QA

Quick Answer: How To Measure The Length Of A Bolt

Measuring Bolts and Screws Length is measured from the point at which the head sits flat with the surface, to the tip of the threads. Hex, pan, truss, button, socket cap, and round head screws are measured from right under the head to the end of the threads.

How do you determine bolt length?

Fastener length is measured from where the material surface is assumed to be, to the end of the fastener. For fasteners where the head usually sits above the surface, the measurement is from directly under the head to the end of the fastener.

Does bolt length include head?

Does the length measurement of a bolt include the head? In most cases, when specifying the length of a headed bolt, the thickness of the bolt head is not included. For instance, if you were to order a ¾” x 24” hex head bolt, the bolt would measure 24” from under the head.

How do you measure a bolt with a ruler?

Use a ruler to measure diameter if you don’t have a bolt gauge. Measure from the outermost edge of the bolt’s thread on one side to the outermost edge of the thread on the other side. Make sure your measurement is in a straight line across the thickest portion of the bolt. Record the diameter.

How long should bolts be?

Many studies have found that there is a simple rule of thumb for standard pitch fasteners. The depth of a fastener should be at least two times its nominal diameter. For example a 1/4in (0.25in) fastener should be threaded at least 1/2in (0.50in) deep.

What does M8 mean on a bolt?

The defined diameter of metric bolts is actually slightly larger than the actual diameter of the bolt shaft. So an M8 bolt would have a shaft diameter that’s slightly under 8mm which means that the bolt should fit through an 8mm hole.

What do bolt measurements mean?

A bolt’s size is classified based on a number of dimensions, namely the bolt’s diameter, length of shank, thread pitch, grade, thread length and head size. Bolts can me specified in metric using millimeters, but the standard, internationally-recognized descriptions of bolt sizes are in inches.

What type of bolt includes the head in the length measurement?

Hex bolts are measured from under the head to the tip of the bolt. Lag Bolts are measured from under the head.

How can you tell if a bolt is metric or standard?

Telling the difference between a metric and imperial bolt is easy. If the bolt has lines on the head its standard or imperial. If the bolt has numbers on the head then its metric.

What is M10 bolt in inches?

Table 3. Metric Closest Inch M8-1.25 5/16-18 (Smaller) M10-1.5 3/8-16 (Smaller) M12-1.75 1/2-13 (Larger) M14-2.0 9/16-12 (Larger).

How do you measure a bolt hole?

Select a drill bit 1/32 inch larger than the bolt diameter for a tight fit hole or a drill bit 1/16 inch greater than the bolt diameter for a loose fitting hole.

Does bolt length matter?

The length of a bolt and the number of threads has a bearing on proper tension. Most stretching occurs in the threaded portion of the bolt. Automotive engineers size bolts, to provide adequate stretch and substituting a different length can cause problems.

How many threads does a bolt need?

For nuts, the bolt or studs should be visible (extend past the end of the nut) by at least 1-1/2 threads. Of course, that’s a generic requirement to develope the “full strength” of the male threads in the bolt and female threads in the nut.

What size is M18 bolt?

Dimensions for DIN931 Hex Head Bolt Diameter (d) Pitch Across Flats (s) M12 1.75mm 19mm M14 2mm 22mm M16 2mm 24mm M18 2.5mm 27mm.

What is an M10 bolt?

M10 bolts are a highly adaptable and strong fixing, which can be used in many applications within construction and at home. They are adjusted with either a spanner or wrench due to their hexagonal head and have a full or half threaded stem, so they can be used with a nut or in a tapered hole.

How do you calculate threads per inch?

As the name suggests, TPI is measured by counting the number of thread peaks along a 1 inch length. The TPI measurement is then often affixed to the diameter of the thread to form a common imperial thread size, e.g. ‘1/4-20’, which would denote a ¼ inch diameter, and 20 threads per inch.

What does M12 mean?

The first half (M12), is the size measurement (metric) taken across the outside diameter of the thread (which in this case is 12mm). The second half is the thread pitch, which is the measurement of threads/inch (which in this case is 1.75).

What does 8.8 mean on a bolt?

In the case of a 8.8 grade bolt the first figure signifies that the Tensile Strength is at least 800MPa. The second figure signifies that the fastener will begin to yield at 80% of the Ultimate Tensile Strength, i.e. at least 640MPa.

What does M16 bolt mean?

Metric bolts are made fractionally under their stated size, for instance an M16 bolt will have a shank diameter of typically 15.97mm. This means that a 16mm bolt will fit through a 16mm hole but to allow for misalignment between parts it is common practice to drill bolt holes slightly larger.

What are the four basic dimensions of a bolt?

A U-bolt is measured by four dimensions: the length, the hook, the diameter, and the thread length.