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.
• For example, if we take a round stick and wind a piece
of wire in angular indication, the wires twist would
move ahead on the round stick. The path on which the
wire moves ahead is called Helix. Like this helix, the
thread is inclined at an angle on a round surface.
Threads may be internal or external.
threads
Types of Threads
• Following are the 13 different types of threads:
• Right-hand threads
• Left-hand threads
• taper threads
• “V” shape threads
• Metric or International Threads
• British Standard Threads
• Seller Threads
• Square Threads
• Acme Threads
• buttress Threads
• Knuckle Threads
• Worm Threads
• Single and Multi-Threads
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.
Right-Hand Threads
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.
• The above threads are used for the following purpose:
• To join two parts of a machine like nut-bolt and stud.
• To get mechanical livers for lifting weights, such as
chain pulleys, jacks, etc.
• For accuracy in precision instruments like micrometers.
• In jobs of power transfer.
• To control or reduce speed
Taper Threads
V threads
• 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.
V threads
Metric 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.
• These threads are made on jobs of 0°25 mm to 300
mm in diameter. Its angle is at 60°. Its screw is flat, and
the root is round. According to I.S. 1330-1958, these
are written before the letter M and figure written after
“M” indicates pitch, such as -M20 X 2.5. It means the
number of threads is 20 per inch, and its pitch is 2.5
mm.
Metric threads
British Standard Whitworth Threads
• These types of threads originated from Great
Britain. Sir Joseph Whitworth, a citizen of Great
Britain, invented this thread in 1841. This thread
was to provide the facility of interchangeability.
It is used in ordinary nut-bolts and other jobs.
Its angle is 55°. Its crest, as well as root, are in
round shape. It’s known as B.S.W. Thread.
British Standard Whitworth Threads
British Standard Fine Thread
• In shape, this thread is similar to B.S.W.
thread. The angle of this thread is also 55° but
the number of thread per inch is more i.e the
thickness of threads is less. This makes the
grip more strong. Nut bolts having this thread
are used where is more vibration.
British Standard Fine Thread
British Association Threads
• This type of thread is of every think make-up.
It is used in small and tiny electrical and
mechanical instruments like radio, television,
electrical goods, meters and watches. The
angle of these threads is 47 1/2°. These can be
used for 1/2″ or 6 mm nut bolts.
• These are recognized through numbers, which
range from 0 to 12. number 0 = 0. 236″ or 6
mm. Number 12 = 0.0511″ or 1.3 mm.
British Association Threads
British Standard Pipe Threads
• Its angle is 55°, which is cut at 3/4 taper per
foot. It is used in sanitary pipe fittings, steam
pipes, and gas pipelines. Because of the taper,
it does not leak.
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
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.
Seller Threads
Acme 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.
Acme Threads
Buttress 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 ratchet.
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.
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.
Worm Threads
Single and Multi-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.
• For one complete turn round the screw or bolt, then there is a
movement of one thread the screw is called a single-threaded
screw. And when there is a movement of more than one thread, the
screw is called multiple or multi-start threaded screws.
• In the case of a three-start thread, for one complete turn, the
thread advances three times as far if it were a single thread. Multi-
start threads are used in those cases where fast movement or
motion is needed Fountain where they are widely used.
Single and Multi-Threads