Nut/Bolt Size/Pitch Checker

QueBota · Aug 30, 2015

Not sure if this is the correct forum or title.

Most auto parts stores have one hanging in the nut/bolt area. Different size/thread pitch/count fittings hanging on a cable.

Enables you to check you bolts/nuts against theirs to verify what you have.

Home Depot/Lowes also have them, typically flat mounted in the nut/bolt isle. Normally they are worthless as everyone who has used it has cross threaded/forced the wrong size/pitch/count onto the test fitting.

Would like to have a set on a cable in the shop, would save me a lot of time. Searched online, couldn't locate anything, my search string is likely incorrect. Anyone know of a source?

Have a flat plastic card type, they are useful at times but hard to fit where space is limited.

I must no be the only one looking for something like this, have seen more than one "clipped" off the mount at local Advanced Auto Part Zones, cable left dangling with nothing attached.

Thanks,
Q

TCJatko · Aug 30, 2015

QueBota said:
Not sure if this is the correct forum or title.

Most auto parts stores have one hanging in the nut/bolt area. Different size/thread pitch/count fittings hanging on a cable.

Enables you to check you bolts/nuts against theirs to verify what you have.

Home Depot/Lowes also have them, typically flat mounted in the nut/bolt isle. Normally they are worthless as everyone who has used it has cross threaded/forced the wrong size/pitch/count onto the test fitting.

Would like to have a set on a cable in the shop, would save me a lot of time. Searched online, couldn't locate anything, my search string is likely incorrect. Anyone know of a source?

Have a flat plastic card type, they are useful at times but hard to fit where space is limited.

I must no be the only one looking for something like this, have seen more than one "clipped" off the mount at local Advanced Auto Part Zones, cable left dangling with nothing attached.

Thanks,
Q

Try this: Wall Mounted Thread Checker (Measure Pitch & Diameter of Nuts, Bolts, Screws) - Hardware Nut And Bolt Sets - Amazon.com

QueBota · Aug 30, 2015

Thanks TC, that's heading in the right direction. Ideally, I'm looking for male/female versions of all of those loose or on a cable like the auto parts stores. Sometimes the fitting (stud, bolt or bore) in question is on the side of an engine block or other area that isn't easily accessible. Would be nice to have an assortment of fasteners to test fit in those situations.

My neighbor suggested going to the local industrial supply house and buying one each of every "common" nut/bolt they sell, labeling bags or a board and placing them in their respective locations. Considering that, could get a bit pricey.

He also suggested using my tap and die set set to determine size/pitch/count. My tap and die set is of modest size, not sure how much coverage that would provide.

Pardon my ignorance, they have the cable mounted set on the bottom of the Amazon page in their "Frequently Bought Together" area. I think that is what I want, will need to take a closer look this evening.

Q

TCJatko · Aug 30, 2015

Looks like that string of doohickeys on the cable will work fine.

ecbaatz · Aug 30, 2015

If you have a tap and die set you can use that to find out the sizes, just don't make new threads.

Or the string one on amazon.com

Nut & Bolt Thread Checker (Metric) - Hardware Nut And Bolt Sets - Amazon.com

Nut & Bolt Thread Checker (SAE/Inch) - Tap And Die Sets - Amazon.com

QueBota · Aug 30, 2015

Thanks guys, going to read the reviews this evening after I'm done with chores, hard to believe but I'm a little behind, still have a bunch of firewood to split and stack. I think I'll take them off the wire or at least clip the end so I can use them one at a time, I could see were fishing the whole set into a tight location could be difficult.

Understand RE Tap and die, I have cutting taps and dies, chasing taps and dies and flat bottom taps for blind holes.

This is one of the best forums on the web, a virtual country store, sitting around the pickle barrel/checker board with fellow members. The depth and breadth of practical knowledge here is second to none. Reminds me of my old barber shop back in rural PA. More guys hanging out and BS'ing than getting haircuts. Owner used to pull our legs, "Would be nice if someone actually got a haircut, I'm not running a social club", as he put on another pot of coffee. He's now 84 and still running a social club/barber shop, $6.00 per cut, and he will trim your nose hair and does a tremendous hot shave! He still apologizes for raising the price from $5.00. I get a haircut, (what's left), whether I need one or not, every time I go back Home.

Q

Mace Canute · Aug 31, 2015

Why not just get a decent pitch gauge?

QueBota · Aug 31, 2015

I ordered the SAE and Metriic sets last night, will probably remove or modify the cable for ease of use. I have several pitch gauges of different types. I think the male/female threaded fittings will be easier to use when access/sight is limited. Also faster when sorting through my numerous coffee cans of fasteners. If nuts and bolts were worth a $1 a piece, I would be in good shape.

I had an Amazon "they screwed up my last order" credit and with free shipping total cost will be less than $40.00. Considering what I have spent on tools over my first 55 years, that's not too much. My son should be using them long after I'm gone, along with the rest of my tools. Plus it will be two new tools for my neighbor to borrow, he always likes it when I get new tools

Thanks,
Q

Gem99ultra · Aug 31, 2015

I have the cable mounted thread checker from Amazon... Love it. It has saved me numerous times from jamming in a metric bolt into a SAE nut. Very convenient tool to have around.