why course and fine thread

by Arnold Howell V 7 min read

Coarse threads are less susceptible to being nicked or damaged, so they do not have to be “handled with care” as much as fine threads. A nick to a fine thread can cause more of a problem proportionally due to the shallowness of the thread, e.g. gaging or assembly. Coarse threaded fasteners install much faster than fine threaded fasteners.

The potential benefits of fine threads are:
Size for size, a fine thread is stronger than a coarse thread. This is both in tension (because of the larger stress area) and shear (because of their larger minor diameter). Because of the smaller pitch, they allow finer adjustments in applications that need such a feature.

Full Answer

What's the difference between fine threads and course threads?

He left out the most important factor in choosing between fine and course threads. The fatigue endurance limit on fine threads versus course is approximately 25%-30% higher. That is way you see a lot of set studs with the fine threads set in. The best reason not to choose fine threads is that they are so easily cross threaded.

What are the benefits of fine threads?

The potential benefits of fine threads are: Size for size, a fine thread is stronger than a coarse thread. This is both in tension (because of the larger stress area) and shear (because of their larger minor dia­meter). Because of the smaller pitch, they allow finer adjustments in applications that need such a feature.

What is the fatigue endurance limit of fine threads versus course?

The fatigue endurance limit on fine threads versus course is approximately 25%-30% higher. That is way you see a lot of set studs with the fine threads set in. The best reason not to choose fine threads is that they are so easily cross threaded. Fine threads in some alloy fasteners should be avoided.

What are the advantages of coarse thread bolts over fine threads?

The short answer is that for general industrial applications, coarse thread bolts present several advantages over fine threads. In applications where the length of the thread engagement is short, coarse threads are preferable due to their higher resistance to stripping.

What is the purpose of fine thread?

Fine threading makes tapping a hole much easier due to its narrow, shallow ridges. Fine thread fasteners are perfect to use in applications where vibration is an issue, since the shallow pitch of the thread works to prevent loosening of the fastener under vibration over time.

What are coarse threads used for?

Coarse threads are used when threaded into aluminum or cast iron because the finer threads tend to strip more easily in these materials. Are stronger when assembled with lower strength nut or tapped hole materials. Stronger for bolt/screw/nut sizes over one inch.

Why is a coarse threaded screw good?

Coarse thread fasteners are an excellent choice for most applications. Commonly chosen for construction simply because their threading can be lightly damaged and still work effectively. Coarse threading allows for more material to sit between these threads as they are installed.

What are the cons and pros of selecting a coarse vs fine thread for a fastener?

Fine threads also possess larger minor diameters, which provide high shear strengths. Coarse threads tap better into brittle materials and are less likely to cross thread. Coarse threading lends itself to thicker coatings and platings before thread adjustments need to be made.

What holds better coarse or fine thread?

Size for size, a fine thread is stronger than a coarse thread. This is both in tension (because of the larger stress area) and shear (because of their larger minor diameter). Because of the smaller pitch, they allow finer adjustments in applications that need such a feature.

What are advantages of coarse threads over fine threads?

Coarse threads are more durable and have greater resistance to stripping and cross-threading. The height of each thread is greater than the corresponding fine thread so there is more material between each thread making flank engagement greater.

What are the difference between coarse threads and fine threads?

What is the difference between fine and coarse thread fasteners? A. A fastener with a fine thread equates to a fastener with a large number of threads per distance along the fastener. In contrast, a coarse thread fastener equates to a fastener with a low number of threads per distance along the fastener.

What's the difference between coarse and fine?

The main difference between the two is in how large is the increment in each step. With coarse, a small movement results in a large jump, while the opposite is true in fine.

Can I use fine thread screws on plywood?

— as well as for sheet goods such as plywood and MDF — that are soft and not very dense. Coarse screws have deep, aggressive threads that bite into those soft fibers to ensure solid holding power. Fine-Thread screws are the preferred choice for hardwoods like cherry, maple, oak, etc. that are hard and dense.

Can I use fine thread drywall screws on wood?

Fine threads work well with metal because they are self-threading. Fine-thread drywall screws do not hold as well in wood as do coarse-thread screws.

Which is stronger UNC or UNF?

A 1/4 UNF thread is about 14% stronger than its UNC counterpart. Coarse threads are slightly stronger (against stripping) per length of engagement than finer threads (see thread strength section below).

Are wood screws coarse thread?

Wood screws are sharp-pointed screws for nonstructural, wood-to-wood fastening. Wood screws have coarse threads and an unthreaded shank near the head, which allows the screw to pull the wood pieces tightly together.

Why are fine threads preferred?

When working with stainless steel, aluminum, titanium and other alloys, fine threads are preferable, particularly because of their strength.

What is coarse thread?

Coarse threads are typically called for in most industrial applications, particularly in aviation and military situations, due to a variety of advantages.

What is the role of threads in fasteners?

When it comes to fasteners, threads are key. Threads determine how well fastener components (like nuts, bolts and screws) hold materials and machines together, and maintain their integrity over time.

Can fine threaded bolts gall?

Fine threaded bolts can also gall (when metallic surfaces slide against one another and friction and adhesion cause material to be pulled from one surface and then adhered to the other) more easily than coarse threads, and they are often harder to obtain.

Why are fine threads used?

Because of the smaller pitch, they allow finer adjustments in applications that need such a feature. Fine threads can be more easily tapped into hard materials and thin-walled tubes. Fine threads require less torque to develop equivalent bolt preloads.

What is the difference between coarse and fine threaded bolts?

What is the difference between fine and coarse threaded bolts? Bolts with coarse threads have a larger pitch (fewer threads per axial distance) compared to fine threads. A coarse threaded bolt is specified for most applications unless there is an overriding reason to use a fine threaded bolt (e.g.

Is fine thread stronger than coarse thread?

The potential benefits of fine threads are: Size for size, a fine thread is stronger than a coarse thread. This is both in tension (because of the larger stress area) and shear (because of their larger minor dia­meter). Because of the smaller pitch, they allow finer adjustments in applications that need such a feature.

What is fine threading?

Fine threading consists of very shallow peaks and valleys when compared to coarse. As a result, tapping a hole for fine threading can be significantly easier as there is much less material to cut to form the threads. Fine threading also has a very shallow pitch (helical angle).

Which is better, coarse or fine thread?

Fine Thread. While coarse threading fasteners are better suited for general purpose applications, fine thread applications tend to have many benefits that make them the ideal choice when specifics matter. Fine threading has a higher tensile strength than coarse threading and it can be measured more accurately.

What is a helical thread?

This helical shaped threading can be either wide set and deep which are considered coarse thread while a more narrow helical shape with shallow ridges is considered to be fine thread.

Why use coarse thread fasteners?

Commonly chosen for construction simply because their threading can be lightly damaged and still work effectively. Coarse threading allows for more material to sit between these threads as they are installed.

What is fine thread fastener?

Fine thread fasteners are ideal for environments where vibration is considered an issue. Now that you know how to compare coarse thread vs. fine thread fasteners, you can make the right choice when deciding on which fasteners you need for a project.

Is it harder to strip or cross thread?

Due to this, it is harder for coarse threaded fasteners to strip or cross thread. Their extra tolerance allows for nicks or marring to occur on the edges of the threading without inhibiting the ability to fasten them. Coarse threading is also much less likely to gall then fine threading.

Does coarse threading gall?

Coarse threading is also much less likely to gall then fine threading. Fine threading requires many more turns per inch which generates more friction. Excess friction dramatically increases the chance of galling in fasteners. Regardless we recommend using an anti-seize solution especially on stainless steel fasteners.

Why are fine threads stronger under static loading?

Fine threads are technically stronger under static loading, because they have a larger minor diameter which translates into a larger cross-sectional area A s.

What causes fatigue failure in joints?

In joints with high cyclical loading, fatigue failure becomes a concern. Repeated cyclical stress can create cracks which typically occur in the first loaded thread of the joint. Studies have shown that fine threads increase the percentage of load on the first thread, which can lead to a shorter fatigue life.

Can fine threads be used for load bearing joints?

In conclusion, fine threads should not be used for load bearing joints unless there is a very specific reason and testing is done to validate the joint. Some exceptions could be hard to tap materials or thin wall materials. For non-load bearing joints that require adjustment, fine threads may be your best option.

Does vibration resistance slow down threads?

In the past, vibration resistance was thought to be a benefit of fine threads. The smaller helix angle, at least in theory, slows down the loosening process. A tradeoff of this benefit is the slower assembly time of fine threads; the smaller helix angle requires more angle of rotation to advance, slowing down the assembly process.

Why are fine threads better than coarse threads?

Listed below are parameters which suggest why fine threads are superior to coarse threads: Tensile Area: Fine thread fasteners usually have a higher tensile area than coarse thread fasteners. This improves their tensile strength and makes them 10 percent stronger than coarse threads.

What is fine thread?

The coarse threads are suited for most applications; however, fine threads are ideal for applications demanding specific strength. So what differentiates these two types of threads?

Why are fine thread fasteners easy to tap?

Easy to Tap: Fine thread fasteners are easy to tap due to their shallow thread height. This means reduced tapping torque and breakage, especially in difficult materials. These threads are also used for thin walled applications that require fine adjustment due to their shallow height.

Why are coarse threads less affected by plating build up?

This is due to the presence of abundant material between the threaded flanks. Also, coarse threads are less affected by problems like thread interference and gaging, since their plating allowance is less than fine threads.

What is the difference between fine and coarse threads?

Listed below are parameters which suggest why fine threads are superior to coarse threads: 1 Tensile Area: Fine thread fasteners usually have a higher tensile area than coarse thread fasteners. This improves their tensile strength and makes them 10 percent stronger than coarse threads. 2 Easy to Tap: Fine thread fasteners are easy to tap due to their shallow thread height. This means reduced tapping torque and breakage, especially in difficult materials. These threads are also used for thin walled applications that require fine adjustment due to their shallow height. 3 Helix Angle: The helix angle of fine threads is lesser, which reduces the chances of loosening during vibrations.

Why is there more material between threaded flanks?

This means there is more material present between threaded flanks. This helps the thread to attain a perfect fit, and avoid stripping and cross-threading. Overall, this leads to safe and secure engagement over fine threads.

What is the helix angle of fine threads?

Helix Angle: The helix angle of fine threads is lesser, which reduces the chances of loosening during vibrations. As seen, both the threads have a certain advantage as well as disadvantages. Thus, the choice will entirely depend on the situation.

Why are coarse threads better than fine threads?

The short answer is that for general industrial applications, coarse thread bolts present several advantages over fine threads. Higher resistance to stripping. In applications where the length of the thread engagement is short, coarse threads are preferable due to their higher resistance to stripping. Innately, coarse threads have ...

Which is stronger, coarse or fine thread?

It's a legitimate question, considering that coarse threads are stronger and have an overall greater resistance to cross-threading and stripping, while the fine thread fasteners have a slightly larger tensile stress area. The short answer is that for general industrial applications, coarse thread bolts present several advantages over fine threads.

How fast is a 3/8-16 thread fastener?

They are easier and faster to assemble. A typical coarse thread fastener of 3/8-16 inch can be installed almost 70% faster than its 3/8-24 fine thread counterpart, thus saving you time, money and energy.

Why do stainless steel nut threads gall?

Galling occurs due to abnormal surface friction and the closer the fit between the mating threads, the more welded the nut will be.

Coarse thread

The so-called coarse thread actually refers to the standard thread. Unless otherwise specified, the stainless steel screws and other fasteners we generally buy are all coarse threads.

Fine thread

Fine thread and coarse thread are just the opposite. They are specified to supplement the special use requirements that coarse thread cannot meet. There are also pitch series for fine thread. The pitch of fine thread is smaller, so it is more conducive to self-locking and anti-loosening.

How is the thread processed?

Generally refers to the method of machining threads on a workpiece with a machining tool or an abrasive tool. There are many thread processing methods, mainly including turning, milling, tapping, threading, grinding, rolling, and so on.

image