Threaded holes and shafts can be found on many manufactured products in today's consumer market. In order for products to function properly, strict thread tolerances must be kept.
Thread gages are commonly used to help measure the characteristics of a threaded hole or shaft.
Two of the most common types of thread gages in use today are the go and no-go gages. These two gages can be used in tandem to help improve the quality of your threaded products.
Go Thread Gage
The primary purpose of the go thread gage is to measure the mating size of external threads. The go gage is screwed onto the threaded item to check the largest diameter of each individual thread.
A go gage can also be used to determine if the unthreaded flank is long enough to ensure proper function. Using a go thread gage is simple. You simply screw the go gage onto the threaded item.
If the thread tolerances are in line with your specifications, you will be able to screw the go gage up the full length of the threaded area by hand without using any significant force.
If you are unable to complete the screwing process with relative ease, the threaded item doesn't meet parameters and must be discarded.
No-Go Thread Gage
No-go thread gages are used in much the same manner as their go gage counterparts. A no-go thread gage has fewer threads than a go gage. This reduction in threads is due to the fact that the no-go gage isn't designed to screw up the full length of a threaded item.
Instead, the no-go gage shouldn't be able to complete more than a few rotations when used. This will ensure that the pitch diameter of the external threads on your threaded item do not fall below a set minimum.
Keep in mind that force should not be used when you are measuring thread tolerances with a no-go gage. The use of force could cause serious damage to both your threaded product and your no-go gage.
Access to thread gages makes it easier for manufacturing companies to determine if their threaded shafts and holes meet design specifications.
Take the time to check your gages against a marked standard in order to ensure that your go and no-go thread gages remain accurate at all times. Extensive use can cause a thread gage to deteriorate, which compromises the accuracy of their results.
For more information, contact a thread gage supplier.