conform in all ways to the ISO standard. Taps & Dies are available.

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A model engineer should have facilities to produce the full range of internal and external ME & BA threads together with a selection of BSW, BSF
& the Metric Fine & Coarse threads up to at least ½" or M12 sizes. Other taps such as UNF, UNC BSP can be acquired as required.

Historical Archive

If required information can be supplied on the following threads:- British Standard Cycle, Loewenherz, Système International, Pipe & Sparking
Plug, Square, Acme, BSP, Royal Microscopical Society, Royal Photographic Society, Waltham Watch, Watch Pendant, Watch Crown, Elgin
Watch, Cordeaux, Edison Lamp Cap, Briggs Pipe, A.S.M.E, Holtzapffel's, Swiss Screw, American 8,12 & 16 pitch series, 20 Degree worm, Gas
Threads, Progress Threads, SF French, French Standard, French Metric, German Metric & German Metric Fine.

Most if not all of these threads are well & truly obsolete.

Nomenclature

Left/Right Thread Types

Threads are normally Right Handed and unless otherwise stated this is the norm. This means that the nut screws on with a CLOCKWISE rotation.
Left Hand threads are of course the opposite. Left Handed Threads are used extensively in the Motor Industry to secure rotating parts such as
Drive Shafts, Gears etc. where the normal angular rotation would tend to tighten the nut. Left & Right Hand threads are used, as appropriate, on
the Offside/Nearside of the Vehicle. When working on rotating parts always check the hand of the thread or consult the correct instruction manual.
It is not uncommon for Wheel Nuts to be Left or Right handed. Use caution.

Thread Pitch

Usually expressed in threads per inch (tpi) or as an absolute dimension for one single pitch. ie 1mm. 0.2mm .75mm etc. Multi-start threads are
basically the single start form, but with the pitch doubled etc. Very rare to come across these in model engineering.

Thread Included Angle.

Apart from a number of specialist threads the included angles for the most common threads are as follows. BA 47½°. BSW, BSF 55°. UNF, UNC,
ANF, ANC 60°. Metric or ISO 60°. British Standard Cycle Thread (BSC) 60°. Acme 29°. Do not be tempted to use male & female threads with
differing V angles. All the load is transferred to the thread crests and causes high stress levels, leading to slackening in service and premature
failure.

Root & Crest Form

A major part of any thread is the crest & root form. Usually but not always this takes the form of a radius. Sometimes a flat. The root & crest form
may also vary on the male & female threads. Production of a correct form, is for the average modeller virtually impossible. The ISO Metric threads
are however an exception. The standard allows for flat roots & crests (p/8 & p/4) It is possible to produce a "V" tool with a rounded root & let the
crest remain as a flat. Where taps & dies are used the correct form is produced automatically.. When screw cutting it is now possible to buy

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ceramic tips that will automatically produce the correct root and crest radii. Since an insert is required for each form & pitch this puts their use
outside the reach of most modellers due to cost. A 100% sharp "V" is undesirable as it may form the stress point for fracture and on bolts, cut
fingers. Adding a small radius on the "V" tool with a stone is probably the best we can achieve. Another very good way is to use part of a new tap
as a thread chaser & skim off the last few tenths & form the radii. Application of the correct root & crest radii does of course reduce the Actual
thread depth compared to the full Theoretical Triangular "V" depth.

Effective or Pitch diameter.

On a parallel thread it is the diameter of an imaginary cylinder which would pass through the threads at such a point that both male and female
thread were the same width. This point is usually but not always 1/2 the thread depth. It is only at 1/2 depth when the root & crest radii are the
same.

Thread Identification.

With one or two exceptions (Lead screws, Vice Threads etc.) all the threads we meet are of the "V" form. Only the included angle varies and this is
difficult to determine in the smaller sizes without special equipment. (Optical projectors etc.)

1) The first step is to determine the diameter and see if the thread is (or may be) Imperial or Metric. For example 5/16" & 8mm are very close
together (only 2.5 thou !)

2) Next step is the pitch or threads per inch (tpi) If we ignore the fact that it may or may not be a metric thread, determine the number of threads in
an inch. Lets say it comes to 25.5 approx. This equates to a 1mm pitch & if the dia was 6mm this is almost certain to be an ISO Metric Coarse M6
thread (ISO is the International Standards Organization) Thread pitch gauges, Taps, existing threads of known size etc. may be used. Try rolling the
thread form onto a piece of paper and measure the pitch with an eyeglass & dividers.

3) If we can determine the thread included angle as 60° this clinches it. It is very difficult to establish what the thread angle is, but easy to state
what it is not. For example if is bigger than 47½° & smaller than 60° it is almost certainly 55° and so on.

4) Determining the size of internal threads by direct measurement is (for the average modeller) virtually impossible. The best way is to try a
selection of taps or threads until one fits perfectly without any slop or undue tightness. Unless you are working on safety critical or highly stressed
components it will probably be OK. If possible make or buy a plug type gauge.

5) Look at the history of the item. Old British machinery, tools etc. probably BSF/BSW. Easy to tell apart by the pitches. Instruments/Electronics
BA. Motor Cycle/Cycle BSC. USA, UNF/UNC. Continental ISO Metric etc. Old motor cars BSF/BSW, mid 50/60's UNF/UNC later models Metric.

Thread Data.

Please note that the figures given in the charts have been worked out from first principles and will NOT be exactly the same as those quoted in the
ISO standards. The differences are usually only 1/10ths of thou.

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Tables of threads are usually given in handy reference books but it is not generally known that all threads are based on a set formula for each
thread.

Below is the formula for each thread and each type has a link to an WinZip Excel spreadsheet.. These charts are interactive and will give true
thread details for any size required. By entering the required %age full thread a correct tapping size can be obtained. Select your nearest (very
close) drill size. See Notes on the Data Sheets You may need to "unprotect" the data first.

Tapping Sizes

Some confusion often arises when different drill sizes are given to tap the same female thread. The reason is quite simple. There is no one drill size
to tap a given hole !!

1) There may not be an exact drill size for the core diameter required. We use the nearest one available.

2) In practice it is usual to drill & tap to give a thread which is not 100% full thread. Figures such as 70%, 75%, 80% full thread are very rarely
quoted but must have been used in the initial calculations

3) It is often desirable for the internal thread to have the crests flat rather than have the full perfect radiused form. This prevents threads binding &
prolongs tool life.

4) When tapping hard material such as Stainless Steel an 70% full thread (female) used with a 100% male bolt may be 100% OK. Use a No.2 tap as
less cutting length on the flutes reduces tap stress. Also consider modern coated taps.

5) It may be virtually impossible to tap 100% full thread anyway without risking a broken tap. If in doubt drill a tad bigger and use a good fitting
male thread with more thread length engaged.

6) As with all things mechanical, tolerances must be mentioned. Tolerances are mainly the province of mass production & interchangeability. For
our one off's, if it fits to YOUR SATISFACTION its OK. Thread tolerances can be a very complicated subject & need sophisticated gauging
equipment. Taps are made in a range of tolerances. Class 2 is the normal specification. Carbon taps are usually cheaper & manufactured to wider
tolerances. All taps are manufactured as "plus on basic" to allow for wear in production. As the tap wears the thread moves towards nominal.

7) Always use very sharp taps & dies & lubricate well.

8) It is virtually impossible to tap a hole 100% vertical by eye. Whenever possible, use a jig to ensure that the tap is vertical. Use of a tapping jig
will virtually eliminate broken taps.

Health & Safety Notice

I recently read a note in quite a large Car & Motorcycle restoration guide that UNC & Whitworth nuts & bolts were interchangeable. This is
complete rubbish & whilst some sizes are superficially the same ie: Pitch & Diameter, the Thread Angle IS NOT.(60/55) This means that all the

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load is directed onto the thread crests and roots and not full flank contact. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MIX THE TWO. If in doubt throw away. One
way to tell a UNF /UNC thread is to look for joined up circles on the flats of the nuts/bolts. ie: OOOOOO This is NOT however a 100% guide. I
have also noticed UNF/UNC forged into the head. Another way is to use the Across Flats dimension. This is unique to UNC fasteners, it is not a
whole metric size nor is it the same as the equivalent Whitworth fastener. Non of these methods are 100% reliable. Use a proper thread gauge if
possible or try to measure the core diameters with the correct thread micrometer. If the fit is tight or loose it is probably an incorrect mix. Also note
that Stainless Steel fittings ARE NOT AS STRONG as HIGH TENSILE steel bolts etc. DO NOT USE in highly stressed applications where bolt
failure could lead to an accident without full professional advice as to grade, thread form and suitable diameter. If in doubt always use the
Manufacturer's correct part for the relevant application.

Thread Data & Formulae

BSW (British Standard Whitworth)

P = Pitch = 1/Number of threads per inch (tpi)

h = Angular Depth = 0.960491 x P

D = Depth of Rounding = 0.073917 x P

h/6 = Shortening = 0.160083 x P

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d = Actual Depth = 0.640327 x P

r = Radius at the Crest & Root = 0.137329 x P

C = Core diameter = Major Diameter - 1.280654 x P

Effective or Pitch Diameter = Major Diameter - .640327 x P

BSF (British Standard Fine)

P = Pitch = 1/Number of threads per inch (tpi)

h = Angular Depth = 0.960491 x P

D = Depth of Rounding = 0.073917 x P

h/6 = Shortening = 0.160083 x P

d = Actual Depth = 0.640327 x P

r = Radius at the Crest & Root = 0.137329 x P

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C = Core diameter = Major Diameter - 1.280654 x P

Effective or Pitch Diameter = Major Diameter - .640327 x P

ME (Model Engineer)

P = Pitch = 1/Number of threads per inch (tpi)

h = Angular Depth = 0.960491 x P

D = Depth of Rounding = 0.073917 x P

h/6 = Shortening = 0.160083 x P

d = Actual Depth = 0.640327 x P

r = Radius at the Crest & Root = 0.137329 x P

C = Core diameter = Major Diameter - 1.280654 x P

Effective or Pitch Diameter = Major Diameter - .640327 x P

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BA (British Association)

P = Pitch = 1/Number of threads per inch (tpi)

h = Triangular height = 1.1363365 x P

d = Actual Depth = 0.60000 x P

t = Shortening = 0.2681688 x P

r = Radius at the Crest & Root = 0.1808346 x P

Effective or Pitch Diameter = Major Diameter - 0.6000 x P (d)

C = Core diameter = Major Diameter - 1.2000 x P (2d)

Nuts and Bolts across flats is nominally 1.75 x Major Diameter

For Model Engineering purposes nuts and bolts are obtainable

with the hexagon heads one size less across flats, this gives a better scale effect.

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ISO Metric Fine

ISO Metric Coarse

P = Pitch = 1/Number of threads per inch (tpi)

H = Angular Depth = 0.866025 x P

H/8 = Shortening of major dia = 0.108253 x P

H/4 = Shortening of minor dia = 0.216506 x P

d = Actual Depth = 0.541266 x P

r = Radius at the Root = 0.1443 x P

Hn = Basic height of Internal Thread = 0.54127 x P

Hs = Basic height of External Thread = 0.61344 x P

Note: The form of the Metric Series of Threads varies between Internal & External Threads, in particular the root and crest details. This allows for

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flat (truncated) or radiused forms. Engineers requiring more specific information should refer to the relevant ISO Standards. This data base is far to
small to fully cover this subject.

Unified National Fine (UNF)

Unified National Coarse (UNC)

P = Pitch = 1/Number of threads per inch (tpi)

H = Angular Depth = 0.866025 x P

H/8 = Shortening of major dia = 0.108253 x P

H/4 = Shortening of minor dia = 0.216506 x P

d = Actual Depth = 0.541266 x P

r = Radius at the Root = 0.1443 x P

Hn = Basic height of Internal Thread = 0.54127 x P

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Hs = Basic height of External Thread = 0.61344 x P

United States Standard (USS)

United States Form (USF)

Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE)

This form also occurs in the National Coarse (N.C.) and National Fine (N.F.) series of threads.

It is very similar to the UNF and UNC threads but has a Flat Root & Crest.

P = Pitch = 1/Number of threads per inch (tpi)

H = Theoretical Depth = 0.866 x P

D = Actual Depth = 0.6495 x P

F = Width of Flat = 0.125 x P

A = Depth of Flat = 0.108 x P

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Sharp V-thread. (V)

Details for this thread were taken from Machinery Handbook 9th Edition (1938) pg 1146. This thread has been noted on older Harley Davidson
Motorcycles and is understood to have been used on older US Cadillac Automobiles.

Due to the sharp root and crest on this form, it is in theory, prone to stress cracking. The later UNF/UNC threads should be used where possible, as
these have rounded crests and roots, thus reducing stress concentration. The "V" thread is effectively obsolete. It still remains a very easy thread to
cut using single point tools. It is however NOT interchangeable with modern 60 degs Imperial threads. UNF/UNC etc. Cutting tools, Taps and Dies
etc. are no longer available.

The sides of the thread form an angle of 60 degs with each other. The top and bottom of the threads are theoretically sharp, but in practice the crest
has a slight flat equal to 1/25th x Pitch. This is removed after the thread is cut, thus reducing the actual diameter slightly below nominal. (D) See
chart details.

P = Pitch = 1/Number of threads per inch (tpi)

H = Theoretical Depth = 0.866 x P

D = Actual Depth with Crest Relief

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A= Width of Flat = P/25 (Not in the Official Standards)

N = Depth of Flat

Notes on British & International Standards

Hard copies of ISO/British Standards are very expensive, typically £30 for a single copy. Less if you are a BSI member. Most large libraries now
have Internet Access & seem to have an agreement with the ISO/BSI. This means that you can view any standard, but as far as I am aware, you
are not able to make copies. Thread standards are by their very nature complex documents and unless you are working in a standards room or are a
manufacturer of tooling etc. contain large amounts of data irrelevant to model engineers work. Most of the older non metric threads have been
designated as " non-preferred thread series " for many years. They should be avoided in new equipment etc.

Notes on the Data Sheets

The data sheets can be downloaded as Zip files into an Excel Spreadsheet. All files are in the protected mode. Some files have a figure in red over
the tapping size. This represents the %age full thread. This can be altered to give a tapping size to suit the thread you require. eg. on Aluminum you
may wish to tap 100% full thread. You can also use the data to give full details of non-standard threads such as the Myford Nose etc. By entering
the diameter & pitch all the other details self calculate. No responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions by whatever cause.

Back to Colin Ushers Model Engineering Home Page

Text © Colin Usher 2009 Illustrations © Colin Usher 2009

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means,
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