Fastener Thread Pitch Gauge?

[oldschoolcraft]

I am going through my organizer of old fasteners from various hobbies and I realized my life would be a lot easier if I could measure the thread pitches of various bolts and nuts and label the organizers.

I know such gauges exist. But I don’t know which is a good one for the money. Say I want the best one I can get for $200 or so.

Also I don’t know how long it will take to measure each bolt and nut. Is it going to take a full minute or two per item or can I do them quickly?

I don’t currently need a tap and die set but it’s something I’d like to eventually have. It seems like these tools would work together.

I also wonder if it’s possible to use a tap and die set as a thread pitch gauge? See which die the fastener threads into?

 

[unslow1]

I use the thread checker on a cable.

Dorman 412-103

https://www.menards.com/main/hardwa...-thread-identifier/th-eng/p-1444435960839.htm

 

[paulsomlo]

Take your pick: https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Measuring-Inspecting/Dimensional-Measuring-Tools/Reference-Gages/Screw-Pitch-Gages?navid=12107706

You'll probably want one for SAE and one for metric. I have them, but I only use them when I need to ID a particular fastener. I can't imagine taking the time to go through jars of machine screws just to categorize them. I don't have an internal gauge for nuts - if the leaf type doesn't fit inside, I just try to match it to a screw. And if you don't already have one, a caliper will come in handy for measuring fastener diameters.

 

[Bighead38]

I have this one. Was ordering something online and needed something for a couple dollars to get free shipping. Sometimes hard to tell which threads but it has come in surprisingly useful. Most of the time I use it to see which tap or die to use.
Front

Back

 

[MFolks]

https://www.rockler.com/remarkable-rockler-reviews-the-thread-detective

 

[lardy1]

I have this one. Was ordering something online and needed something for a couple dollars to get free shipping. Sometimes hard to tell which threads but it has come in surprisingly useful. Most of the time I use it to see which tap or die to use.
Front

Back

I use that type too. I have the blade type in either my thread chaser set or tap & die set.

 

[PelicanPines]

Please click the link in my signature. I am serious about thread checking.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Take your pick: https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn/Measuring-Inspecting/Dimensional-Measuring-Tools/Reference-Gages/Screw-Pitch-Gages?navid=12107706

You'll probably want one for SAE and one for metric. I have them, but I only use them when I need to ID a particular fastener. I can't imagine taking the time to go through jars of machine screws just to categorize them. I don't have an internal gauge for nuts - if the leaf type doesn't fit inside, I just try to match it to a screw. And if you don't already have one, a caliper will come in handy for measuring fastener diameters.

I just got an MSC flier showing the cable ones on sale for $27 each. They are nice, and quick.

 

[engineer2]

Will the BoltSizeIt and similar work for sheet metal and wood screws too? I sorting my collection too and and finding slight variations.

 

[4xdog]

I've used various kinds, but my favorites are the ones on the cable, as linked above. I have inch and metric ones hanging from a shelf support near my workbench, and they get used often. Very convenient.

 

[cherrybomb]

I also struggle a bit with ,what is the size of this fastener. I found the site of ,Thread Tool Supply. com.This is an amazing company.They may have a lot more in their inventory than just the guages you are looking for.I have the flat plate guages in metric and sae.I also have a container box ,from small to large fasteners with the bolt,nut and proper washer.I can easiy figure out what I've got in front of me.It saves making mistakes,which we all know are frustrating to say the least.I also carry mine to my local Ace Hardware,when I go to purchase.The plate is easily carried,we have careless shoppers ,that mix up the bins.I check my purchases, so when I get home,I have exactly what I need.Don't ask how I know.The plate is also made in USA,A feature I'm looking for, when I purchase.

 

[Wamsutta]

I like the SCREW CHEK'R brand because the holes are actually threaded.

 

[cherrybomb]

I like the SCREW CHEK'R brand because the holes are actually threaded.

Yea,thats the one.

 

[Alchymist]

I took a small piece of 2X4, drilled the appropriate size holes in it. Then I grabbed a nut and bolt of every size I had or would need, verified the sizes with thread pitch gauge, screwed the nut on to the bolt, and stuck it into a marked hole. Takes a few seconds if I need to check a screw, as I have to unthread the test nut. If checking a nut, just pull it out of the 2X4 and check - the matching nut is already up on the screw far enough that it's out of the way. Cheap, I'm not, frugal I am. :tard:

 

[Steve_P]

I have an SAE and a metric leaf style I got from Enco years ago. This is what you want IMO. Measure diameter with calipers. One is made in India and it's fine, no issues. Get two leaf styles, no need to spend a lot on Starrett or Mitutoyo here.

 

[RTM]

I have a set of coarse, fine and metric in a box, from Lee Valley (don’t see it anymore) only goes to about 1/4”, but great for exacting stuff, but unscrewing from the plate can be a pain. Very compact, but I would get the cable version if I needed to replace.

If I was just sorting boxes, I’d use the yellow thing that big head posted, and worry about pitch later. But honestly, when I do it, I size one screw of each size, then just compare to what’s in the box.

Here is mine, appears no longer available.

https://toolguyd.com/lee-valleys-nut-bolt-thread-identifier-tool/

 

[countrybumpkin]

I just bought one of these off of Amazon to hang off the bench edge. I love it.

I'm too fidgety for the cable ties gauges.

Black Bolt Gauge SAE Metric Check a Thread Size FastenerLine 901303
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XTX3DXF/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Sent from my LM-V405 using Tapatalk

 

[Pontiac787]

I know such gauges exist. But I don’t know which is a good one for the money. Say I want the best one I can get for $200 or so.

I'll sell you a nice one for $150... On a more serious note there are only so many combinations. If you are sorting by like size and pitch you'll be able to do it by eye after the first 10 minutes. Your not talking a precision instrument. $60 will get you both SAE and Metric sets by thread checker.

 

[davethorik]

Those thread checkers are ok unless you run across a weird size or thread pitch. I found some 1/2-12 bolts (not a typo) and a thread checker or the things on the cables wouldn't help me at all.

The flat blade type pitch gage + measuring diameter works pretty well.

 

[bwringer]

Those thread checkers are ok unless you run across a weird size or thread pitch. I found some 1/2-12 bolts (not a typo) and a thread checker or the things on the cables wouldn't help me at all.

The flat blade type pitch gage + measuring diameter works pretty well.

Yup, you need a couple of different types sometimes.

Another nice source:
https://www.boltdepot.com/Thread_gauges.aspx

I probably use this cheapo plastic metric thread and fastener checker more than anything else:
https://www.boltdepot.com/Product-Details.aspx?product=7095
$2.49 is a sore **** deal if you're ordering up a bunch of bolts anyway.

 

[ChevyEFI]

<snip>life would be a lot easier if I could measure the thread pitches

Also I don’t know how long it will take to measure each bolt and nut. Is it going to take a full minute or two per item or can I do them quickly?

I don’t currently need a tap and die set but it’s something I’d like to eventually have. It seems like these tools would work together.

I also wonder if it’s possible to use a tap and die set as a thread pitch gauge? See which die the fastener threads into?

I bought a cheap ~40 piece tap and die set that has more than earned it's keep. In it were two of the fold out leaf style thread pitch gauges. I later bought another fold-out style for coarse metric pitches the first two didn't address (2.50, 3.00 and some others.) That altogether was about $60 total.

Starting from scratch with a dial caliper (bolt size validation can be done with a cheap one, I prefer dial but digital works) to figure size, you should be able to check thread size and pitch in well under a minute. Doing this is not cost-efficient on smaller stuff if you're really putting together larger projects. Bigger fasteners, it becomes worth the time.

Yes, carefully used, you can verify bolt thread with a die.

Will the BoltSizeIt and similar work for sheet metal and wood screws too? I sorting my collection too and and finding slight variations.

No; the ones you'll typically see are for machine thread.

 

[bonneyman]

I found one of these at a garage sale, but it didn't have a brand on it. Then found 3 others during my pawnie visits and was able to track down the manufacturer.

https://www.thexton.com/univ-thread-gauges-p-43.html

 

[PelicanPines]

Everything everyone has posted is in my kit. One thing can never do every job. Also... the thread checkers on the cable... remove the cable or they are useless.

 

[RTM]

What Pelican said is true, most of those will only get you 75% there, even less so on vintage tools. I have three thread pitch gauges, calipers, etc, that all get used, along with vintage screw tables, British stuff, etc.

 

[ex-x-fire]

I just use an open end wrench to get bolt diameter and use a thread file to get the pitch.

 

[Shade guy]

I really like this one. I have had it for a couple of years

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wall-Mount...374543&hash=item2633ef6ed1:g:gAEAAOSwSydeRPQg

 

[Steve_P]

Those thread checkers are ok unless you run across a weird size or thread pitch. I found some 1/2-12 bolts (not a typo) and a thread checker or the things on the cables wouldn't help me at all.

The flat blade type pitch gage + measuring diameter works pretty well.

I've not run across a 1/2-12 fastener, but I do have an ancient inherited tap for it- so it did exist somewhere. So yes, a caliper and leaf pitch gauges

 

[eyeball]

Everything everyone has posted is in my kit. One thing can never do every job. Also... the thread checkers on the cable... remove the cable or they are useless.

I agree 100% -Take them off the useless cable.

 

[HenryAZ]

I agree 100% -Take them off the useless cable.

What do you do with them when off the cable? How do you store them so they are sorted for easy find?

 

[yatg]

I found one of these at a garage sale, but it didn't have a brand on it. Then found 3 others during my pawnie visits and was able to track down the manufacturer.

https://www.thexton.com/univ-thread-gauges-p-43.html

Hope you didn't pay a lot for them.

Ebay has these new, $11.08 for the set of 4, free ship.
ebay item number 140429962939

 

[PelicanPines]

View media item 100837

 

[eyeball]

What do you do with them when off the cable? How do you store them so they are sorted for easy find?

I throw them in a little zippered bag. When I need them, I just pour them on the bench. Grab the two or three that seem the closest in size and start a quick trial and error.

I don’t need them often and find the time I spend hunting and pecking a less frustrating than trying to twist the 7th one on a string of 15 into a bolt hole with limited space.

 

[matt_i]

I use the Starrett 472 and Starrett 156M pitch gages in my shop.

Be wary of M5 x 0.8 and 10-32, these are very close.

0.8mm pitch is 0.0315"

and 1/32" is 0.0325"

The leafed pitch gages will show the error which accumulates over several threads. Probably also a good gauge of the precision of the other style gages.

 

[HenryAZ]

what do you do with them when off the cable? How do you store them so they are sorted for easy find?

i throw them in a little zippered bag. When i need them, i just pour them on the bench. Grab the two or three that seem the closest in size and start a quick trial and error.

 

[bonneyman]

Hope you didn't pay a lot for them.

Ebay has these new, $11.08 for the set of 4, free ship.
ebay item number 140429962939

nah, I think I paid like 50 cents a piece for them. Was working for the hardware store at the time, and the store thread gauges were kinda lacking on metric sizes. Saw the one and grabbed it, it worked so well on the job I hunted around for the others. Then I discovered the brand name and that Amazon had the whole set in one bundle.

But I did alright!

 

[Parrothead]

Like many others, I use the thread checker cable, as it has both male and female thread checking.

Nut & Bolt Thread Checker (Inch & Metric) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003FJW0GK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have those little plastic thread checkers too but don’t like them very much.

 

[jacked_72]

I had bought that dorman thread checker on a cable and returned it because the depth of the thread checking was limited. I wound up buying the thread restore kit made by Lang and sold by Sears as Craftsman. For under $50 I got a thread checker kit and a thread restorer in one.

 

[Willie Makeit]

a set of cheap calipers to find O.D. / I.D. size then look at the thread to see if it is fine or course

 

[joe_pinehill1]

I've wanted to buy a checker, but cant justify the price

 

[Alchymist]

Hardware store ( tractor supply if you have one, buy by the pound), buy a nut and a bolt in every size you are interested in..... screw the nut on the bolt, drill holes in a block of wood and label with the sizes. Not as handy as the thread checker set, but cheap and serviceable.