A Simplified Guide To Thread Gages
Today, industries in the manufacturing sector have to maintain high-quality standards in products to stay relevant. Suppose your company relies on fasteners like screws and bolts to affix different components in products such as furniture or electric gadgets. In that case, you can optimize quality by inspecting threaded parts using appropriate gages. This piece provides an in-depth look into these thread gages.
What Is a Thread Gage?
Some professionals call a thread gage, pitch gage, or screw gage. It's a tool designed for the sole purpose of measuring the lead or pitch of a screw thread. The thread is an essential feature in a screw; it converts rotational motion into linear motion. Using a thread gauge, you can tell the type of thread to use from its pitch and shape.
Types of Thread Gage
Many types of thread gages are available today, including:
Clued plug
A clued plug is an easy-to-handle thread gage that has an extended hexagonal-shaped body with flat sides. You can use this tool to measure the threads in a mechanical device like wrenches. All you have to do is shimmy it into a particular threaded opening, and it will provide accurate readings. Plus, the hexagonal shape of the clued plug makes it easy for you to grasp by hand.
Micrometer
Micrometers or micrometer screw gages are mainly used to measure parts in mechanical trades, machining, mechanical engineering, and meteorological tools like digital calipers and dials. Most micrometers come with opposing ends: the anvil and barrel, joined together by a frame. The anvil is the stationary part used to hold the screw getting measured. On the other hand, the barrel has a threaded bore, essential in measuring a screw's pitch.
Screw thread insert (STI)
A screw thread gauge helps you measure a threaded hole before installing a screw thread insert. A screw thread insert, otherwise known as thread bushing, is a fastener element designed to augment thread assembly and repair damaged threads. But the main advantage of using an STI thread gage is it helps you ensure threaded holes in components comply with specifications.
Tri-roll comparator
A tri-roll comparator is an essential tool for industries that constantly check fasteners' actual pitch diameter. Note that pitch diameter plays a crucial role in determining if two threaded components can mate successfully. Therefore, you can use a tri-roll comparator whenever you want to guarantee that externally threaded parts like bolts and internally threaded products such as nuts will be compatible.
Final Thoughts
Thread gages are indispensable tools that your manufacturing industry should have. However, to optimize quality control, you need the correct thread gauge. That is the only way of getting accurate results. Moreover, if you are in the United States, go with a thread gage that complies with set standards.