Does anybody make bolts that have the size and thread pitch stamped on the head?

[squale]

I am looking to make a kit of all the standard american and metric sized bolts. The reason being, I often reverse engineer parts and I need to look at a blind hole and try to figure out what thread pitch and size it is. Most holes are too small to get a thread guage into so I need to sit there and try threading bolt after bolt into the hole to figure out the correct size. Problem is, my bolts don't have the size labeled on them so I need to thread guage the bolts to get the correct size after I determine that it fits propery into the threaded hole. It would save me a bunch of time to get bolts that already have the size and thread pitch marked on the head.


Thanks!

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

Ever try using taps? They usually are marked quite well.

Dick Z

ps If you're worried about damaging the existing thread, maybe you could use forming taps or thread $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ gauges.

[squale]

that would be quite the expensive option, lol

[ALLtra Mach]

If you "quite often reverse engineer..", I would think a set of plug gauges would be your best option.
No, nobody marks their bolts, that would be very cost prohibitive.
For a cheaper alternative, make your own plug gauges, simply a handle on a bolt with the size marked on it.
Make a block, with sizes marked to store youur bolts....lotys of ways to do this.

[mc-motorsports]

Originally Posted by ALLtra Mach If you "quite often reverse engineer..", I would think a set of plug gauges would be your best option. No, nobody marks their bolts, that would be very cost prohibitive. For a cheaper alternative, make your own plug gauges, simply a handle on a bolt with the size marked on it. Make a block, with sizes marked to store youur bolts....lotys of ways to do this.

+1
I would make handles out of aluminum hex, thread one side fine pitch, the other course, loctite studs and stamp the handle. For instance, 3/8"-16 on one side and 3/8"-24 on the other.

[DareBee]

Originally Posted by mc-motorsports +1 I would make handles out of aluminum hex, thread one side fine pitch, the other course, loctite studs and stamp the handle. For instance, 3/8"-16 on one side and 3/8"-24 on the other.

This is a good way, and by "studs" I would use set screws.

[lerman]

Originally Posted by mc-motorsports I would make handles out of aluminum hex, thread one side fine pitch, the other course, loctite studs and stamp the handle. For instance, 3/8"-16 on one side and 3/8"-24 on the other.

While you are at it, you could cross drill the hex near the end with the same thread as you are using for the stud. That way, you now have a female thread gauge, too.

Ken

[squale]

what would this 'handle' look like?

[mc-motorsports]

Something like this. Put a hole in the side if you want for checking male threads. Kinda like a thread gauge, just not precision, just tap the holes and thread in and loctite studs.

[mc-motorsports]

Originally Posted by DareBee This is a good way, and by "studs" I would use set screws.

? When you say set screw, I think of the pic on the bottom. When I say stud, I mean the pic on the top?

Anyway, another premade thread gauge pic attached, not precision, it's made for a turn-buckle type set-up.

[squale]

anybody want to make a set for money?

[lerman]

Originally Posted by squale anybody want to make a set for money?

Define "a set". What sizes do you need/want?

Ken