Posted by Simon Williams 3 on 22/07/2018 14:38:15:
Hello all, cor ain't it 'ot!
I have recently found myself repairing an exhibition stand, where the flat panels have 16 mm rods each sides to hold them together. I discovered that the thread I thought was M8 in each rod was actually 8 mm OD, but was two start. So the thread pitch is actually 2.5 mm not 1.25 mm.
Which led me to wonder how such things are specified. The thread pitch measured with a thread gauge is 1.25 mm, but would I be right in supposing that, if I needed to specify such a thing to a professional turner I ought to call it "M8 x 2.5 pitch 2 start" (assumed symmetrical)?
Look forward to hearing what the forum thinks?
Thanks as always, Simon
You're nearly right. The pitch is still 1.25mm, but the LEAD is 2.5mm If you specify 'Thread 8mm, 2.5mm pitch, 2-start you'll' either get a 5mm lead thread or (more likely) an irate phonecall asking what it is you really want.
So ask for 'Thread, 8mm OD, 2.5mm lead, 2-start'