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Word for the day: THREADS – PART TWO

Welcome to the second part of the article on interesting world of threads. With some solid background
that that we gained in first part, let us get started on the most common type of thread profiles used. Each
of these thread profiles have a specific intended end use which can vary from lifting heavy objects to
sealing a high pressure fluid line to setting time on wrist watch. We will have PROFESSOR NUTTY help us
understand some common myths, do’s and don’ts about threads.

Another common terminology used with regard to thread profile is the “number of starts” it has. As we
know, a thread is a continuous profile generated on a circular rod. A thread having only one profile is
called as SINGLE START THREAD. If more than one profile is generated on same circular rod, it is called
as MULTI START THREAD. Some lead screws used for converting rotary motion to linear motion has
multi start thread profiles. For a given length, multi start threads will have less pitch compared to a single
start thread, and advances – moves – more faster.

ACME THREAD FORM (or TRAPEZOIDAL THREAD FORM):

The Acme thread form is a common profile that offers high strength with ease of manufacture. It is
typically found in applications where large loads need to be lifted or held in place as in bench-vices, screw
jacks and the lead screw of a lathe. Standardized variations include multiple-start threads, left-hand
threads, and self-centering threads. Because of their thread profile and angle, they do not get “stuck” –
more technically called binding – under heavy loads.

The Acme thread form has a 29° thread angle with a thread
height half of the pitch. The crest and trough are flat and looks
like a trapezoid. This shape allows the use of a thread milling
machine for manufacture, which is much cheaper than the single
point cutter used in machining square threads. The tooth shape
also has a wider base which means its stronger (thus, the screw
can carry a greater load) than a similarly sized square thread.
This thread form also allows for the use of a split nut, which can
compensate for nut wear. The disadvantages of the Acme thread
form are that much lower efficiency and the greater radial load on
the nut, due to the thread angle.

Following table shows pitch dimension for lead screw with certain commonly used nominal diameters.

Nominal diameter [mm] Pitch [mm] Nominal diameter [in] Pitch (P) [in]
24, 28 5 1⁄4 1⁄16
32, 36 6 5⁄16 1⁄14
40, 44 7 3⁄8 1⁄12
48, 52 8 1⁄2 1⁄10
60 9 5⁄8 1⁄8
70, 80 10 3⁄4, 7⁄8 1⁄6
90, 100 12 1, 1 1⁄4 1⁄5
1 1⁄2, 1 3⁄4, 2 1⁄4
2 1⁄2 1⁄3
3 1⁄2

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SQUARE THREAD FORM:

Although square threads are not very popular now, they are used
in special purpose lead screws used for lifting or moving very
heavy loads like ship hauling, adjusting shut height on large
presses and aero plane moving trailers. Since the thread angle is
precisely 90°, it is difficult to generate a square thread profile. And,
also the right angle profile angle increases friction making it
difficult to rotate.

BRITISH STANDARD PIPE (BSP) THREAD:

This is the most commonly used thread profiles for

pipes, fittings and most of joint applications. It is also
called as British Standard Whitworth thread profile, in
recognition of its inventor, Sir Joseph Whitworth.
Because of the very design of thread profile, male &
female profiles “seal” into each other creating an
almost tight joint preventing flow of liquids or gases
under certain conditions. Water lines, air lines,
intermediate connectors and many similar fittings
use this thread profile. As you can see from the
adjacent drawing, the crest and troughs are
ROUNDED to radius, r. The profile angle is 55° on
both male and female (bolt & nut) profiles which
ensures reduced friction and less effort in tightening.
Because of the smooth profile given by 55° thread
angle, this thread can be easily machined on
conventional lathes and special thread rolling
machines as well. Normally, the BSP threads are
mentioned in inches although equivalent millimeter
dimensions are mentioned.

The BSP threads are also available in TAPERED

profile. In this type of profile, the overall diameter
INCREASES (or DECREASES). Tapered thread profiles
are used in flexible fittings of high pressure systems
like
hydraulic pipes, steam and chemical lines. Since the threads
are tapered, guiding a female profile over a male profile is
easy and reduces risk of wrong threading. In some
applications where tapered threads are used, a chemical
sealant can be used in thread area to give more leak proof
joint. Adjacent drawing shows the profile of a tapered BSP
thread profile. 1:16 is the normal ratio for a tapered thread,
which means for every 16 units of length measured, the
diameter should either increase or decrease by 1 unit. So for
a 16 inch long thread profile, the diameter difference
between fathest points will be equal to one inch.
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Following table gives different thread dimensions for commonly used BSP thread diameters.

Minor
Nominal Size TPI Pitch Major Diameter
Diameter Tapping Drill Size
(inches) (Threads Per Inch) (inches) (inches)
(inches)
1/16 28 0.0357 0.304 0.2583 Letter drill G (6.6 mm)
1/8 28 0.0357 0.383 0.3372 8.73 mm (11/32 inch)
1/4 19 0.0526 0.518 0.4546 11.8 mm (0.4646 inch)
3/8 19 0.0526 0.656 0.5886 15.25 mm (0.6004 inch)
1/2 14 0.0714 0.825 0.7336 19.05 mm (3/4 inch)
5/8 14 0.0714 0.902 0.8106 21 mm (0.8268 inch)
3/4 14 0.0714 1.041 0.9496 24.5 mm (0.9646 inch)
7/8 14 0.0714 1.189 1.0976 28.25 mm (1.1122 inch)
1 inch 11 0.0909 1.309 1.1926 30.75 mm (1.2106 inch)

NATIONAL PIPE THREAD (NPS,Straight or NPT,Tapered):

The NPT or NPS thread profile looks very similar to BSP

profile. But NPT / NPS thread profile has a 60° angle and
sharp crest and trough. Tapered version is more widely used
on fittings, joints in liquid, gas and similar installations. This
thread profile standard is followed more in USA. Adjacent
figure shows a typical national pipe tapered thread profile.

In a tapered thread profile, the male and female components

not only slide into each other, but also “compress” into each
other providing an almost tight joint.

BUTTRESS THREAD FORM:

The buttress thread profile is a combination of square

thread on one side and a 45° angle on other side. In one
direction, the buttress thread has an extremely high axial
load carrying capacity. This type of thread is widely used
in oil field equipments like rigs, pipe holders, artillery
(military) equipments and door openings of military air
crafts. One side of face can have 90° or 95° or 97° as the
profile angle. Although buttress thread profile is not used
in many equipments or machines, you have to pay special
attention to this profile, since it looks quite similar to a
trapezoid threads.

ISO METRIC THREAD FORM:

This is the most common and widely used thread profile worldwide. It is commonly represented by prefix,
M and followed by the major diameter and pitch, both measured in millimeters. The thread has a precise V
shape with 60° as profile angle. The crest and trough points of thread profile are slightly made flat to
reduce friction, increase load bearing ability. It also prevents the “edge” damage which might result in
material binding during tightening.
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Relating to our explanation in part one,
the thread profile can be either “coarse”
or “fine”. Normal standard is coarse
profile unless explicitly specified. The
screw length is also mentioned in the
specification.

For example, M10 x 40 means metric

thread of 10 millimeter major diameter
and a screw length of 40 millimeters. The
total – bolt – length will be GREATER than
40 millimeters. Refer to the adjacent
figure for reference. This M10 screw has a
coarse thread profile and its pitch is equal
to 1.5 millimeters, as per the
international standards. Instead, if it is
designated as M10 x 1.25 x 40, it has a
fine thread profile and its pitch is 1.25
millimeters. Refer to the table at the end of this article for commonly used standard thread dimensions.
ISO 261 is the international standard used for designation of these metric threads.

Apart from these commonly used standards, there are many special
thread profiles manufactured for certain applications. For example,
the thread profile of wood screw is tapered with 60° profile angle and
has a very coarse pitch. On contrary, a screw profile for manual fly
press – used in many sheet metal fabrication industries – has a
square thread with a very large pitch and more than 100° profile
angle to instantly convert the rotary motion into high press force.

Threads profiles are not only generated on metal but also on wood
and plastics. In fact, injection molding of plastic screws for various
not so heavy load applications is becoming common. Now let us delve
into some of the common operational do’s & don’ts that we should consider when working with threads.
PROFESSOR NUTTY will take us thru this exercise.

Another important element that forms an integral part of the thread assembly is washer. Based on
application, the type of washer used may vary. Washer is a small piece of metal that sits between nut or
bolt head and has multi purposes. One, it prevents heads “digging” into the component or equipment,
preventing head jamming. Second, it distributes the axial load of the bolt head equally.

FLAT & SPRING (split-lock) type are the two most commonly used washers, although there are many
special washer types available. Refer to image library at the end of this article for different type of
washers.

Spring washers have a split profile which always tries to “expand.” So, when it is inserted and tightened in
the thread path, it prevents the nut / bolt assembly from loosening. Selection of washer made from proper
material is also critical. For instance, when the nut / bolt assembly is used in a corrosive environment,
zinc-plated or non-ferrous washers will be selected to prevent thread locking or jamming problems.
Washers are made from variety of materials like brass, copper, steel, zinc-coated steel, plastic, stainless
steel.
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When selecting thread profile for a particular application, following points should be
considered:

Load type – Lifting, Moving, Radial, Axial, Turning or Compressing

Load cycle – Normal, Continuously loading and unloading, random, high vibrations,
random overloads

Environmental conditions – High temperature, high moisture content, Corrosive

chemicals, Safety,

End Application – Pressure line, load bearing, conveying, continuously rotating,

static

Type of material for thread – Steel, Aluminum, Copper, Brass, Plastic

Type of head for fastening – Hexagonal, Allen head, Counter sunk, Flat, Phillips

Interchangeability – It is always good to standardize a particular thread type for the

entire application than mixing different profiles.

End user convenience – The thread / bolt profile should within one standard as
much as possible to avoid multiple inventory levels, different tools for tightening and
chances of using wrong thread profiles.

Professor Nutty is not very happy when you do following things to a thread profile:

Over tightening the nut-bolt couple beyond its specified torque limits – this will
result in either thread jamming, head shearing and thread wear out resulting in
reduced load carrying capacity

Using thread profiles that are not similar but looks very similar – for example, NPT
thread looks very similar to BSP threads but will never match. Sometimes even
metric and BSP threads look very similar, but should never be confused.

Improper entry of threads – called wrong threading – and then forcing it to enter
into each other

Not using “thread sealant solutions” wherever necessary – The sealant will help in
preventing “corrosion” or “rusting” between thread profiles further preventing
thread jamming

When thread profiles are used in applications that have vibrations – like DG set
mountings, rotating clutch plates, motor housing – not using thread “locking”
solutions to prevent threads from loosening

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Professor Nutty is very happy when you do following things for a thread profile

Select proper thread profile for the application – for example to lift heavy objects, a
square or acme thread is more suitable than a metric thread

Replace or repair the worn out thread profile at the earliest to prevent major
damages to end equipment

Use proper washers, sealant solutions and tighten within “torque” limits specified
for the bolt

Not mixing fine and coarse thread profiles, just to fix the problem immediately

Not using excessive cotton or Teflon tape or other material to compensate for worn
out thread profile

Regular usage of “thread gauge” to measure pitch before replacing a worn out
thread profile.

Re-tapping is carried out for moderately worn out thread profile for perfect fit

In multiple thread profile, following proper tightening sequence – For example in

shaft couplings, aligning circular components like clutch plates, fly wheels, vehicle
tires and more.

WASHER TYPES LIBRARY

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ISO-METRIC COARSE THREAD CHART

METRIC SCREW THREADS ISO 724 (DIN 13 T1)
Nominal root pitch drill
Pitch minor diameter thread height
diameter radius diameter diameter
P d3 D1 h3 H1
d=D r d2=D2 mm
M 1.00 0.25 0.036 0.838 0.693 0.729 0.153 0.135 0.75
M 1.10 0.25 0.036 0.938 0.793 0.829 0.153 0.135 0.85
M 1.20 0.25 0.036 1.038 0.893 0.929 0.153 0.135 0.95
M 1.40 0.3 0.043 1.205 1.032 1.075 0.184 0.162 1.1
M 1.60 0.35 0.051 1.373 1.171 1.221 0.215 0.189 1.25
M 1.80 0.35 0.051 1.573 1.371 1.421 0.215 0.189 1.45
M 2.00 0.4 0.058 1.74 1.509 1.567 0.245 0.217 1.6
M 2.20 0.45 0.065 1.908 1.648 1.713 0.276 0.244 1.75
M 2.50 0.45 0.065 2.208 1.948 2.013 0.276 0.244 2.05
M 3.00 0.5 0.072 2.675 2.387 2.459 0.307 0.271 2.5
M 3.50 0.6 0.087 3.11 2.764 2.85 0.368 0.325 2.9
M 4.00 0.7 0.101 3.545 3.141 3.242 0.429 0.379 3.3
M 4.50 0.75 0.108 4.013 3.58 3.688 0.46 0.406 3.8
M 5.00 0.8 0.115 4.48 4.019 4.134 0.491 0.433 4.2
M 6.00 1 0.144 5.35 4.773 4.917 0.613 0.541 5
M 7.00 1 0.144 6.35 5.773 5.917 0.613 0.541 6
M 8.00 1.25 0.18 7.188 6.466 6.647 0.767 0.677 6.8
M 9.00 1.25 0.18 8.188 7.466 7.647 0.767 0.677 7.8
M 10.00 1.5 0.217 9.026 8.16 8.376 0.92 0.812 8.5
M 11.00 1.5 0.217 10.026 9.16 9.376 0.92 0.812 9.5
M 12.00 1.75 0.253 10.863 9.853 10.106 1.074 0.947 10.2
M 14.00 2 0.289 12.701 11.546 11.835 1.227 1.083 12
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M 16.00 2 0.289 14.701 13.546 13.835 1.227 1.083 14
M 18.00 2.5 0.361 16.376 14.933 15.394 1.534 1.353 15.5
M 20.00 2.5 0.361 18.376 16.933 17.294 1.534 1.353 17.5
M 22.00 2.5 0.361 20.376 18.933 19.294 1.534 1.353 19.5
M 24.00 3 0.433 22.051 20.319 20.752 1.84 1.624 21
M 27.00 3 0.433 25.051 23.319 23.752 1.84 1.624 24
M 30.00 3.5 0.505 27.727 25.706 26.211 2.147 1.894 26.5
M 33.00 3.5 0.505 30.727 28.706 29.211 2.147 1.894 29.5
M 36.00 4 0.577 33.402 31.093 31.67 2.454 2.165 32
M 39.00 4 0.577 36.402 34.093 34.67 2.454 2.165 35
M 42.00 4.5 0.65 39.077 36.479 37.129 2.76 2.436 37.5
M 45.00 4.5 0.65 42.077 39.479 40.129 2.76 2.436 40.5
M 48.00 5 0.722 44.752 41.866 42.857 3.067 2.706 43
M 52.00 5 0.722 48.752 45.866 46.587 3.067 2.706 47
M 56.00 5.5 0.794 52.428 49.252 50.046 3.374 2.977 50.5
M 60.00 5.5 0.794 56.428 53.252 54.046 3.374 2.977 54.5
M 64.00 6 0.866 60.103 56.639 57.505 3.681 3.248 58
M 68.00 6 0.866 64.103 60.639 61.505 3.681 3.248 62

ISO-METRIC FINE THREAD CHART

Nominal Root pitch
Pitch minor diameter thread height drill
diameter Radius diameter
P d3 D1 h3 H1 diameter
d=D R d2=D2
M1.0x0.2 0.2 0.029 0.87 0.755 0.783 0.123 0.108 0.8
M1.1x0.2 0.2 0.029 0.97 0.855 0.883 0.123 0.108 0.9
M1.2x0.2 0.2 0.029 1.07 0.955 0.983 0.123 0.108 1
M1.4z0.2 0.2 0.029 1.27 1.155 1.183 0.123 0.108 1.2
M1.6x0.2 0.2 0.029 1.47 1.355 1.383 0.123 0.108 1.4
M1.8x0.2 0.2 0.029 1.67 1.555 1.583 0.123 0.108 1.6
M2x0.25 0.25 0.036 1.838 1.693 1.729 0.153 0.135 1.75
M2.2x0.25 0.25 0.036 2.038 1.893 1.929 0.153 0.135 1.95
M2.5x0.35 0.35 0.051 2.273 2.071 2.121 0.215 0.189 2.1
M3x0.35 0.35 0.051 2.773 2.571 2.621 0.215 0.189 2.6
M3.5x0.35 0.35 0.051 3.273 3.071 3.121 0.215 0.189 3.1
M4x0.5 0.5 0.072 3.675 3.387 3.459 0.307 0.271 3.5
M4.5x0.5 0.5 0.072 4.175 3.887 3.959 0.307 0.271 4
M5x0.5 0.5 0.072 4.675 4.387 4.459 0.307 0.271 4.5
M5.5x0.5 0.5 0.072 5.175 4.887 4.959 0.307 0.271 5
M6x0.75 0.75 0.108 5.513 5.08 5.188 0.46 0.406 5.2
M7x0.75 0.75 0.108 6.513 6.08 6.188 0.46 0.406 6.2
M8x0.75 0.75 0.108 7.513 7.08 7.188 0.46 0.406 7.2
M8x1.0 1 0.144 7.35 6.773 6.917 0.613 0.541 7
M9x0.75 0.75 0.108 8.513 8.08 8.188 0.46 0.406 8.2
M9x 1 1 0.144 8.35 7.773 7.917 0.613 0.541 8
M10x0.75 0.75 0.108 9.513 9.08 9.188 0.46 0.406 9.2
M10x1 1 0.144 9.35 8.773 8.917 0.613 0.541 9

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M10x1.25 1.25 0.18 9.188 8.466 8.647 0.767 0.677 8.8
M11x0.75 0.75 0.108 10.513 10.08 10.188 0.46 0.406 10.2
M11x1 1 0.144 10.35 9.773 9.917 0.613 0.541 10
M12x1 1 0.144 11.35 10.773 10.917 0.613 0.541 11
M12x1.25 1.25 0.18 11.188 10.466 10.647 0.767 0.677 10.8
M12x1.5 1.5 0.217 11.026 10.16 10.376 0.92 0.812 10.5
M14x1.0 1 0.144 13.35 12.773 12.917 0.613 0.541 13
M14x1.25 1.25 0.18 13.188 12.466 12.647 0.767 0.677 12.8
M14x1.5 1.5 0.217 13.026 12.16 12.376 0.92 0.812 12.5
M15x1 1 0.144 14.35 13.773 13.917 0.613 0.541 14
M15x1.5 1.5 0.217 14.026 13.16 13.376 0.92 0.812 13.5
M16x1 1 0.144 15.35 14.773 14.917 0.613 0.541 15
M16x1.5 1.5 0.217 15.026 14.16 14.376 0.92 0.812 14.5
M17x1.0 1 0.144 16.35 15.773 15.917 0.613 0.541 16
M17x1.5 1.5 0.217 16.026 15.16 15.376 0.92 0.812 15.5
M18x1.0 1 0.144 17.35 16.773 16.917 0.613 0.541 17
M18x1.5 1.5 0.217 17.026 16.16 16.376 0.92 0.812 16.5
M18x2.0 2 0.289 16.701 15.546 15.835 1.227 1.083 16
M20x1.0 1 0.144 19.35 18.773 18.917 0.613 0.541 19
M20x1.5 1.5 0.217 19.026 18.16 18.376 0.92 0.812 18.5
M20x2.0 2 0.289 18.701 17.546 17.835 1.227 1.083 18
M22x1.0 1 0.144 21.35 20.773 20.917 0.613 0.541 21
M22x1.5 1.5 0.217 21.026 20.16 20.376 0.92 0.812 20.5
M22x2.0 2 0.289 20.701 19.546 19.835 1.227 1.083 20
M24x1.0 1 0.144 23.35 22.773 22.917 0.613 0.541 23
M24x1.5 1.5 0.217 23.026 22.16 22.376 0.92 0.812 22.5
M24x2.0 2 0.289 22.701 21.546 21.835 1.227 1.083 22
M25x1.0 1 0.144 24.35 23.773 23.917 0.613 0.541 24
M25x1.5 1.5 0.217 24.026 23.16 23.376 0.92 0.812 23.5
M25x2.0 2 0.289 23.701 22.546 22.835 1.227 1.083 23
M27x1.0 1 0.144 26.35 25.773 25.917 0.613 0.541 26
M27x1.5 1.5 0.217 26.026 25.16 25.376 0.92 0.812 25.5
M27x2.0 2 0.289 25.701 24.546 24.835 1.227 1.083 25
M28x1.0 1 0.144 27.35 26.773 26.917 0.613 0.541 27
M28x1.5 1.5 0.217 27.026 26.16 26.376 0.92 0.812 26.5
M28x2.0 2 0.289 26.701 25.546 25.835 1.227 1.083 26

Threads – a wonderful engineering piece that hold many things “together” like a family and helps in
accomplishing intended objective. It is virtually impossible to imagine any component or an equipment
without some thread profile made into it for one or other purpose.

In this article, we have not touched upon various technologies available for generating a thread profile.
Also, we have selectively excluded discussing on different materials used for threads. These and other
related topics are a subject in itself and will be explained separately in near future.

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And now, it is time to loosen your head bolts and open it for some puzzle solving on threads!!

3 4

5 6

EclipseCrossword.com

Across

5. Six sided bolt head

7. Lift your automobile using this
8. Diameter reduces in this type of thread profile

Down

1. Over tightening beyond this limit will damage threads

2. Thread profile that almost looks like a saw tooth
3. A piece of metal - Does a lot of work
4. This uses acme thread very widely
6. Another name for major diameter

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