Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Other Technical Questions... => Topic started by: tigertiger on January 11, 2009, 03:13:00 pm

Title: Identifying screw sizes.
Post by: tigertiger on January 11, 2009, 03:13:00 pm
Is there a guide on how to identify screws.

I want to be able to pick up a screw measure it and then go out and buy, or order on line the correct sizes.

Metric sizes.

Not just the m3, m4 type.
But wood and other tapered screws.

I guess I also need to know about threads. Self tapers, wood, etc...

Any info gratefully received.

Title: Re: Identifying screw sizes.
Post by: Seaspray on January 11, 2009, 03:47:51 pm
Sometimes if I've a screw or nut thread to I.D. I run a dye or tap down it carefully or sit it up against a tap making sure I've got a match of threads. There is a thread gauge you can buy. Or if you have a nut / bolt of the size you want . Take it to the D.I.Y. suppliers and then try it on any loose bolts or nuts in the store. Plenty of info on goggle search "screw info". regards screw. Or have a look throu a catalogue. Say the Scewfiix one to I.D. all the different types of screws /nuts.

Once I buy a pack I always keep a few in the pack to do the above check.

http://www.screwfix.com/      Browse the bolt and the screw sections

Seaspray
Title: Re: Identifying screw sizes.
Post by: Garabaldy on January 11, 2009, 03:49:59 pm
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=23483&src=froogle thread gauge

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=20633&src=froogle and these little books are genius.  They are packed full of all kinds of differnt data.  Lots of info on all kinds of screws in here.  I dont think theres much on wood type screws though.....
Title: Re: Identifying screw sizes.
Post by: RickF on January 11, 2009, 04:31:39 pm
You used to be able to get a wood screw gauge. It was just a plate with a series of holes marked "2", "4", "6", etc. Self-evident method of use, but I haven't seen one for years.

Rick
Title: Re: Identifying screw sizes.
Post by: tigertiger on January 12, 2009, 01:01:17 am
thanks guys
Title: Re: Identifying screw sizes.
Post by: Peter Fitness on January 12, 2009, 05:13:52 am
You used to be able to get a wood screw gauge. It was just a plate with a series of holes marked "2", "4", "6", etc. Self-evident method of use, but I haven't seen one for years.

I have one in my shed, and very useful it is, too. Mine's actually made of plastic, but I don't remember where I got it from, or when. Photo below.

Peter.
Title: Re: Identifying screw sizes.
Post by: Proteus on January 12, 2009, 07:57:08 am
The problem is identifying the Type of thread there are so many and we work with such small sizes, if you knew it was say ba you could prob get the mike out and then read on a chart, but there are so many very similar threads ba/metric at 4ba/m4 but there are coarse and fine theads. there are a lot of American threads that crop up in models. I think the best way would be to get a load of self seal bags and everytime you find a nut and bolt of a size you can identify bag and mark it and use it to test . after a while you start to get a rough idea by looking at them so it does get essayer . so unless someone knows better way.


Proteus
Title: Re: Identifying screw sizes.
Post by: Seaspray on January 12, 2009, 08:26:31 am
I think the best way would be to get a load of self seal bags and everytime you find a nut and bolt of a size you can identify bag and mark it and use it to test .

It works for me.

Seaspray
Title: Re: Identifying screw sizes.
Post by: chingdevil on January 12, 2009, 07:42:00 pm
Digital vernier and Zeus book work for me, either at work or at home. If you are going to use a lot of different screws then get a thread gauge as well. Also some little boxes so when you know what the screw is you can store.
For wood screws I am sure there are plenty of gauges around in the DIY stores.


Brian
Title: Re: Identifying screw sizes.
Post by: tigertiger on January 13, 2009, 12:44:42 am
Thanks again guys