Hitch Ball Threads?

[Diggin It]

You're supposed to be able to find anything on the web right? So why can't I find the thread count on hitch balls, even on sites dealing with hitches like Reese or Curt?

On a 1 7/8" ball, shanks come in 3/4" or 1". If you lose the nut (we never lose things, do we?), what nut would we order if we didn't have any other reason to go to town to stand in a hardware aisle and try one after another? I have spares from older hitch balls, but they are coarse thread and the new ones are fine thread. Or would they even be available in a hardware store and not limited to trailer supplies?

 

[Zebrafive]

Just look up a "fine" thread chart 3/4-16. 7/8-14. 1-14. 1 1/8-12. 1 1/4-12


The only coarse thread trailer balls I remember had internal threads in the ball and were 3/4-10

 

[Diggin It]

That's sort of the question ... are they standard fine threads or are they something special to hitch systems?

I saw 1-14 mentioned on one site, but it didn't specify if that was the thread or something else.

 

[4get gto]

I would think they're standard thread.
The thread you were referring to. Could it have been 1" dia x 14 threads per inch...?

 

[TheFarmerInAdell]

From what I can tell they seem to be extra fine thread. Good luck finding the nut in a hardware store. Fastenal might have one special order. I'll take my thread pitch gage to the ones I have later and I can give you the exact thread count. I believe all of mine are 1" shank. I'm guessing it's 1"-20.

 

[WranglerX]

The only one I have immediate access to check is 1inch X 14tpi....



or...

https://www.amazon.com/Hex-Nuts-1-1...1,p_n_feature_fourteen_browse-bin:11433998011

1 inch NF is 12tpi by any chart I can find...

Best "local" place to find replacement nut is probably local "U-Haul" or any place that is dealing in towing and trailer supplies.... Maybe local farm and ranch supplier in "hitches" section...

Dale

 

[Ford850]

I know I've seen replacement hitch ball nuts at either TSC or Rural King, maybe both.

 

[bcp]

Brophy's replacement nuts are NF thread.

C.R. Brophy Machine Works, Inc. -- Trailer Hitch Balls & Accessories



The TSC website has nuts.

Reese Towpower Spare Nut and Lock Washer for Hitch Ball, Fits 1 in. Shank Diameter at Tractor Supply Co.


Bruce

 

[RickB]

SAE thread for whatever diameter the shank is.

 

[TheFarmerInAdell]

Okay, I checked. Mine are all 1"-14 from what I can tell with the little bit of thread sticking out the end.

 

[WranglerX]

Brophy's replacement nuts are NF thread.

C.R. Brophy Machine Works, Inc. -- Trailer Hitch Balls & Accessories



The TSC website has nuts.

Reese Towpower Spare Nut and Lock Washer for Hitch Ball, Fits 1 in. Shank Diameter at Tractor Supply Co.


Bruce

Brophy doesn't specifically say replacement nuts only states it has NF nuts.... 1x14 is not NF....

And TSC does not state thread pitch....

NF is defined as 1x12tpi...

Dale

 

[Reb954]

It is best to use a thread gauge or measure how many threads there are so you are sure.

Scroll down about half way and read the paragraph after the chart.

Unified Thread Standard - Wikipedia

 

[Diggin It]

I wasn't really sure, but it turns out the one I have is a 3/4" diameter shank. Whatever definition you want to use, it threads very nicely into a 1/2" galvanized pipe coupling. Don't ask me what made me try that.

 

[Reb954]

There you go, problem solved. Now you have a back up nut you can use. :drink:

 

[dnw64]

There you go, problem solved. Now you have a back up nut you can use. :drink:

Yeah, I don't think I would be trusting that, other than MAYBE for an empty trailer...!

 

[Diggin It]

Yeah, not exactly a lot of structural integrity there.

 

[WranglerX]

Got a responds e-mail from tech at e-trailer.com....

A quote...

Dale,

Thank you for your email.

I show different brand and balls have different thread pitches so it will depend on the ball in discussion.

If you have any further questions, please email me at ChelseyS@etrailer.com or call 1-800-298-8924 extension 79360.

Thank you,

Chelsey S.
1-800-298-8924 x. 79360
My direct line is 1-636-887-9360
ChelseyS@etrailer.com

Online at Trailer Hitches & Vehicle Accessories (8)298-8924



And there you have it....

Dale

 

[Oldtink]

Well that cuts the possibilities down to 10 different thread pitches in 3/4".:laughing:
View attachment Machinery's Handbook.jpeg

 

[ruffdog]

Standard fine thread....3/4-16, 1-14, 1 1/4-12. Lawn mower balls with internal thread...3/4-10

 

[John Fitzgerald]

Most hardware stores only carry coarse thread nuts in sizes above 1/2", I have found. I prefer a grade 5 or better nut for hitch balls, although there is not much if any "pull out" force with a properly loaded and balanced trailer. In use, almost all the stress is against the side of the shank, in shear.