What is Answerbag?

Ask questions and share your knowledge with the world here on Answerbag. Get the best answers where there are no duplicate questions and questions are always open - our community of over 1,142,000 will find your answer!

Join For Free!
 

How to Measure Metric Bolts

Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Related Tags: metric | threads | diameter | length | measurements
 

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

  • Metric measuring tape
  • Step 1:
    Measure the diameter of the bolt. Most bolts use the shank diameter, which is the distance from one side of the bolt to the other through the center, measured at the top of the bolt, just below the head.
  • Step 2:
    Count the number of threads and measure the length the threads take up. Divide the distance by the number of threads. For example, if 10 threads took up one centimeter, the thread length would be one millimeter.
  • Step 3:
    Measure the length of the bolt from the end of the bolt to the start of the head.
  • Step 4:
    Report steps one through three in the standard format which is diameter x distance between threads x length. For example, a bolt with a diameter of 2 centimeters, 1 millimeter between threads and a length of 25 millimeters would be denoted "2x1x25."

Tips & Warnings

  • Make sure you take your measurements in metric measurements rather than standard measurements. Many, but not all, metric bolts start the measurements with "M" to signify the use of metric measurements.

How to Measure Metric Bolts Provided by eHow.com
Related Content
How to Identify Metric Bolts
Some, but not all, metric bolts are identified with an "M" at the start of the bolt sizing information, such as "M8 x 1.5 x 18" but others simply list the measurements. The measurements are...
How to Read Metric Bolts
Many metric bolts denote the use of metric measurements with an "M" at the start of the bolt designation, such as "M9x1.2x15." Metric bolts list measurements in millimeters. Besides using metric...
How to Determine Thread Length on Bolts
Hex-head cap screws and bolts come in all sizes. Measuring the length of the thread is important in order to provide the proper retention to the attached connection. While bolt thread, length and...
How to Buy Metric Bolts
Metric bolts are sized based on their diameter, thread width and length. Some are also labeled according to their strength. Metric bolts can be purchased online or at hardware stores. Before buying...
How to Measure Hex Bolts
Hex bolts are the most commonly used bolt type. The hex-shaped head of these bolts is seen in all types of mechanical assemblies, and yet some confusion remains as to the proper way to measure a...