Types and application of threads
Definition of Threads
Spiral grooves of equal measurement or shapes made on a round cylindrical
article or pipe are known as threads. In other words, spiral grooves of equal
pitch and equal depth made on the parallel round cylindrical surface or conical
round surface are called threads.
1. Right-Hand Threads
These threads are inclined towards the right-hand side. These are tightened in
a clockwise movement. These are known as right-hand threads.
2. left hand threads
These threads are inclined towards the left hand. These are tightened in
anticlockwise movement. For example, on a screw with left-hand threads,
threads are so cut that the bolt, screw, or nut has to be turned in a counter-
clockwise motion to engage or tighten it. Their use is comparatively less
2. Taper Threads
In this type, the threads are cut on the tapered surface called taper threads.
These are used for shafts like buffing spindles. These threads can be right hand
or left hand.
#4 “V” Shape Threads
V shape thread
This type of thread is in the shape of the English alphabet “V”. It is most widely
used. These types of threads can be cut or made by tap, die, lathe machine and
milling, etc. These threads are made of different standards.
#5 Metric or International Threads
These types of threads were initially adopted from 1898 to 1908 in central
France. Over time, other international countries also started using it. The
Indian standards institute has also adopted this thread.
Thread Angle = 60°
Crest and root = 0. 125 X pitch
Pitch =1/T.P.I. ( in mm)
7. Seller Threads
These threads are known by the name American national thread. It has been
recognized by the American standards institute. It is a “V” shape thread. Its
angle is at 60°. Its roots and crest are flat. The same standard Insititute has
invented national fine thread. This thread is thin. It is used in motor vehicles
and airplanes etc.
British Standard Pipe Threads
Thread Angle = 60°
Depth of thread = 0.649519 X Pitch
Dia = 0.866025 X Pitch
Crest = D/ 8
Root = 0.125 X Pitc
#8. Square Threads
This thread has a very powerful root. Its makeup is square. These threads are
used for lifting heavy loads, transfer of power, exerting pressure, screw jack,
lead screw of machines, press machines, and vice spindle instruments. Their
specific measurement and number per inch are not fixed.
Square threads
Thread Angle = 90°
Depth of Thread = 0.5 X Pitch
Crest and Root = 0.5 X 5
[Link] Threads
These threads are more or less like square threads, but their shape is in taper
i.e., flat from the bottom and thin from the top. It is comparatively easier to
cut it on a job than the square threads. It is also considered stronger. As these
threads have slanting ends, it is easier to fix or unscrew the split nut on it.
There is no backlash in it. This thread is made at a 29° angle.
[Link] Threads
It is a screw thread that is triangular in section but which has one face at right
angles to the axis of the screw, the second face only being sloped. It has more
pulling power than square thread. This is why it is used in cases where the
excessive pull is on one side, and it must be absorbed as in a [Link] and
crest = 0.125 X Pitch
Thread Angle = 45°
Depth = 0.75 X Pitch
Thread Angle = 29
11. Knuckle Threads
This thread is also very strong. It is used in heavy and light jobs of rough
nature. This is half round at both root and crest. It can be cast in a mold.
Knuckle threads
Depth of Thread= 0.5 X Pitch
Root and crest Radius = 0.25 X Pitch
These threads are specially used for the coupling of rail coaches.
12. Worm Threads
Their shape is almost similar to Acme Threads, but these are deeper than Acme
threads. Their angle is also at 29 °. This thread is used in worm wheels of motor
vehicles to transfer power at 90°. As three teeth of the worm wheel fit into the
shaft with worm threads, they fit well.
13. Worm Threads
In a piece of work, it is possible to have some separate and independent
threads running along with it. Thus, there are a single-threaded screws and
multiple or multi-start threaded screws. The independent threads are called
starts, and we may have single-start, two-start, three-start, etc.