Threads nomenclature, profiles, multi start, left and right hand

and conventional representation of threads

7.1. Introduction

The temporary joints are made by means of bolts and nuts, keys and pins. The screwed
fastenings are more advantageous and reliable. The bolts and nuts are having different types of
threads. The threads are used based on the type of application of the screwed joints. A screw
thread is formed by cutting helical groove on a cylindrical rod. If the helical groove cut is single,
then the thread is known as single threaded and if a second groove is cut in between the first
groove, a double threaded screw is formed. The helical groove may be right hand or left hand
and the thread is known as right hand thread and left hand thread.

7.1.2. Thread nomenclature

1.Major diameter :Largest diameter of an external or internal screw thread.

2. Minor diameter : Smallest diameter of an external or internal screw thread.

3.Pitch diameter : The diameter of an imaginary cylinder passing through the thread at such
points as to make the width of the thread and the width of the spaces between the thread are
equal.

4.Pitch : The distance from one point on one thread to the corresponding point on the next
thread.

5.Lead : The distance advanced by a screw thread axially in one rotation of the nut.
6. Crest : The top surface of the thread.

7. Root : Bottom part in between the two threads.

8.Depth of thread : Perpendicular distance between the crest and root.

9. Flank : surface joining the crest and root.

10. Angle of thread : Angle between the flanks of the thread.

11. External thread : A thread on the external surface of the cylinder.

12. Internal thread : A thread on the internal surface of the cylinder.

13.Right –hand thread : A thread when viewed axially, winds in a clockwise direction. Normally
all the threads are right hand threads except for some specific needs.

14. Left-hand thread : A thread when viewed axially, winds in a anti-clockwise direction. Left
hand threads are designated LH.

7.2.Screw thread Profiles

Fig.7.2. Screw thread profiles

Metric thread : It is an Indian standard thread with an included angle of 60°

Unified thread : It is a common screw thread system for Great Britain, Canada and United states
with an included angle of 60°
Square thread : square threads have high efficiency and are used for transmission of power in
either directions.

Acme thread : It is a modification of square thread. These are much stronger than square
thread.

Buttress thread : It is used for transmission of power in one direction only.

Knuckle thread : This also a modification of square thread. These are used for easy engagement.

Whitworth thread : These are having symmetrical V thread with an included angle of 55°

7.3. Multi-start thread

Normally threads will be single start and because this the core diameter will be small and the
strength of the fastener will be less. To avoid this multi start threads are used. In multi start
threads, the lead may be increased by increasing the number of starts without increasing the
pitch. They are also used in fasteners where quick action is required like fountain pen, hydraulic
valves etc.,

7.3. Conventional representation of threads

Fig.7.6. Right hand threads and Left hand threads

ESSON 8. Nuts and bolts- square headed, hexagonal, types of

lock nuts, studs, machine screws, cap screw and wood screw,
foundation bolts

8.1.Introduction
The bolt and nut joint or screwed fastening is a temporary
joint. A bolt is used to join two assembled parts with the
help of a mating part, the nut. A screw is used to join two
parts by making its own thread in the joining part while
screwing itself. We have different types of bolts and nuts
classified based on the type of thread and also based on the
type of application.
8.2. Nuts and bolts
A nut is an internally threaded component joined to the
externally threaded bolt.
A nut and a screw or a bolt comprise what is known as a
screw pair.
Fig.8.1. Bolts and Nuts
8.2.1.Nuts
Nuts are generally in the form of hexagonal or square
prisms. Other forms are also used to suit specific
requirements.
Hexagonal nuts are generally used in most of the
applications. The spanner used for turning the nut can have
better hold on a square nut than on a hexagonal nut, but
the angle through which the spanner will have to be turned
to get another hold is only 60° in case of a hexagonal shape,
while it is 90° in case of a square shape. Hence, it is more
convenient to screw-on a hexagonal nut than a square nut.
An octagonal nut would require only turn, but there would
be greater tendency for the spanner to slip. Hence, this
shape is seldom used. Nuts of forms other than the above
two are usually provided with special facilities for screwing
them on or off the bolts.
8.2.1.1.Hexagonal nut
The upper corners of this nut are rounded-off or chamfered.
The chamfering is generally conical. The angle of chamfer is
30° or 45° with the base of the nut. Due to chamfering, an
arc is formed on each vertical face, and a circle is formed on
the top surface of the nut.
The dimensions of the hexagonal nut cannot be expressed
exactly in terms of the nominal diameter of the bolt. The
standard proportions for nuts and bolt-heads may be
obtained from tables. For elementary work, the following
approximately standard dimensions may be adopted
If D = the nominal diameter of the bolt,
Thickness of the nut, T=D
Width across flats, W = 1.5D + 3 mm
Angle of chamfer = 30°
Radius of chamfer arc, R = 1.4D (approx.)
Very often, and especially when a nut is shown in one
view only, the following rough rule dimensions are used.
Thickness of the nut, T=D
Distance across diagonally
opposite corners = 2D
Angle of chamfer = 30°
Radius of chamfer arc, R = 1.5D(approx.).

Fig.8.2. Hexagonal Nut

8.2.1.2.Square nut
The upper corners of the square nut are also chamfered in
the same manner as those of the hexagonal nut. The widths
across flats of a square nut and a hexagonal nut, for the
same size of bolt, are also equal.
Dimensions of a square nut:
If D = the nominal diameter of the bolt,
Thickness of the nut, T = D
Width across flats, W = 1.5D + 3mm
Angle of chamfer = 30°
Radius of chamfer arc, R = 2D (approx.).
 Fig.8.3. Square Nut
8.2.2. Bolts
A bolt comprises of two parts a shank and a head. The shank
is cylindrical and is threaded at the tail end for a sufficient
length so as to effectively engage with a nut. The shape of
the head depends upon the purpose for which the bolt is
required. While considering the length of the bolt, the
thickness of the head is not taken into account.
8.2.2.1.Hexagonal-headed bolt
This is the most common form of a bolt. The hexagonal head
is chamfered at its upper end. To prevent rotation of the
bolt while screwing the nut on or off it, the bolt-head is held
by another spanner. The dimensions of the bolt-head are
the same as those of the hexagonal nut, except for the
thickness.
 Fig.8.4. Hexagonal Bolt
8.2.2.2.Square-headed bolt
This bolt is generally used when the head is to be
accommodated in a recess. This recess also is made of
square shape so that the bolt is prevented from turning
when the nut is screwed on or off it. This bolt is commonly
used in bearings for shafts. The bolt-head is chamfered as
its upper end.
 Fig.8.3. Square Bolt
8.3. Types of lock nuts
In a bolted joint, the nut may become loose, due to
vibration. This may loosen the joint itself. To avoid this,
another nut is used to lock the original nut. The thickness of
a lock nut is usually two-thirds D, where D is the major
diameter of the bolt. The lock nut is usually placed below
the standard nut. To make the joint, the lock nut is first
screwed tightly and then the standard nut is tightened till it
touches the lock nut. Afterwards, the locknut is then
screwed back on the standard nut, which is held by a
spanner. The threads of the two nuts become wedged
between the threads of the bolt.
1. Jam Nut or lock nut. This is about one half or two third
thickness of standard nut.
 Fig.8.4. Types of Lock Nuts
2. Castle nut. It is a hexagonal nut with cylindrical upper
part. This part is slotted in line with the centre of each
face. A split pin is inserted through two slots in the nut
and a hole in the bolt. This used in automobile industry.
3. Sawn nut. It has a slot sawn half way through. After
the nut is tightened, the small screw is screwed which
produces more friction between the nut and the bolt
preventing the loosening of the nut.
4. Penn, ring or grooved nut. It has a upper hexagonal
part and a lower cylindrical part. The bottom
cylindrical portion is recessed to receive the tip of
locking set screw.
5. Locking with pin. The nuts are locked by means of
taper pin or cotter pin.
6. Locking with plate. A plate or locking plate is used to
lock the bolt.
7. Spring lock washer. As the nut is tightened, one edge
of the washer will be digging itself in the that piece
thus increasing the resistance so that the nut will not
be loosened.

Fig.8.5. Types of Locking

8.4.Studs
The stud is a cylindrical shank threaded at both ends. The
nut-end N is threaded for a length slightly more than the
thickness of a nut or nuts to be used. The other end M,
called the metal-end is threaded for a length at least equal
to the diameter of the stud. The length of the plain part P,
between the two ends, depends upon the thickness of the
piece adjoining the nut. The stud is used in place of a bolt,
when there is insufficient space to accommodate the bolt-
head or to avoid use of an unnecessarily long bolt. Studs are
commonly used to connect cylinder covers to engine
cylinders.

Fig.8.6.Stud
Machine screws
Machine screws are uniformly threaded bolts having
nominal diameter less than quarter inch and tightened by a
nut, used to fasten various components together in
machines, tools, etc.,
 Fig.8.7.Machine screw
Cap screws
This is screw having a shank threaded throughout its length
and is usually tightened in a tap made in the machine.

Fig.8.8.Cap screw
Wood screws
Any of the screw having slotted head so that it can be
tightened by a screw driver in to wood is known as wood
screw.

Fig.8.9.Cap screw
Foundation bolts
These bolts are made from mild steel or wrought iron rods
for fixing heavy machines in the ground. The size of the bolt
depends on he size of the machine. These bolts are placed
in cement concrete so that they are permanently fixed in
the ground.
Fig.8.10.Foundation bolt