Bolts are held in place by friction. When screwing in a bolt, friction is created between the flanks of the internal and external threads. This is the so-called, self-locking, frictional connection. However, if too much force is applied when tightening the bolt, or if the thread has not been carefully made, the thread can be damaged or even stripped. Provided a few guidelines are followed, producing a hard-waring thread should be straightforward. Thanks to Helmut Mevenkamp from Rorup in Münsterland, Germany, for his tips and help in producing this article. He was a mechanical engineer and R&D mechanic for more than 40 years.
What is a standard thread?
Before we get down to tapping we should get a few basicsthreads, which have a flank angle of 60°. These threads have flat crests and rounded roots or grooves.
