THREAD GAUGING TECHNIQUES

API Tubing and Casing

Threads

Connection Thread Styles

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

Pin
(External)

Coupling
(Internal)

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

API Connection Names

EUE External Upset Tubing

STC Short Thread Casing

NUE Non-Upset Tubing

LTC Long Thread Casing

BTC Buttress Casing

Datum

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

What are Tubing & Casing Threads

Purpose: Join two pieces of pipe together to produce a gas tight seal

API Specification 5B covers all Tubing and Casing dimensions

There are two types of pipe sizes

Tubing sizes: 1 4
Casing sizes: 4 20

There are two cone angles or tapers

All 8-round threads are Taper Per Foot (TPF)
Buttress sizes 4- 13 are TPF
Buttress sizes 16- 20 are 1 TPF

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

How Threads Lock Up and Seal

There are no lock washers or jam nuts on tapered threads to lock them together

The pin and box tapered threads interfere and allow them to form a seal when
torqued together as the flanks of the threads compress against each other.

However, a clearance remains between the crests and roots of the threads,
resulting in a helical leak path

Thread compounds or pipe dope plug up this helical path to produce a seal
under high pressures

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

8R Thread Form

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Pin Threads
Datum

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

What is a Datum Plane?

Unlike straight threads where the pitch diameter is the same along the
axis, a tapered thread changes in diameter along its axis.
The Datum Plane is a starting point or reference location on a part. All
diameters are dimensioned at a distance from this location. Example L1,
L2 & L4. Locate these on your TDWIN TAPER drawing.
Also, it is referred to as the face or end of pipe.

Please see the following pages for illustrations.

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Datum Plane on a Pin

Datum

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Datum A

Datum Planes on a Coupling

Datum B

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

What is the first step?

Request a product drawing on the threads.

Verify which thread form is required.

Request the threading insert called out on the drawing.

Request a gage Set-Up Sheet.

List all the gage serial # used to inspect the part.

Verify the ball contacts are the right size.

Set your gages to a zero value on a standard.

Now thread the part and start the inspection.

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

External
Inspection
API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads
2014 Gagemaker, LP

TDWIN TAPER Drawing- 7 LTC Pin

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Thread Lead Inspection with an LG-5002

Set the LG-5002 on Setting Standard* and zero the dial.

After locking the bezel clamp, always double check your zero setting.
Now, measure the part and compare the standard to the machined lead.
*Every different TPF requires a different lead setting standard.

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Thread Lead Inspection with an LG-5002

The LG-5002 is used the same way on the part as on the standard.
Place the fixed ball contact in the first full depth thread.
Move the fixed ball back one thread and check again.
Record your measurement.
API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

Thread Height Inspection with a TH-3002

Set the TH-3002 on Setting Standard and tilt the
base back and forth to obtain the lowest
reading.
After locking the bezel clamp, always doublecheck you zero setting.
Now, measure the part and compare the
standard to the machined thread groove.
Thread Heights:
8 Round = .072125
10 Round = .05560
Buttress TPF = .0620
Buttress 1TPF = .0620

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

Thread Height Inspection with a TH-3002

The TH-3002 is used the same way on the
part as on the standard.
Measure only within the perfect thread
length. (On your thread drawing, this
length dimension is called L2)
Align the base parallel to the thread axis
and tilt the base back and forth to obtain
the lowest reading.
Record your measurement.

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

Pin Taper Inspection with an ET-7000

Zero the dial on the first thread.

Do not lock the bezel clamp!

Note the radial location of the

gage to the part or chuck.
Move the gage up the taper 1
(8 R = 8 threads, Buttress = 5
threads).
Place your index finger on top
of the indicator stem to hold the
ball contact into the thread
groove.

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Pin Taper Inspection with an ET-7000

After moving back 1 up the taper
double check your radial position
of the gage to the part or chuck.
Failure to stay in the same radial
position will induce errors caused
by the thread helical path. If the
gage rotated, the ball contacts will
move up or down the taper.
You are checking the change in
diameter about a radial location
or plane.
On a 8R TPF connection, every
45 rotation of the gage = .00097
change in diameter.

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Pin PD Inspection with the MRP-2001

(Crest Cone Diameter Inspection)
MRP-2001 is set to a connection size by
the use of A & B Rod Standards.
The rod standards position the gage to
measure the Crest Cone diameter at a
known location from the datum plane or
face.

B
Standard

B standard sets the distance off the face.

Hold light pressure between the shoe and
wear pad and tighten both black knobs.
A standard sets the crest cone diameter.
Sweep the standard until the lowest
indicator reading is obtained and zero the
dial. Double- check the zero after locking
the bezel clamp.

A Standard

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Pin PD Inspection with the MRP-2001

(Crest Cone Diameter Inspection)
The MRP Shoe makes contact with the
crest cone within the L2 perfect length.
Gagemaker calculated the crest cone
diameter from the Spec 5Bs pitch
diameter.
The shoe swivels so the taper tolerance
will not effect the diameter reading.
Using a shave gage the distance from the
crest cone to the pitch diameter can be
measured. As the threading insert wears
the pitch diameter plane moves closer to
the crest cone. The connection makes up
on the thread flanks and not the crest
cone.
*Can preset with MIC TRAC
API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads
2014 Gagemaker, LP

Pin PD Inspection with the MRP-2001

(Crest Cone Diameter Inspection)
While holding the gage against the
part face, sweep left & right to find
the largest indicator value. Then,
rotate the gage 90 and repeat.
If the indicator value changes, this
indicates
Ovality
or
out
of
roundness.
Take multiple readings around the
part to find the largest and smallest
values.
Write these High and Low values
down on your inspection report.

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

What do you do with the high and low indicator values?

Largest and smallest indicator readings provide the data for calculating Average Cone Diameter and Thread Ovality.
They both use the same data but calculate the readings in different ways.

Average Cone Diameter is the size, it would be, if it were round.

Determining the round diameter of a connector requires locating the largest and the smallest diameter readings on
the part and taking the average of the two readings, as shown in the following formula:

Ovality is how egg or out of round it is.

Ovality is the amount of out-of-roundness in a piece of pipe or a coupling. Determining ovality requires locating the
largest and the smallest diameter readings on the part and subtracting the smallest reading from the largest reading.
Ovality readings are always positive (no sign attached).

Average Cone Diameter

(Largest Diameter + Smallest Diameter) = Diameter
2
Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Averaged
Diameter

+.005

-.010

-.0025

Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

-.005

Ovality
Largest Diameter - Smallest Diameter = Ovality
LARGE
READING

Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Ovality

+.005

-.010

.015

Averaged
Diameter

Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Ovality

-.010

-.0075

-.005

-.010

.005

Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Averaged
Diameter

Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Ovality

-.015

+.001

-.007

-.015

+.001

.016

SMALL
READING

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Average Cone Diameter

Average Cone Diameter is the distance across the face of the pipe or coupling.
Determining the round diameter of a connector requires locating the largest and the smallest
diameter readings on the part and taking the average of these two readings.
Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Averaged
Diameter

Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Averaged
Diameter

+.005

-.010

-.0025

+.005

-.005

.000

LARGE
READING

SMALL
READING

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Ovality
Ovality is the amount of out-of-roundness in a piece of pipe or a coupling.
Determining ovality requires locating the largest and the smallest diameter readings
on the part and adding the smallest reading to the largest reading, as shown in the
following formula. Ovality readings are always positive (no sign attached).
Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Total
Ovality

Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Total
Ovality

+.005

-.010

.015

+.005

-.005

.010

LARGE
READING

SMALL
READING

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Pin Thread Form Inspection

TP-8R Profile inspecting a pin

thread. Always check the first
starting thread.

2014 Gagemaker, LP

When deburring the thread with a

flapper wheel, burrs can be rolled into
the thread groove. This will cause
gauling when the connections are made
up on the rig.

Pin Length Inspection

Always keep the scale

parallel to the pipe axis.
A digital depth gage can
be used in place of a scale.

L4

L2

L2=Perfect thread length.

Crest of thread must have
a full radius top.
L4=Last scratch length.

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Coupling
Inspection
2014 Gagemaker, LP

Datum A

Coupling Threads

Datum B

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

What is the first step?

Request a product drawing on the threads.

Verify which thread form is required.

Request the threading insert called out on the drawing.

Request a gage Set-Up Sheet.

List all the gage serial #s used to inspect the part.

Verify the ball contacts are the right size.

Set your gages to a zero value on a standard.

Now, thread the part and start the inspection.

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

TDWIN TAPER Drawing 7 LTC Coupling

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Coupling Thread Lead Inspection with an LG-5002

Set the LG-5002 on Setting Standard* and zero the dial.

After locking the bezel clamp, always double-check your zero setting.
Now, measure the part and compare the standard to the machined lead.
*Every TPF connection requires a different lead setting standard.
We will discuss setting standard design in the next class.

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Coupling Thread Lead Inspection with an LG-5002

LG-5002 Inspecting Coupling

The LG-5002 is used the same way on the part as on the standard.
Place the fixed ball contact in the first full depth thread.
Move the fixed ball back one thread and check again.
Record your measurement.

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Coupling Thread Height Inspection with a TH-3006

Set the TH-3006 on Setting Standard and tilt the standard back and forth to obtain the
lowest reading.
After locking the bezel clamp, always double-check your zero setting.
Now, measure the part and compare the standard to the machined thread groove.
Thread Heights: 8 Round = .072125, Buttress = .0620
API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads
2014 Gagemaker, LP

Coupling Thread Height Inspection with a TH-3006

The TH-3006 is used the same way on the part as on the standard.
Align the gage parallel to the thread axis and lift up and down to obtain
the lowest reading.
Record your measurement.

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Coupling Taper Inspection with an IT-6000

Zero the dial on the first

thread.

Do not lock the bezel clamp!

Note the radial location of the

gage to the part or chuck. (6
or 12 oclock is best.)

Zeroed on Coupling

Move the gage down the taper

1 (8 threads for 8R or 5
threads for Buttress).

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Coupling Taper Inspection with an IT-6000

After moving 1 down the taper,
double-check
your
radial
position of the gage to the part
or chuck.
Failure to stay in the same radial
position will induce errors
caused by the thread helical
path. If the gage rotated, the
ball contacts will move up or
down the taper.
You are checking the change in
diameter about a radial location
or plane.

Inspecting Coupling

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Coupling PD Inspection with an MRP-2002

(Crest Cone Diameter Inspection)
MRP-2002 is set to a connection size by the
use of A & B Rod Standards.
The rod standards position the gage to
measure the Crest Cone diameter at a
known location from the datum plane or
face.

B
Standard

B standard sets the distance off the face.

Hold light pressure between the shoe and
wear pad and tighten both black knobs.
A standard sets the crest cone diameter.
Sweep the standard until the lowest indicator
reading is obtained and zero the dial.
Double- check the zero after locking the
bezel clamp.

A
Standard

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Coupling PD Inspection with a MRP-2002

(Crest Cone Diameter Inspection)
While holding the gage against
the part face, sweep left & right
to find the largest indicator
value. Then, rotate the gage 90
and repeat.
If the indicator value changes,
this indicates Ovality or out of
roundness.
Take multiple readings around
the part to find the largest and
smallest values.
Write these values down on your
inspection report.
Inspecting Coupling
API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads
2014 Gagemaker, LP

What do you do with the high and low indicator values?

Largest and smallest indicator readings provide the data for calculating Average Cone Diameter and Thread Ovality.
They both use the same data but calculate the readings in different ways.

Average Cone Diameter is the size, it would be, if it were round.

Determining the round diameter of a connector requires locating the largest and the smallest diameter readings on
the part and taking the average of the two readings, as shown in the following formula:

Ovality is how egg-shaped or out of round it is.

Ovality is the amount of out-of-roundness in a piece of pipe or a coupling. Determining ovality requires locating the
largest and the smallest diameter readings on the part and subtracting the smallest reading from the largest reading,
as shown in the following formula. Ovality readings are always positive (no sign attached).

Average Cone Diameter

(Largest Diameter+Smallest Diameter) = Diameter
2
Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Averaged
Diameter

+.005

-.010

-.0025

Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

-.005

Ovality
LARGE
READING

Largest Diameter - Smallest Diameter = Ovality

Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Ovality

+.005

-.010

.015

Averaged
Diameter

Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Ovality

-.010

-.0075

-.005

-.010

.005

Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Averaged
Diameter

Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Ovality

-.015

+.001

-.007

-.015

+.001

.016

SMALL
READING

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Average Cone Diameter

Average Cone Diameter is the distance across the face of the pipe or coupling.
Determining the round diameter of a connector requires locating the largest and the smallest
diameter readings on the part and taking the average of these two readings.
Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Averaged
Diameter

Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Averaged
Diameter

+.005

-.010

-.0025

+.005

-.005

.000

LARGE
READING

SMALL
READING

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Ovality
Ovality is the amount of out-of-roundness in a piece of pipe or a coupling.
Determining ovality requires locating the largest and the smallest diameter readings
on the part and adding the smallest reading to the largest reading. Ovality readings
are always positive (no sign attached).
Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Total
Ovality

Largest
Diameter

Smallest
Diameter

Total
Ovality

+.005

-.010

.015

+.005

-.005

.010

LARGE
READING

SMALL
READING

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP

Coupling Thread Form Inspection

TP-8R Profile inspecting a pin

thread. Always check the first
starting thread.

2014 Gagemaker, LP

When deburring the thread with a

flapper wheel, burrs can be rolled into
the thread groove. This will cause
gauling when the connections are made
up on the rig.

Coupling Length Inspection

Q

Q is measured from the

coupling face to the start
of the 35 chamfer.

Always keep the scale

parallel to the coupling
axis.

Coupling Length
(NL)

NL/2

NL/2 = the coupling

length.
NL = Length of
coupling.
API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

2014 Gagemaker, LP