Tolerancing of Screw Threads

It was previously stated that an essential principle is that the actual

profiles of both the nut and bolt threads must never cross or transgress
the theoretical profile. Practically, to make a thread, tolerances must be
applied to ensure that this essential principal always applies.
Tolerancing of screw threads is complicated by the complex geometric
nature of the screw thread form. Clearances must be applied to the
basic profile of the threads in order that a bolt thread can be screwed
into a nut thread. For the thread to be made practically there must be
tolerances applied to the main thread elements.

Usually nut threads have a tolerance applied to the basic profile so that
it is theoretically possible for the nut thread profile to be equal to the
theoretical profile. Bolt threads usually have a gap between the basic
and actual thread profiles. This gap is called the allowance with inch-
based threads and the fundamental deviation with metric threads. The
tolerance is subsequently applied to the thread. Since for coated threads
the tolerances apply to threads before coating (unless otherwise stated),
the gap is taken up by the coating thickness. After coating, the actual
thread profile must not transgress the basic profile of the thread.

A full designation for a metric thread includes information not only on

the thread diameter and pitch but also a designation for the thread
tolerance class. For example a thread designated as M12 x 1 - 5g6g
indicates that the thread has a nominal diameter of 12mm and a pitch of
1mm. The 5g indicates the tolerance class for the pitch diameter and 6g
is the tolerance class for the major diameter.
A fit between threaded parts is indicated by the nut thread tolerance
designation followed by the bolt thread tolerance designation separated
by a slash. For example: M12 x 1 - 6H/5g6g indicates a tolerance class
of 6H for the nut (female) thread and a 5g tolerance class for the pitch
diameter with a 6g tolerance class for the major diameter.

A tolerance class is made up of two parts, a tolerance grade and a

tolerance position.

A number of tolerance grades have been established for the pitch and
crest diameters (the crest diameter is the minor diameter in the case of a
nut thread and the major diameter in the case of a bolt thread.
Tolerance grades are represented by numbers, the lower the number the
smaller the tolerance. Grade 6 is used for a medium tolerance quality
and a normal length of thread engagement. Grades lower than 6 are
intended for fine tolerance quality and/or short lengths of thread
engagement. Grades higher than 6 are intended for coarse tolerance
quality and/or long lengths of thread engagement.
There are:
5 tolerance grades (grades 4 to 8) available for the minor diameter of
the nut thread.
3 tolerance grades (grades 4,6 and 8) for the major diameter of the bolt
thread.
5 tolerance grades (grades 4 to 8) for the pitch diameter tolerance of the
nut thread.
7 tolerance grades (grades 3 to 9) for the pitch diameter tolerance of the
bolt thread.

Tolerance positions are indicated by letters, upper case letters for nut
threads and lower case letters for bolt threads. The tolerance position is
the distance of the tolerance from the basic size of the thread profile.

For nut threads there are two tolerance positions, H with a zero
fundamental deviation (distance of the tolerance position from the basic
size) and G with a positive fundamental deviation.

For bolt threads there are four tolerance positions, h has a zero
fundamental deviation and e, f, and g negative fundamental deviations.
(A positive fundamental deviation indicates that the size for the thread
element will be larger than the basic size. A negative fundamental
deviation indicates that the size for the thread element will be smaller
than the basic size.
One practical problem that is often encountered is what threads
tolerance to apply to a tapped hole. The standard tolerance classes of 6g
for the bolt thread and 6H for the nut thread are typically included on a
drawing as default. A problem that sometimes occurs is that on long
thread engagements (that are frequently used for tapped holes in soft
materials) there can be interference between the nut thread and the
screw thread as the screw is rotated into the tapped hole. There can be a
slight mis-match in the thread pitch between the internal thread and the
external thread necessitating a wrench to rotate the fastener to the
bottom of the thread i.e. it can't be freely rotated. The standard
tolerance classes apply strictly only when a relatively short length of
engagement is used (such as with a nut which is typically 0.8d where d
is the thread size). The pitch diameter tolerance must be able to
accommodate pitch and flank angle errors which can sometimes only
be done by changing the tolerance position say from a H to a G for the
internal thread (since standard screws - 6g - are wished to be used).
Failure to change the tolerance position can result in thread seizure and
damage especially if high speed tools are being used for the tightening
process.