Determine threads easily with the thread template
Thread templates are one of those little helpers that can give you a quick and uncomplicated helping hand at work and solve annoying problems without much effort. You may already have one in your drawer and even use it regularly. But as is so common in the large and sometimes vague field of "measuring threads", there are many ambiguities or even misconceptions about thread templates that are widespread.
In order for the thread template to really help you with thread cutting, you need to know what the little thing can and cannot do. And, of course, how to use it correctly. So it's good that you've found your way to this blog post. All your questions about thread templates will be answered here.
What is a thread template?
A thread template is a tool that you can use to check the pitch of a thread. It is a sheet metal plate whose side shows a specific thread profile in the negative form. Several of these plates are grouped together in a fan shape and attached to both ends of a handle. This not only makes the thread templates easier to use, but also means you do not run the constant risk of losing the many small individual parts.
Which and how many of these thread templates are grouped together on a handle can vary. The most common thread templates are for very common thread types such as the metric standard thread or the Whitworth pipe thread. There are thread templates that only contain one type of thread per handle, as well as those that combine different types and sometimes also combine metric and imperial threads. The number of thread sizes available can also vary. You may have to rummage around a little until you find a thread template that exactly meets your requirements.
How to use the thread template correctly
The pitch of thread templates is checked using the so-called light gap method. To check an existing thread in this way, proceed as follows:
- First make sure that you are using a thread template for the thread type whose pitch you want to check. If you are unsure of the thread type, use other methods of thread determination first, as checking a metric thread with a thread template for imperial threads, for example, will not provide accurate results.
- Then select one of the thread templates and apply it to the thread. It doesn't really matter which template you start with. However, you will save yourself a few steps if you first make a "pi times thumb" assessment of which thread template is most likely to fit your thread.
- Now press the thread template against your thread. If the teeth of the thread template do not fit into the threads at all, you can continue directly with the next blade. Try your way through the thread templates until you feel you have found a good fit.
- Now the light-splitting method comes into play. Hold the thread template and thread in front of a light source and look closely. Can light penetrate through a gap between the thread and the template? If so, the pitch is not identical and you need to keep looking. However, if no gap can be seen against a light source, then you have found the right pitch!
How accurate are the results of a thread template?
The light gap method may seem somewhat amateurish, but it is actually a common test method that is also used in the professional sector. Depending on the light source and the quality of the template, even extremely small deviations can be detected in this way. However, the accuracy of the result also depends directly on the ambient conditions and ultimately on your subjective assessment. When used correctly, the results provided by the thread template are very reliable.
Thread templates are particularly suitable for reliably determining the pitch of external threads. With internal threads, it can be difficult or even impossible to carry out a light-gap procedure correctly, which is why thread templates are only used to a limited extent here.
What is the difference between a thread gauge and a thread template?
Thread templates are often also referred to as thread gauges. There is a great risk of confusion with the tools used to check a thread for gauge accuracy. In fact, however, thread gauges and thread templates are by no means identical. A thread gauge is screwed onto an external thread or screwed into an internal thread and checks much more than just form deviations in the pitch. In addition, the gauge system for threads is standardized according to DIN. Manufacturers regularly use thread gauges to ensure that the threads they produce are exactly within the specified tolerances, thereby creating legal certainty for themselves and their customers. The range of applications for a thread gauge therefore goes far beyond that of a thread template.
Areas of application for a thread template
So what is the area of application of a thread template? This is actually in areas where maximum precision is not an absolute criterion. Thread templates are ideal for quickly determining a screw when doing DIY or working as a craftsman and are a good alternative to manual measuring, which requires more time and the use of other tools.
However, thread templates are not intended to determine the gauge accuracy of a thread with legal certainty or to find out the dimensions of an unknown thread. For these purposes, there are other options that deliver much more precise results and can also be used flexibly for any type of thread.
However, if you want to replace a screw and no longer know exactly which one it was, the thread template is a convenient way to find out.
And once you have determined the pitch of your thread using the thread template, you can find the right threading tools for it in the BAER online store. Our customer service is also your competent contact for all your questions about tapping.