ASME

GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR TECHNICAL

-
618.12
2001 MECHANICAL FASTENERS DATA

IFI NOTES:

1. Pages N-1 thru N-19 present definitions of terms relating to me--

chanical fasteners. These definitions have been extracted from
ASME B18.12 without change. B18.12 is a standard developed
through the procedures of the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers. 818.12;s under the jurisdiction of ASME Standards
Committee 818.

2. For definitions of terms relating to screw threads, refer to ASME

S1.7M, page A-24. For definitions of terms unique to blind rivets,
refer to IFI-110, page K-39, or to the complete B18.12.

3. The current 2001 edition of 818.12 represents a major revision of

the standard in terms of its organization and scope of product in~
eluded. New products included are retaining rings, blind rivets,
pins, tension control bolts, direct tension indicator washers, and
helical threaded inserts. This standard has been published by
ASME with an automatic addenda subscription service.

4. Copies of the complete ASME 818.12-2001 are available from its

publisher, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Three
Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990, U.S.A.

1. INTRODUCTION (b) Secondary Operations. Fasteners gen-

erally undergo several secondary operations or
1.1 Scope processes such as thread rolling, heat treating
or plating.
This standard is a summary of nomen- (c) Fastener. A fastener is a mechanical de-
clature and terminology currently used to define vice designed specifically to hold, join, couple,
and/or describe mechanical fasteners, related assemble, or maintain equilibrium of single or
characteristics, and the manufacturing pro- multiple components. The resulting assembly
cesses that produce these products. Utilization may function dynamically or statically as a pri-
of these terms by manufacturers and consum- mary or secondary component of a mechanism
ers is intended to reduce or eliminate confusion or structure. Based on the intended application,
and serve as a sound basis for communication. a fastener is produced with varying degrees of
(a) Primary Operations. Mechanical fasten- built-in precision and engineering capability, en-
ers are produced by forming or screw machine suring adequate, sound service under planned ,
operations. Forming is generally scrapless and, preestablished environmental conditions.
depending upon size, may produce fasteners at (d) Bolts, Studs, Screws, Nuts, Washers,
rates exceeding 500 pieces per minute. Screw Rivets, Pins and Custom Formed Parts. These
machining, although more tightly toleranced, is items are the general product families in which
significantly slower and generates scrap because mechanical fasteners are best classified. Within
it involves the removal of material. each product family are numerous types that may

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 ASME
TECHNICAL GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR 818.12
DATA MECHANICAL FASTENERS 2001

have a name conforming to the technical lan- 2.1.6 High Strength Fastener: a fastener
guage of a national standard or alternately may having high tensile and shear strengths attained
have a name which has its origins in commer- through combinations of materials, work-hard-
cial or marketing nomenclature often taken from ening, and heat treatment. These fasteners
its intended application. Such names, for ex- usually have a tensile strength in excess of
ample, include the ~stove bolt" and "carriage 120,000 psi.
bolt." Because mechanical fasteners are used
in just about every mechanical assembly, they 2.1.7 Lockpins and Collars : a headed and
necessarily have been designed to meet a broad externally grooved mechanical device designed
range of applications from watch and computer for insertion through holes in assembled parts.
assembly to the space shuttle design. The A cylindrical collar is swaged into the external
names given to fasteners appear to be as limit- groove as the lock pin is hydraulically tensioned .
less as the designer's imagination. While many Collars are either smooth bored or may contain
fasteners may look alike , they generally have a fit-tab. An optional flange provides a built-in
defined engineered capabilities based upon their washer.
intended application.
2.1.8 Mechanical Properties: identify the re-
1.2 Referenced Documents action of a fastener to applied loads. Rarely are
the mechanical properties of the fastener those
(Refer to the complete speCification, see of the raw material from which it was made.
page N-38.) Properties such as tensile and yield strengths,
hardness, and ductility will vary widely, depend-
ing upon choice of manufacturing methods and
2. TERMINOLOGY
metallurgical treatments.
2.1 Basic Fastener Terminology
2.1.9 Modified Standard: a part that is stan-
dard with one or more of its features or charac-
2.1.1 Commercial Fastener: manufactured teristics slightly changed . Such a part is nor-
to published consensus standards and stocked mally ordered to a customer's print, is used by
by manufacturers or distributors. that customer in a particular application , but the
part is such that any interested manufacturer can
2.1.2 Compression Fastener: a fastener
produce it.
whose primary function is to resist compressive
forces. 2.1.10 Nonstandard Fastener or Special Fas-
tener: a fastener that differs in size, length, con-
2.1.3 Endurance Limit or Endurance figuration , material, or finish from established and
Strength: the maximum alternating stress that published standards.
a fastener can withstand for a specified number
of stress cycles without failure. 2.1.11 Physical Properties: inherent in the raw
material and remain unchanged, or with only
2.1.4 Headed Fastener: a fastener having slight alteration in the fastener following manu-
one end enlarged or formed. facture. Such properties are density, thermal
conductivity, and magnetic susceptibility.
2.1.5 Headless Fastener: a fastener, either
threaded or unthreaded , that does not have ei- 2.1.12 Part Identifying Number (PIN): a 21-
ther end enlarged. character code that identifies an ASME B 18

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:1S8M1~ GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR TECHNICAL

~ _2001
_-J~ _ _ _ _ _ _MECHANICAL
__________ FASTENERS
______________ ~_
DATA

manufactured product by specific characteristic identical product being delivered by any fastener manu·
fields such as fastener family identification, B18 facturer accepting the order. Often it is said that a stan·
dard fastener could be ordered by phone and the identical
standard identification, fastener style or type, product received from multiple sources.
thread series, nominal diameter, nominal length
or dimensionalfother characteristics , material All other fasteners would be classified as
and treatment, plating, coating, and passivation SPECIAL or NONSTANDARD and would prop-
and special features relevant to the fastener erly fall into three groups:
product.
(a) modified standard
2.1.13 Precision Fastener: manufactured to (b) proprietary - patented
close dimensional and geometric tolerances. (c) engineered special parts
2.1 .14 Proof Load: a tensile load that the fas-
Generally these will require a written de-
tener must support without evidence of perma-
scription and/or blueprint or drawing to commu-
nent deformation. Proof load is an absolute
nicate what exactly is required.
value , not a maximum or minimum value. For
most carbon or alloy steel fastener strength
2.1.21 Stock Fastener: commercially available
grades or property classes, proof loads are es-
in a quantity from a manufacturer or distributor
tablished at approximately 90 to 93% of the ex-
of fasteners.
pected minimum yield strength. Proof loads are
frequently used as design values in joint analy-
2.1.22 Substandard Fastener: does not meet
sis and fastener selection.
its specified requirements related to fit, form or
2.1 .15 Proof Test: a form of tensile test where function .
the maximum load applied is the proof load value
in the applicable specification. 2.1.23 Tensile Strength: the maximum
tension-applied load a fastener can support prior
2.1.16 Fastener Quality: the accuracy of to or coincident with its fracture. Tensile strength
manufacture of the fastener such that it conforms is normally expressed in terms of stress [Le.,
to its specified tolerances. limits and require- pounds per square inch (psi) for inch module
ments. product and megapaseals (MPa) for metric
product].
2.1.17 Aircraft/Aerospace Fastener: intended
for use in a flying vehicle. 2.1.24 Tension Fastener: a fastener whose pri-
mary function is to resist forces which tend to
2.1.18 Fit: the amount of clearance or interfer-
elongate it.
ence between mating parts.

2.1.19 Shear Fastener: a fastener whose pri- 2.1.25 Threaded Fastener: a threaded fas-
mary function is to resist forces applied at a right tener is a fastener, a portion of which has some
angle to the fastener axis that tend to shear it. form of screw thread .

2.1.20 Standard Fastener: can be described 2.1.26 Wedge Tensile Test: a wedge under
from nationally recognized consensus standards the head of a bolt or screw or under a nut used
documents and may be produced by any inter- when testing studs, induces a bending stress
ested manufacturing facility. when subjected to a tension-applied load which
EXAMPLE : An order that specifies 1/2·13 .. 2 UNC·2A demonstrates ductility and the integrity of the
Hex Cap Screws, SAE J429 Grade 5, should result in the head-ta-shank junction.

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-TECHNICAL
DATA
GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR
MECHANICAL FASTENERS
:~8M1~
2001
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2.1.27 Yield Strength: the tension-applied load 2.2.3.1 Bound Body (Body-Bound or
at which the fastener experiences a specific Fitted): has a definite interference or extremely
amount of permanent deformation, [i .e., the bolt small clearance with its mating hole.
has been stressed beyond its elastic limit and is
in the plastic zone). It is very difficult to test full- 2.2.3.2 Externally Relieved Body: a
size bolts for yield strength, because of different body on which the diameter of the entire body or
strain rates in the threaded section, thread runout a portion thereof is reduced to less than the mini-
and unthreaded shank, which together comprise mum pitch diameter of the thread.
the stressed length. A "proof load ~ concept is
the method for checking full-size bolts.

2.2 Fastener Characteristics (Excluding

Head Styles)

2.2.1 Bearing Face: the load-carrying sur- Externally Relieved Body

face.

EXAMPLES: underside of bolt head, washer-face on nut, 2.2.3.3 Full or Nominal Diameter
and/or the surface of the fastener which is in contact with Body: a body whose diameter is generally within
the joint surface. the dimensional limits of the major diameter of
the thread. Sometimes referred to as ufull-size
body."

Full or Nominal Diameter

Body
2.2.2 Blank: a portion of material cut off be-
fore the first stage of forming.
2.2.3.4 Internally Relieved Body: has
an axial hole drilled through a portion of the body.
2.2.3 Body, Threaded Fastener: the un-
threaded portion of the shank.

Internally Relieved Body

2.2.3.5 Reduced Diameter Body: a

body whose diameter may range from the mini-
mum pitch diameter of the thread and does not
exceed the minimum full-size body diameter.

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 ASME
GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR - .
TECHNICAL

-
618.12
2001 MECHANICAL FASTENERS DATA

Reduced Diameter Body

2.2.4 Collar: a raised ring or flange of mate- 2.2.8 Grip: a term normally associated with
rial on the head or shank of a fastener. structural bolting, the grip is the thickness of ma-
terial or parts that the fastener is designed to
secure when assembled.

Collar

2.2.5 Cross Drilled: a fastener having one or

more holes in the head or shank at right angles
to, and normally intersecting, the axis of the fas-
tener.

~o------"I ~ 2.2.9 Grip Gaging Length: the distance mea-

Cross Drilled Head ~ sured parallel to the axis of a bolt or screw from
the underhead bearing surface to the face of the
appropriate noncounterbored or noncountersunk
GO thread ring gage assembled by hand as far
2.2.6 Underhead Fillet or Fillet Radius: the as the thread will permit.
radiused section at the junction of the head and
shank of a headed fastener.

Grip Gaging
Underhead Fillet Length

2.2.10 Head: the head of a fastener is the en-

2.2.7 Fin: a form of key under the head of a larged shape on one end. The shape may be
fastener which serves to keep the fastener from upset or trimmed and is always dimensionally
turning during assembly and use. larger than the nominal fastener diameter.

© 2003 Industrial Fasteners Institute

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 ASME
TECHNICAL GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR B18.12
DATA MECHANICAL FASTENERS 2001

I
Ribbed Neck
@
'-----Head

2.2.11.3 Square Neck: a style of neck con-

2.2.11 Neck: used to define: (1) a specialized sisting of a square shoulder formed integral with
form of a portion of the body of a fastener near the underside of the head.
the head to perform a definite function , such as
preventing rotation , etc.; and (2) a reduced di-
ameter of a portion of the shank of a fastener
which is required for manufacturing or applica-
tion reasons.

Square Neck

2.2.11.4 Swell Neck: a tapered or variable

neck.

~@
N~kE51

Swell Neck

2.2.12 Point: on a fastener is a conical or cy-

2.2.11.1 Fin Neck: a style of neck consist- lindrical configuration of the end of the shank of
ing of two or more fins (see Para . 2.2.7) under a headed fastener or of each end of a headless
and integral with the head. fastener. Depending on point style and manu-
facturing equipment, the point may be formed
(header point) , extruded (dog point), or machined
(cup screw point) . Points applicable to set
screws and tapping screws are described and
illustrated under the respective screw types in
Para . 3.1.2.
Fin Neck

2.2.11 .2 Ribbed Neck: a style of neck con-

5i5tin9 of longitudinal ribs around the shank ad-
jacent to the underside of the head.

I"-----N
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© 2003 Industrial Fasteners Institute
 ASME
818.12 GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR TECHNICAL
2001 MECHANICAL FASTENERS DATA

2.2.12.1 Chamfer Point: a truncated cone

point, the end of which is approximately flat and
perpendicular to the fastener axis. These points
on threaded fasteners generally have point in·
eluded angles of 45 to 90 deg and a point diam-
eter equal to or slightly less than the minor di-
Header Point
o
ameter of the thread. This point is intended to 2.2.12.5 Nail Point: a sharp pyramidal
facilitate entry of fasteners into holes at assem- point generally having a point angle of 30 to 45
bly and protects the lead thread from damage deg, and is produced by a pinching operation. It
during handling. is designed for piercing wood or other resilient
materials.

o Chamfer Point
CO
Nail Point

2.2.12.2 Cone Point: a sharp conical point

2.2.12.6 Needle Point: a cone point of long
designed to pelform perforating or aligning func-
length intended to perform a piercing function.
tions at assembly.

~,-------,I>
Cone Point
0 Needle Point

2.2.12.7 Oval Point: a radiused point,

2.-2.12.3 Gimlet Point: a threaded cone sometimes referred to as a ~ Crowned End ~ or
point usually having a point angle of 45 to 50 ~Round Point. ~
deg. It is used on thread forming screws such

o
as Type AB tapping screws, wood screws, lag
screws, etc.
o Oval Point

Gimlet Point 2.2.12.8 Pilot Point: a cylindrical point hav-

ing a diameter somewhat smaller than the shank
diameter. It is designed to facilitate the align-
2.2.12.4 Header Point: a chamfered point ment and starting of such fasteners as drive
normally produced during the heading operation. screws and groove pins into holes at assembly.
The screw blank is chamfered before threads (See also Para. 3.1 .2.18.3 of the complete stan-
are rolled. dard, full dog point.)

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 ASME
GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR B18.12
MECHANICAL FASTENERS 2001

Pilot Point

2.2.12.9 Pinch Point: a short sharp cone

point, usually having a pOint angle of 45 deg, 2.2.14 Shank: that portion of a headed fastener
formed by a pinching operation. This point is that lies between the head and the extreme point
normally limited to diameters of 1/4 in. or smaller end.
and is applied to metal drive screws, and Type
BP tapping screws.

~ l> 8 ~LShank-J
Pinch Point

2.2.15 Shoulder: an enlarged portion of the

2.2.12.10 Plain Point: a term applied tathe
body of a threaded fastener or shank of an un-
unpointed end of a fastener cut approximately threaded fastener.
flat and perpendicular to the fastener axis. These
points on threaded fasteners may be slightly
concave especially when threads are rolled .

I
o Plain Point
o Shoulder

2.2.16 Thread: a ridge of uniform section in

the form of a helix on the external or internal
2.2.12.11 Spherical Point: an oval point in surface of a cylinder. This is known as a straight
which the point radius is equal to half the shank or parallel thread to distinguish it from a taper
diameter. thread that is formed on a cone or frustum of a
cone.

o Spherical Point
o
Thread

2.2.13 Ribs: small ridges of material usually

formed longitudinally around the shank (some- 2.2.16.1 Right-Hand Thread: a thread
times referred to as serrations or knurls.) is a right-hand thread if, when viewed axially, it

I N- 8
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© 2003 Industrial Fasteners Institute
 ASME
B18.12
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR

......
TECHNICAL
2001 MECHANICAL FASTENERS
~----------------------------~ ...... DATA

winds in a clockwise and receding direction. All 2.3 Fastener Head Styles
threads are right-hand threads unless otherwise
2.3.1 Threaded Fasteners. Refer to Table 1
designated.
for a listing of common applications of threaded
fastener head styles.
2.3.1.1 Ball Head: a head approxi-
mately spherical in shape.

Right-hand thread
recedes clockwise
Nut screws on
clockwise
OCD Ball Head
Right-Hand Thread
2.3.1.2 Binding Head: has a rounded
top surface, slightly tapered side surface and a
2.2.16.2 Left-Hand Thread: a thread flat bearing surface, a portion of which is some-
is a left-hand thread if, when viewed axially, it times undercut adjacent to the shank.
winds in a counter clockwise and receding di-

O~
rection. ATrTeft-hand threads are designated LH.

Binding Head

2.3.1.3 Button Head: as applied to

threaded fasteners has a low rounded top sur-
face with a large flat bearing surface. (See also
left·hand thread recedes Nul screws on Para. 2.3.1.28, Truss Head.)
counter clockwise counter clockwise

o
Left-Hand Thread

2.2.17 Washer Face: a circular boss on the

bearing surface of a cap screw or nut. The only
Button Head
bolt that has a washer face is the heavy hex
structural bolt.
2.3.1.4 Fillister Head: has a rounded
top surface, cylindrical side surface, and a flat
bearing surface.

' - - - Washer Face '\. OID Fillister Head

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TECHNICAL GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR :~8M1~

DATA MECHANICAL FASTENERS 2001
-~--------------~
Table 1 Common Applications of Threaded Fastener Head Styles
Machine Tapping Wood Cap Set Drive Screws
Head Style BoO. Screws Screws Screws Screws Screws Metal Wood
Ball head .. . X ... A ... ... . .. ...
Binding head ... AB ... ... ... ... ... ...
Button head X ... ... . .. D ... ... ...
FiIIister head ... ABC ABC A .. . ... ...
Flat fillisler head ... A .. . .. . .. . ... . ..
Flat head: 82deg ... ABC ABC ABC AD ... X AX
Flat head: 90deg ... ABS ABS ... . .. ... ...
Flat head: 100 deg AB ... ... .. .
Flat trim head B B ... ...
Flat undercut head AB AB ... ... ... ... ...
Headless ... ... ... .. . . .. ADE ... ...
Hexagon head AX AX AX ... X .. . ... ...
Hexagon washer head AX AX AX ... .. . ... ... .. .
Oval head .. . ABC ABC ABC A ... . .. AX
Oval trim head ... B B ... ... ... ... ...
Oval undercut head ... AB AB ... . .. ... ... ...
Pan head ... ABC ABC .. . ... X
Round countersunk head X ... ... ... ... ... . ..
Round head ... AB AB AB A ... X AX
Round washer head ... AB AB ... ... ... ... ...
Socket head ... ... ... DE .. . ... . ..
Square countersll'lk head X ... ... .. . ... ...
Square head X ... ... ... ... X ...
T-head X ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Truss head ... ABC ABC . .. ... ... ...
12-point head ... X .. . X . ..
12-spline head ... .. . ... .. . X .. . .. . .. .
A- Slotted C - Clutch recessed E- Spllne socket
B- Cross recessed D- Hexagon socket X - Plain, no slot or recess
S- Square recess

2.3.1.5 Flat Fillister Head: has a flat 2.3.1 .6 Countersunk Head: designed
top surface, cylindrical side surface and a flat to be flush with the surface when installed.
bearing surface.

OQJ Flat Filllster Head

0[0 Countersunk Head

I N-10
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© 2003 Industrial Fasteners Institute
 ASME
B18.12
GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR TECHNICAL
2001 MECHANICAL FASTENERS DATA

2.3.1.7 Flat Head: has a flat top sur- 2.3.1.11 Hexagon Head: has a flat or
face and a conical bearing surface with various indented top surface, six flat sides, and a flat
nominal head angles (82 deg, 90 deg and 100 bearing surface or washer face.
deg). (See also Para . 2.3.1.20, Round Coun-
tersunk Head.)

O[D Flat Head

Hexagon Head

2.3.1.12 Hexagon Washer Head: a

2.3.1.8 Flat Trim Head: has a smaller hexagonally shaped head with an integral,
head diameter and lower head height than the formed washer at the base of the hexagon. The
standard flat head. washer diameter may be equal to or greater than
the width across corners of the hexagon.

o Flat Trim Head

Hexagon Washer Head

2.3.1.9
Flat Undercut Head: basically
the same as the standard flat head, except it is
undercut to 70% of the basic head height. 2.3.1.13 Hexagon Flange Head: a hex-
agonally shaped head with an integral circular
collar connected to the base of the hexagon by

o Flat Undercut Head

a conic section. The flanged diameter is nor-
mally larger than the width across corners of the
hexagon.

2.3.1.10 Headless: normaltyhasaslot,

recess , or socket in one end.
Hexagon Flange Head

2.3.1.14 Oval Head: has a rounded top

surface and a conical bearing surface with head
Headless angle of nominally 82 deg (90 deg for metric).

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 ASME
TECHNICAL GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR B18.12
DATA MECHANICAL FASTENERS 2001

0 [0
2.3.1 .18 Recessed Head: head hav-
ing a designed indentation or recess centered
in its top surface to facilitate installation/driving.

Oval Head 2.3.1.19 Reduced or Shear Head: a

fastener head designed primarily for shear ap-
plication loading that has a head height less than
2.3.1.15 Oval Trim Head: has a the standard head height for a fastener designed
smaller head diameter and lower head height for full axial tension .
than the standard oval head with a controlled
radius at the junction of the top and the conical 2.3.1.20 Round Countersunk Head:
bearing surface. a circular head having a flat top surface and coni-
cal bearing surface. (See also Paras. 2.3.1.7
and 2.3.2.8, Flat Head.)

0 (0
Oval Trim Head

2.3.1 .16 Oval Undercut Head: the

same basic head as the standard oval head ex-
o m
Round Countersunk Head

cept it is shorter. The screw head is undercut to

70% of the basic head side height to afford a 2.3.1.21 Round Head: has a semi-
greater length of thread . elliptical top surface and a flat bearing surface.
This term also is applied to a fastener head
designed without a driving surface or recess.

o 10Oval Undercut Head

o CP Round Head
2.3.1 .17 Pan Head: has a flat bear-
ing surface and a flat top sunace rounding into
a cylindrical side surface. On recessed pan 2.3.1.22 Round Washer Head : a
heads, the top surface is a semi-elliptical, round- washer head upon which a round head is formed .
(See also Para. 2.3.1.31, Washer Head.)

o
ing into a cylindrical side surface.

[ped (]Jessed
Pan Head
O CIPRound Washer Head

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 ASME
B18.12
GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR TECHNICAL
2001 MECHANICAL FASTENERS DATA

2.3.1.23 Slotted Head: a head hav- 2.3.1.27 T-Head: a rectangular

ing a slot centered across its top surface to fa- shaped head , having a rounded top surface , flat
cilitate driving. sides , and a flat bearing surface.

2.3.1.24 Socket Head: has a flat

DCP
chamfered top surtace with smooth or knurled
cylindrical side surface and a flat bearing sur-
face. A hexagon or spline (formerly known as
n
"fJuted ) socket is formed in the center of the top
surface.
T-Head

-,
- <' 2.3.1.28 Truss Head: has a low
"
-v"
-,
rounded top surface with a flat bearing surface.
For a given screw size, the diameter of the truss
head is larger than the diameter of the corre-
Socket Head
sponding round head. (It is sometimes caned
WOven Head ~ or "Stove Head. ~ )

2.3.1 .25 Square Countersunk Head:

o p
a square head having a flat top surface and py-
ramidal bearing surface.

Truss Head

2.3.1.29 12-Point Flange Head: has

Square Countersunk Head
a flat or indented top surface, 24 flats (double
hex), with an integral formed circular collar con-
nected to the base of the double hex by a conic
2.3.1.26 Square Head: has a flat top section. It is sometimes called wdouble hexa-
surface, four flat sides, and a flat bearing sur- gon head."
face . Square heads on set screws have a
rounded top surface and may have an underhead

o
construction tapered or radiused directly into the
threads.

DOJ O
12-Polnt Flange Head

2.3.1.30 12-Spline Head: has 12

Square Head splines centered at 30 deg increments around

© 2003 Industrial Fasteners Institute N-13

 ASME
GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR B18.12
MECHANICAL FASTENERS 2001

the outer circumference of the head and are parts. It is the minimum clearance (positive al-
parallel to the axis of the screw or bolt. lowance) or maximum interference (negative al-
lowance) between such parts. (See also Para.
2.4.12 , Fit.)

2.4.3 Angularity: the angle between the axes

of two surfaces of a fastener.

Angularity
12-Spline Head

2.3.1.31 Washer Head: a head hav-

ing a circular collar with a large flat bearing sur-
face upon which various other head styles are
integrally superimposed.
2.4.4 Basic Size: size from which the limits
of size are derived by the application of allow-
ances and tolerances.

2.4.5 Body Diameter: the diameter of the

body of a threaded fastener.
Washer Head

2.3.1.32 Wrenching: a provision that

allows for internal or external driving of a head
or external driving of a nut.

Body Diameter
2.3.2 Nonthreaded Fasteners

(Refer to the complete specification.)

2.4.6 Bow or Camber: the amount that a side
2.4 Dimensional Terms and Size
of a surface of a fastener deviates from being
straight.
The following tenns are commonly used
in designating the size and dimensioning affas-
teners and their various components.

2.4.1 Actual Size: the measured size of a

given fastener characteristic.

2.4.2 Allowance: an intentional difference be- 2.4.7 Chamfer Angle: the angle of the cham-
tween the maximum material limits of mating fer measured from the normal to the axis of the

N-14 © 2003 Industrial Fasteners Institute

 ASME
818.12 GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR TECHNICAL
2001 MECHANICAL FASTENERS DATA

fastener and is generally specified in conjunc- 2.4.12.1 Actual Fit: the relation existing
tion with either a length or a diameter. between two mating parts with respect to the
amount of clearance or interference that is
present when they are assembled.

Chamfer 2.4.13 Head Angle: the included angle of the

Angle bearing surface of the head.

2.4.8 Concentric, Concentricity: two sur-

f'[D
Head
Angle

faces of a fastener are concentric when they

have a common center or axis. Concenlricity is
'v
the term used to describe this condition.
2.4.14 Head Diameter: the diameter at the larg-
est periphery of the head.
2.4.9 Countersink: an internal chamfer.

2.4.10 Design Size: size from which the limits

of size are derived by the application of toler-
ances. When there is no allowance, the design
size is the same as the basic size.

2.4.11 Eccentric, Eccentricity: two surfaces

of a fastener are eccentric when they do not have 2.4.15 Head Eccentricity: the amount that the
the same center or axis. The amount by which head -of a fastener is eccentric with the fastener
the centers or axes are displaced from each body or shank.
other is called eccentricity. This is not to be con-
fused with Full Indicator Movement (FIM). (See 2.4.16 Head Height: for a flat bearing surface
also Para . 2.4.36, Runout.) head, the head height is the overall distance,
measured parallel to the fastener axis, from the
extreme top to the bearing surface. For a coni-
Eccentricity cal bearing surface head, the head height is the
overall distance, measured in a line parallel to
the fastener axis, from the extreme top to the
intersection of the bearing surface with the ex-
tended thread major diameter cylinder on a
threaded fastener or with the shank on an
unthreaded fastener. For flat and oval undercut
heads, it is this distance measured to the inter-
2.4.12 Fit: the general term used to signify the section of the bearing surface with the under-
range of tightness that may result from the ap- cut. For ov~1 heads and undercut oval heads,
plication of a specific combination of allowances the overall distance is referred to as total head
and tolerances in the design of mating parts. height.

© 2003 Industrial Fasteners Institute N-15

 ASME
TECHNICAL GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR B18.12
DATA MECHANICAL FASTENERS 2001

Height
Head
Ir+:Height 1 r narrowest axis of the head measured in a like

r
manner.

Round
Head
Hexagon
Head
Cb
Flat
Head
[
Head:!
WidthJ
l Head
Width
I'" " I

,,-- '
Head
Width

Total Head Total Head

Height Height
2.4.20 length: the length of a headed fastener
I+- Head Height
is the distance from the intersection of the larg-
est diameter of the head with the bearing sur-
face to the extreme point, measured in a line
parallel to the axis of the fastener. Exceptions:
The length of a shoulder screw and a socket
Oval Head Oval Undercut Head head shoulder screw is the length of the shoul-
der.
2.4.17 Head Length: for rectangular Of irregu- The length of a flat top countersunk head
lar shaped heads, the head length is the dis- tubular rivet (with chamfered top) is measured
tance along the longest axis of the head, mea- from the intersection of the bearing surface with
sured in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the the shank diameter to the extreme point. The
fastener. length of a headless fastener is the distance from
one extreme point to the other, measured in a
r--:Head---+j
line parallel to the axis of the fastener.
I Length I

I :::: I
2.4.18 Head Taper: the angle formed by the
side or sides of the head and the axis of the
fastener. This is not applicable to conventional
countersunk heads and should not be confused Bolt Screw
w ith head angle.

@
-
Head
Taper Socket Head Flat Top Countersunk
Shoulder Screw Head Tubular Rivet
(with chamfered top)
2.4.19 Head Width: the distance across oppo-
site flats of hexagon, square, or 12-point heads
measured in a plane perpendicular to the fas-
tener axis. For rectangular or irregular shaped
heads, the head width is the distance along the

N-16 © 2003 Industrial Fasteners Institute

 ASME
B18.12
GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR TECHNICAL
2001 MECHANICAL FASTENERS DATA

2.4.21 Length of Thread Engagement: fortwo

OJ ~lnt D>~nt
mating threads, the distance between the ex-
treme points of contact on the pitch cylinders or ~ngle ~gle
cones , measured parallel to the axis .

2.4.22 Limits of Size: the applicable maximum

and minimum sizes (commonly referred to as 2.4.28 Point Diameter: the diameter of the
" Iim its ~ ) .
point measured at the extreme end of the fas-
tener. It may sometimes be designated as
2.4.23 Maximum Material Condition (MMC): "chamfer diameter" or "pilot diameter" on respec-
for a feature of a fastener, the maximum amount tive point types.
of material permitted by the tolerance shown for
that feature.
Point Dlsmeter

~ Dj
2.4.24 Nominal Size: is the designation used
for the purpose of general identification.

2.4.25 Nut Thickness: the overall distance

from the top of the nut to the bearing surface,
measured parallel to the axis of the nut. 2.4.29 Point Length: the length of the pointed
portion of the fastener, measured parallel to the
axis of the fastener from the extreme end . It
may sometimes be designated as "chamfer
length" or "pilot length" on respective point types.

Point
Length
pOlnt~
Length_ I
r
~ D
~ --.........
./'
2.4.26 Nut Width and Length: the nut width is
the distance across opposite flats of hexagon , 2.4.30 Point Radius: the spherical radius on
square or 12-point nuts. See the following illus- an oval or spherical point.
tration for width and length of rectangular nuts.

r;Nut;j ~Nut+J t - f P o lRadius

nt
!. . .Widt:'
. I Width I

@j ~
1 +

o ~9th Nut
2.4.31 Recess Depth: the distance measured
parallel to the fastener axis from the intersec-
tion of the head surlace with the maximum di-
2.4.27 Point Angle: the included angle of the ameter of the recess to the bottom of the re-
point. cess.

© 2003 Industrial Fasteners Institute N-17

 ASME
TECHNICAL GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR B18.12
DATA MECHANICAL FASTENERS 2001

spect to the outside surface of another compo-

-U=;Recess
~ DePth nent. As such, it includes eccentricity, angular-
ity, and bow. The amount of runout is usually
expressed in terms of Full Indicator Movement
(FIM).

2.4.37 Shank Diameter: the diameter of the

shank of an unthreaded fastener. The diameter
2.4.32 Recess Diameter: the recess diameter of the unthreaded portion of a threaded shank
is the diameter measured in a plane perpendicu- is termed the Ubody diameter". (See also Para.
lar to the axis of the fastener over the intersec- 2.4.5, Body Diameter.)
tion of the outermost extremities of the recess
with the head surface.
Shank Diameter

W
~Recess~
Diameter \QJ I
2.4.38 Shank Length : the length of shank.
measured parallel to the axis of the fastener.
2.4.33 Recess Eccentricity: the amount that
a recess in a recessed head is eccentric with

~
the shank of the fastener.

2.4.34 Recess Width: the distance measured

in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the fas-
tener across the intersection of the sides or wings LShank-J
of the recess with the head surface. Length Length

@?f\Recess
Width HY 2.4.39 Slot Depth: the slot depth on a headed
fastener is the distance measured parallel to the
axis of the fastener from the highest part of the
head to the intersection of the bottom of the slot
with the head or bearing surface. The slot depth
on a nut or headless fastener is the distance
measured parallel to the fastener axis from the
2.4.35 Reference Dimension: on a fastener top surface to the extreme bottom of the slot.
is a dimension without tolerance used for infor-
mational purposes only.

2.4.36 Runout: a term frequently used inter- liotDePth~

changeably with eccentricity, but that normally
refers to the amount that the outside surface of
one component of a fastener runs out with re-

II'-N____1_8_____________________________________________©__2_o_o_3_m_d_U_S_m_"_'_F_a_S_ffi_n_e_rs__m_S_ff_tU_ffi__
 ASME
B18.12 GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR
2001 MECHANICAL FASTENERS

2.4.40 Slot Eccentricity: the amount that a slot fastener over the intersection of the outermost
in a slotted head is eccentric with the body of extremities of the socket with the head surface.
the fastener.

2.4.41 Slot Width: the distance measured in a

plane perpendicular to the axis of the fastener
over the intersection of the sides of the slot with
Socket~
Diameter Q
the head surface of a headed fastener or top
surface of a nut.

2.4.44 Socket Width: the distance measured

Slot
in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the fas-
[Width tener over the intersection of opposite sides of

+~
the socket with the head surface.

Socket~
Width ~
2.4.42 Socket Depth: the distance measured
parallel to the fastener axis from the intersec-
tion of the socket with the head surface to the
extreme end of the socket. In socket head
screws, the effective socket depth is most often 2.4.45 Taper: as used for fasteners, is the angle
n
specified as "key engagement which is the dis- between one side and the axis of the fastener.
tance from the intersection of the socket with Taper may refer to head, shank, or some other
the head surface to that depth to which the key feature of a fastener.
or wrench will penetrate, measured in a like
manner.

t--t So,cket Depth

i+'-rt- Key Engagement ~r
(IFI Note: For terms relating to manufactur-
ing. performance, processing. quality assur-
ance, coatings and finishes, packaging, and
2.4.43 Socket Diameter: the diameter mea- product families, refer to the complete speci-
sured in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the fication, see page N-38.)

© 2003 Industrial Fasteners Institute N-19 I