How to Measure Bolts, Nuts and Screws Using a Thread Gauge Size Tool

[@mayflowertrillium]

Thanks! After decades as a DIYer, I learned something new here; namely, that the fastener length is "whatever goes into the hole". So, for flat-head machine screws, the official way is to measure the *whole* length. Not a big deal if you're taking a sample screw to the store to match, but is important if you're ordering without a screw to match.

[@nickwee258]

It's 5am here and I've been trying to catch up on my drone setup videos when I came across this. Very informative and well-explained! Your effort is much appreciated.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Thank you! I do the research and put in the time to make these videos as informative as possible!!

[@richardM980]

Very helpful, had a gauge for sometime but never really knew how to use it till now!

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Right! They’re super useful and most people don’t know how to use the whole thing! Glad you found our video!! Thanks for the comment!

[@Oxcart19-s8r]

Nice demonstration of how to use this sizing tool. I have a similar version, but wasn't sure I was using it correctly.

[@gregpflaum]

You checked the thread pitch wrong. The ridges are above the labels, but you tested the ones below. For example, at 3:29 you say "I'm going to come over to the 13 and try that", but you use the ridges _below_ the 13. The ridges for 13 thread pitch are actually above the "13" label. At 5:28 you say 18 but are actually on 20.

[@LChalifoux]

Thanks for pointing out that detail - you saved me some confusion and aggravation.

[@Leib33]

Very hand tool. Cleverly and concisely designed, also great concise presentation as well. Edit: Oops, meant to write "handy tool" but I guess my meaning came through. Thanks much.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Hey awesome, I’m glad you found this helpful! We try our best to make our videos clear and concise.

[@highcotton63664]

After wasting time on google searching for the answer w no luck this was just what I needed, THX!!!

[@m.n.q.1670]

Great explanation of all the functions available, better than other videos. 👍

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@kdao1007]

awesome video, just what i need. Great step by step instructions. Thank you!! will be buying a few of these for each tool box. Invaluable knowledge

[@maurohernan031]

Thank you and have a blessed day.

[@beowolfso.6096]

Do you offer this gage made out of metal? as you rocked the bolt back and forth checking the TPI, all I could think is given enough time the plastic will wear off.

[@majorhavoc9693]

Certified fastener specialist. Hmmm...righty tighty, lefty loosey. Here's your diploma! Good luck out there!

[@freda1078]

Thank you for the printable table, lost mine last week.

[@PrincernPrince]

So i have a hole that I need a bolt for. How do I find what bolt the hole takes? Any measuring devices for that?

[@Youtube_deleted_my_favourites]

I've just bought one of these, so this video gives me much joy

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Awesome glad this helped! Thank you for watching!!

[@chetandongre1631]

name of the product?

[@eyaleyal9495]

Hi, Thank you for your video. I bought a ruler very similar to this one (seems exactly the same one, but I bought it elsewhere without a logo). 1. In your pdf file inch table, what units are the 0 to 10 in the bolt diameter (it can’t be multiples of inch, the holes in the red ruler 4 to 10 in the inch line are way too small for that) ? 2. In the ruler I have, the size of the metric holes don't fit what it says. For example, the hole 12mm measures 11.5mm (used my caliper), 22mm measures 21.5. I was wondering if yours measures the same ? 3. Is this ruler also good for wood screws ?

[@karakantouvalos]

Thanks for the lesson. Nice, clear and to the point.

[@eezyclsmooth9035]

Well done video . Learned a lot of things I didn't know but always wanted to. Thanks.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Thank you!!

[@MikeF031]

Extremely helpful and direct. Thank you for this.

[@mariarusso3790]

Hello Mike how are you doing today. Hope you have a nice weekend 😊

[@spevakdesigns]

Learning about markings on bolt heads goes a long ways also. If you see three or 6 lines evenly spaced in a radial pattern on the bolt head that's an sae grade 5 or grade 8 respectively. Graded metric bolts will have 5.8, 8.8, 10.9 or 12.9 stamped on the head. On a flathead screw the angle of the countersink is also an indicator. 90 deg is metric and 82 deg is SAE.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Totally agree! You know your stuff!!

[@Leib33]

Thanks for that info. Definitely added to my knowledge base. I'm 68 and always welcome learning something new.

[@rihamy2nd]

@3:20 This is “your tool” that you offer, yet you use it improperly when gauging thread pitch. Instead of 20 you were using the 24 pitch gauge, and for the 13 you were using the 14 and it was kind of obvious that, even though you said it fit into the gauge, it wasn’t quite in. I get it that this is just a demonstration, but it’s things like this that make me question the quality of the product when the spokesperson for said product doesn’t even demonstrate it properly.

[@richhamel6810]

That was extremely informative and useful. Thank you.

[@gargaj]

Thanks, just got one of these tools myself, and I wasn't sure if the bolt diameter was "the hole it fits in snugly" or "the one it no longer fits in" because of the threads themselves.

[@jaimedpcaus1]

Nice! I often go to the hardware store and eye balling things. Now I'll be more prepared, thanks. 😉

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Glad you found this video! Sounds like you’ll be saving time and money! Let us know if we can be of further assistance. Sincerely, Andy

[@jaimedpcaus1]

@@BoltsandNutscom Thank you!

[@alexpocs8649]

Thanks for all you do.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Alex, thank you for watching!!!

[@keithtristansenarillos5669]

Could you also make a video about how to measure drill bit sizes?

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Yes, great idea!

[@rotarythread]

This is really cool, it will come in handy for future projects!

[@pianodocSDA]

Excellent presentation! Now I know how to use this tool! Thanks so much!

[@babarentals2941]

This whole time i would screw it in thinking that we the fit. I need this gauge. Awesome vid!

[@BoltsandNutscom]

😬thank you!

[@remorgan8280]

Well done presentation. I liked it a lot. Cordially, RE Morgan Decatur, GA

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Thank you very much!!

[@NickConteSC]

Thanks for explaining the use of that nifty tool! Very useful!

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Hi Nick, I’m glad you found it helpful! Thank you for watching!!

[@danielcecena15]

Great video Andy! Thank you

[@wilkstertwins]

Great video. Demonstrations were easy to follow.

[@SoAnswerAway]

Just bought your tool on Amazon. Thank you. Can't wait to use it.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Thank you!

[@oncenterline]

Good video and gauge. Also, it might help to use the correct thread pitch when confirming whether or not the bolt is fine or coarse.

[@BVonBuescher]

Would it kill you to do at least ONE metric example?

[@youcanthide004]

lol

[@dbgith]

Yes. They’ve attempted it. Many have been killed as a result.

[@PrincernPrince]

Why its the same process

[@leeenfield4900]

He mentions the gage has both Metric and Imperial capabilities within the first 90 seconds.

[@mezmerizer0266]

It's the same thing with whole numbers.

[@rggivens8775]

Yes! Thank you, I have a lot of fasteners I need to measure.

[@209chevymon]

what about socket head cap screws aka allen bolts how are those measured

[@Pygar2]

I have a graphite part with 3/16 holes in it- what diameter bolt might fit well?

[@miguelsalazar3239]

Can you check metric nuts?

[@KillRbee0218]

Where do I get one

[@williamc2930]

Now I understand! Easy! Thanks.

[@slapenta100]

Excellent tool and presentation, thanks!

[@rajukhokhani6221]

from where available ? and price ?

[@ohaya1]

Super useful, thank you!

[@keithnichols396]

Ty you thaught me something i wondered about and you taught me how to use the guage

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Awesome Keith, I’m glad it helped! Thanks! Andy

[@Kevscancave]

Great information absolutely enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@darnellbourassa1081]

What size nut driver will I need for the 1/2 bolt to fasten?

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Hi, a standard 1/2” diameter hex nut will require a 3/4” wrench size. (That can vary if you are using a different style nut.). I hope that helps, thank you for you inquiry!

[@Noblepasimov]

Thank you, very well presented.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Hi Malcolm - thank you so much, that really means a lot. I’m glad you found this helpful! - Andy

[@buzoff4642]

Okay nuts and bolts experts, a question from a novice house maintainer. My mower has a countersunk hex bolt and I need to go buy a tool to take it out to clean underneath. How do I know what size driver to buy? I can't take it out to measure it, as I have no tool to do so.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Sounds like you are looking for a set of hex keys or allen wrenches. They generally come in a set, hopefully one of those is them. You might also be able to check with the manufacturer. I hope that helps!

[@buzoff4642]

@@BoltsandNutscom Thanks. Did exactly that, got a Kobalt set, worked well. Have a good day.

[@jacobpayne7265]

This is a serious question but how did you become “certified” is there a course you can take?

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Yep! @andytheboltguy is certified by the Fastener Training Institute!

[@MrBrenluke]

What if you pick up a metric nut, will it confuse someone to think that it might be imperial after using the gauge?

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Metric nuts have a different diameter, so they will not fit or be loose. They may also have a Metric grade mark, to help initially. I do agree with what you are saying though- anything is possible.

[@helloall3977]

Is this tool a must have for bike mechanics? I would like to gift this to someone

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Absolutely!

[@ChickenPermissionOG]

what if you have an uncommon tpi

[@zythum999]

I'm looking to size some small screws for a guitar. Will this product work for that? Thanks in advance.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Hi, I believe guitar screws are very tiny. This may not be good for something that small.

[@cookie-in6ls]

I don't feel like you measured a screw? I have a wall plug and a screw and I want to know which drill bit I would need to use. I have the measuring gauge you have but still did not figure out what drill bit I need :(

[@WBG123098]

Screws don't have a set number for thread pitch, the only things that matter with screws is drive type (PH2, T25 etc) and length. The diameter and thread pitch, thus nearly the entire purpose of this thread gauge tool, does not apply to screws. What would he check on a screw with this tool that you were hoping to see?

[@frankhoward8321]

Where can I get a gauge in the UK.

[@Kurosaki02061]

Thank You !

[@SwazNasty]

What size screw fits into the standard 5?

[@evo6swap]

Thank you awesome information

[@BoltsandNutscom]

No problem, thank you for watching!

[@drewd7824]

Great video!!

[@a.caution.hairy.tail.]

Thank you ! I just got one of these off Amazon and everything written on the package wasn't English and on a good day I can barely speak that

[@HsingSun]

How about metric M8-1.25, how many thread?

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Hi Sunshine, M8-1.25 is the diameter and pitch. The last thing you would be looking for is length. I hope that helps, if not please reach out so we can assist you further. Sincerely, Andy

[@chrisduke4039]

You guys need too sponsor Jimmy oakes he is in desperate need of your expertise from little Chris in the UK

[@soupkup9377]

What if I need to measure a threaded hole from a second hand dresser?

[@buzoff4642]

I used drill bits for that. I use the one that slides in fairly good fit, then hold it up against screws, to pick out one that the spiral is just a bit larger than the width of the drill bit.

[@daveb8679]

Excellent. Thank you

[@jerrycapizzi2081]

this was very helpful, thanks

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Awesome glad this helped! Thank you for watching!!

[@adzijderlaan7070]

Good tool. metric bolts have a number on the head. 4.6 8.8 10.9 12.9 that indicates the material properties. (See google)

[@mayeri3083]

Seems to be out of stock. Would love to pick up a few templates. When you guys restocking?

[@tristantaus4556]

Thank you I need to buy one of these

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Awesome! Thank you for watching!

[@muhammadakmal3693]

very good video

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy B&N, ... Thanks ... COOP the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA ...

[@videoarchiveman]

great video 👌

[@1987whitez]

Good video! . When i seen your video went purchase one of these good to have around.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Hi JP the Z, can you tell me more about your issue when trying to figure out the size? I might be able to help further. Thanks Andy

[@1987whitez]

@@BoltsandNutscom Of course when using the thread pitch for either metric or inch cannot fine one with the correct groove

[@frankjames4743]

A 10mm bolt needs a 10mm wrench. What size wrench is needed for a 3/8 bolt? That is a nice gauge,

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Hi Frank, a 10mm bolt wrench size can very between the different types. Generally when someone says a 10mm bolt, they are referring to the thread diameter and not the wrench size. If you let me know exactly what bolt you are looking at, I can look into it further. Thanks for watching and your comment!

[@frankjames4743]

@@BoltsandNutscom Thank you for your response and informative video. What I am irked about is we still having to purchase two different sets of socket, wrenches, impact sockets and so on. I think I am finally understanding part of my confusion. When I say the bolt is 3/8, the shaft diameter is 3/8, but the head of the bolt and wrench required is 9/16, one size larger. Thanks again for helping me and others get a handle on this. peace

[@carrytrainer.editor3321]

Hot Damn! That's awesome. Sold!

[@OrangeManStan]

So what would have happened if it was a metric nut? I suppose it would be slightly loose. Not great though

[@BoltsandNutscom]

I don’t recommend measuring metric nuts with this gauge, it only measured inch nuts. If you have a matching metric bolt you can figure the pitch and diameter, and then run the nut on the bolt. That my little work around for that. Let me know if I can be of further assistance. Thanks for watching!

[@383lt1impala]

This is awesome. Thanks I’ll be buying a few gauges.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Awesome thank you for watching!

[@fargoneurtoo3384]

Excellent ! TY.

[@KJAAICH2]

Thank you very usefull !!!

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Awesome I’m glad you found this useful!! Thanks for watching!!

[@johnnichols432]

Thank you.

[@MarlonSanchez123]

Thank you

[@papabear4066]

Thanks

[@makaveli2tt]

Very good presentation. Thanks for sharing

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Hi Elijah, thank you for the compliment and watching!

[@johncoleman1935]

Should have done some metric. SAE is easier for the us in the states; metric still a bit of a mystery for bolts and nuts

[@JAI45624]

GOOD VIDEO

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Thank you!

[@notta3d]

Nice tool.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@mikenco]

Odd that your gauge says "USA thread pitch". Imperial isn't 'merican :) ..also, all new American cars (and most everything technical) are all built using Metric! Cool tool BTW!

[@buzoff4642]

Likely due to the Euro owners of "American car" companies.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

American fastener standards are all written in inch measurements. (IFI, SAE, ASTM, etc). Thread pitch for imperial standards are measured in TPI or threads per inch which come from American standards. These gauges measure USA thread pitches & Metric for non American fastener standards (DIN, JIS, Etc). Most nations have their own standards concerning fastener dimensions.

[@peha524]

Metric is so much easier.

[@leeenfield4900]

That be why 90% of the world use Metric fasteners, volume, length and torque measures...

[@zoozolplexOne]

cool!!

[@trangia12]

You should have mentioned “Grade” also.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

We will have a separate video for grades. This was more-so how to measure. Thank you for watching!

[@gravl1]

And I’ve been measuring the size of my nuts the wrong way all this time.

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Awesome glad this helped! Thank you for watching!! 😂

[@lulutileguy]

little one then little bigger then little more bigger then off to the hardware store cause never have the right one or the washer

[@alpeshpatel2986]

GOOD

[@BoltsandNutscom]

Thank you

[@vm2901]

@@BoltsandNutscom Hi! Great video. I think @3.23 you are checking 24 tread... Regards

[@MrThemold]

Not a ruler! It is a scale.

[@marylamb6063]

My car has a lot of 13 mm bolts.

[@jaylawson8535]

You don't include the threads portion of the bolt in your length. Only the shank (grip length). The grip length will change with every bolt size. A 6" bolt will have the same amount of threads as a 9" bolt but the 9" bolt will have a longer grip length. The grip length (shank) is the portion of the bolt that is the same thickness of whatever material you are bolting. Bad video.

[@madetohelpyou]

Funny that you didnt show-case the Metric portion etc. So the explanation is Half $^& which is poorly done. Do it right or not at all. Most people will be using metric bolts more than anything

[@maurohernan031]

Blessings, John 3:16. Jesus loves you.

[@samyswry7497]

Why are you when talking you moving your hane