23/01/2018 Thread Tolerancing

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Information on Screw Threads

Tolerancing of Screw Threads

It was previously stated that an essential principle is that the actual profiles of both the nut and bolt threads
must never cross or transgress the theoretical profile. Practically, to make a thread, tolerances must be applied
to ensure that this essential principal always applies. Tolerancing of screw threads is complicated by the
complex geometric nature of the screw thread form. Clearances must be applied to the basic profile of the
threads in order that a bolt thread can be screwed into a nut thread. For the thread to be made practically there
must be tolerances applied to the main thread elements.

Usually nut threads have a tolerance applied to the basic profile so that it is theoretically possible for the nut
thread profile to be equal to the theoretical profile. Bolt threads usually have a gap between the basic and actual
thread profiles. This gap is called the allowance with inch-based threads and the fundamental deviation with
metric threads. The tolerance is subsequently applied to the thread. Since for coated threads the tolerances
apply to threads before coating (unless otherwise stated), the gap is taken up by the coating thickness. After
coating, the actual thread profile must not transgress the basic profile of the thread.

A full designation for a metric thread includes information not only on the thread diameter and pitch but also a
designation for the thread tolerance class. For example a thread designated as M12 x 1 - 5g6g indicates that the
thread has a nominal diameter of 12mm and a pitch of 1mm. The 5g indicates the tolerance class for the pitch
diameter and 6g is the tolerance class for the major diameter.

A fit between threaded parts is indicated by the nut thread tolerance designation followed by the bolt thread
tolerance designation separated by a slash. For example: M12 x 1 - 6H/5g6g indicates a tolerance class of 6H
for the nut (female) thread and a 5g tolerance class for the pitch diameter with a 6g tolerance class for the major
diameter.

A tolerance class is made up of two parts, a tolerance grade and a tolerance position.

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A number of tolerance grades have been established for the pitch and crest diameters (the crest diameter is the
minor diameter in the case of a nut thread and the major diameter in the case of a bolt thread. Tolerance grades
are represented by numbers, the lower the number the smaller the tolerance. Grade 6 is used for a medium
tolerance quality and a normal length of thread engagement. Grades lower than 6 are intended for fine tolerance
quality and/or short lengths of thread engagement. Grades higher than 6 are intended for coarse tolerance
quality and/or long lengths of thread engagement.

There are:
5 tolerance grades (grades 4 to 8) available for the minor diameter of the nut thread.
3 tolerance grades (grades 4,6 and 8) for the major diameter of the bolt thread.
5 tolerance grades (grades 4 to 8) for the pitch diameter tolerance of the nut thread.
7 tolerance grades (grades 3 to 9) for the pitch diameter tolerance of the bolt thread.

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Tolerance positions are indicated by letters, upper case letters for nut threads and lower case letters for bolt
threads. The tolerance position is the distance of the tolerance from the basic size of the thread profile.

For nut threads there are two tolerance positions, H with a zero fundamental deviation (distance of the tolerance
position from the basic size) and G with a positive fundamental deviation.

For bolt threads there are four tolerance positions, h has a zero fundamental deviation and e, f, and g negative
fundamental deviations. (A positive fundamental deviation indicates that the size for the thread element will be
larger than the basic size. A negative fundamental deviation indicates that the size for the thread element will
be smaller than the basic size.

One practical problem that is often encountered is what thread tolerance to apply to a tapped hole. The standard
tolerance classes of 6g for the bolt thread and 6H for the nut thread are typically included on a drawing as
default. A problem that sometimes occurs is that on long thread engagements (that are frequently used for
tapped holes in soft materials) there can be an interference between the nut thread and the screw thread as the
screw is rotated into the tapped hole. There can be a slight mis-match in the thread pitch between the internal
thread and the external thread necessitating a wrench to rotate the fastener to the bottom of the thread i.e. it
can't be freely rotated. The standard tolerance classes apply strictly only when a relatively short length of
engagement is used (such as with a nut which is typically 0.8d where d is the thread size). The pitch diameter
tolerance must be able to accomodate pitch and flank angle errors which can sometimes only be done by
changing the tolerance position say from a H to a G for the internal thread (since standard screws - 6g - are
wished to be used). Failure to change the tolerance position can result in thread seizure and damage especially
if high speed tools are being used for the tightening process.

An example of such a seizure problem is illustrated below:

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