Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers

18
ISO metric precision hexagon bolts, screws, and nuts are covered by BS 3643 and ISO
272. The Standard includes washer faced hexagon head bolts and full bearing head
bolts. In both cases there is a small radius under the bolthead which would not nor-
mally be shown on drawings, due to its size, but is included here for completeness
of the text. With an M36 bolt, the radius is only 1.7 mm. Bolts may be chamfered
at 45 at the end of the shank, or radiused. The rounded end has a radius of approxi-
mately one and one-quarter times the shank diameter and can also be used if required
to draw the rolled thread end. The washer face under the head is also very thin and for
an M36 bolt is only 0.5 mm.
Fig. 18.1A shows the bolt proportions and Table 18.1 the dimensions for bolts in
common use. Dimensions of suitable nuts are also given and illustrated in Fig. 18.1B.
Included in Table 18.1 and shown in Fig. 18.1C are typical washers to suit the
above bolts and nuts and these are covered by BS 4320. Standard washers are available
in two different thicknesses, in steel or brass, and are normally plain, but may be
chamfered.

Hexagon head
A/C

Df
D

washer faced
d2
d1

A/F Length H

S S

Full bearing (C) Form A Form B

head
11 D
Rolled thread end 4

(A)
A/C

D
30º
Chamfer
optional
A/F T t

(B)
Fig. 18.1 Proportions of bolts, nuts and washers. A/C means across corners. A/F means across
flats. (A) Hexagon head precision bolts. (B) Precision nuts and thin nuts. (C) Bright washers.

Manual of Engineering Drawing. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-818482-0.00018-9

Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Table 18.1 Dimensions of commonly used bolts, nuts and washers.

Width
Nominal size Minor across Width Diameter Height Thickness Thickness Washer Washer Washer Washer
thread Thread diameter corners (A/ across of washer bolt of normal of thin nut inside outside thickness thickness
diameter D pitch of thread C) flats (A/F) face D head H nut T t diameter diameter form A form B

M1.6 0.35 1.1 3.5 3.01.0 1.251.7 4.0 0.3

M2 0.4 1.4 4.5 4.01.5 1.52.2 5.0 0.3
M2.5 0.45 1.9 5.5 5.01.75 2.02.7 6.5 0.5
M3 0.5 2.3 6.0 5.5 5.0 2.0 2.253.2 7.0 0.5
M4 0.7 3.0 8.0 7.0 6.5 2.75 3.04.3 9.0 0.8
M5 0.8 3.9 9.0 8.0 7.5 3.5 4.05.3 10.0 1.0
M6 1.0 4.7 11.5 10.0 9.0 4.0 5.06.4 12.5 1.6 0.8
M8 1.25 6.4 15.0 13.0 12.0 5.5 6.5 5.0 8.4 17 1.6 1.0
M10 1.5 8.1 19.5 17.0 16.0 7.0 8.0 6.0 10.5 21 2.0 1.25
M12 1.75 9.7 21.5 19.0 18.0 8.0 10.0 7.0 13.0 24 2.5 1.6
M16 2.0 13.5 27.0 24.0 23.0 10.0 13.0 8.0 17.0 30 3.0 2.0
M20 2.5 16.7 34.0 30.0 29.0 13.0 16.0 9.0 21.0 37 3.0 2.0
M24 3.0 20.0 41.5 36.0 34.5 15.0 19.0 10.0 25.0 44 4.0 2.5
M30 3.5 25.5 52.0 46.0 44.5 19.0 24.0 12.0 31.0 56 4.0 2.5
M36 4.0 31.0 62.5 55.0 53.5 23.0 29.0 14.0 37.0 66 5.0 3.0
Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers 223

Table 18.1 gives dimensions of commonly used bolts, nuts, and washers so that
these can be used easily on assembly drawings. For some dimensions maximum
and minimum values appear in the Standards and we have taken an average figure
rounded up to the nearest 0.5 mm and this will be found satisfactory for normal draw-
ing purposes. Reference should be made to the relevant Standards quoted for exact di-
mensions if required in design and manufacture.

Drawing nuts and bolts

It is often necessary to draw nuts and bolts, and a quick and easy method is required to
produce a satisfactory result.
Nuts and bolts are not normally drawn on detail drawings unless they are of a spe-
cial type. They are shown on assembly drawings and, provided they are standard stock
sizes, are called up in parts lists and schedules. A description of the head, the thread
and the length are generally sufficient. Templates are available for drawing nuts and
bolts and can be recommended for their time saving advantages.
It is conventional drawing practice to show, as first choice, nuts and bolts in the
across corners position if a single view only is illustrated since this is instantly
recognizable.

Approximate construction for nuts and bolts (Figs. 18.2

and 18.3)
Stage 1
1. Draw a circle in the plan position, 2 D in diameter, where D is equal to the thread size. In this
example let us assume that the thread size is M20.
2. Draw a hexagon inside the 40 mm diameter circle and inside the hexagon draw another circle
tangential to the hexagon on the six sides. This circle is the projection of the chamfer which
can be seen on the front elevation.
0.8D

W
W

2D

Fig. 18.2 Stage 1.

224 Manual of Engineering Drawing

Fig. 18.3 Stage 2.

3. The nut thickness is 0.8 D. Project the four corners of the hexagon to the front elevation.
4. Project three corners of the hexagon in the end elevation and note that the width of the end
elevation is given by dimension W.
5. Line in the projected diameter of the chamfer circle and the base on the front elevation.
6. As an approximation, draw a radius to show the chamfer on the front elevation. The radius
should equal the thread size D.
7. Add the female convention to the plan view.

Stage 2
1. The projection of the curve on the chamfered faces of the hexagon that lie at an angle would
produce ellipses in the front elevation. In their place we usually show small circular arcs; their
radii can be found by trial, but are approximately 0.25 D.
2. The end elevation of the nut has square corners and the projection of the corner which
coincides with the center line terminates at the bottom of the chamfer curve.
3. Complete the view by drawing circular arcs on the two chamfered faces. Find, by trial, the
radius of an arc which will touch the top of the nut and the projection lines from the corner
in the front elevation.
Reference to Fig. 18.1A and B will show that the constructions in Figs. 18.2 and
18.3 can be used for the bolthead and locknut where proportions for thickness can
be approximated to 0.7 D and 0.5 D.
For exact dimensions however, please refer to Table 18.1.

Socket head screws manufactured to BS EN ISO 4762 and

BS 3643-2
It is often required to draw these screws and although the head type and the length are
generally quoted in parts lists it is necessary to know the proportions of the head.
Dimensions follow for each of the most commonly used screws.
Before specifying screws, it is advisable to consult a manufacturers’ list for avail-
ability. In the interest of standardization and economy, designers are urged to use stock
Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers 225

lengths wherever possible and standard lengths of screws include the following: 3, 4,
5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120,
130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, and 200 mm. If lengths over 200 mm are required,
then increments of 20 mm are the preferred ISO lengths. It should be understood that
not all diameters of screw are available in the above lengths. For example, the range of
lengths for an M3 screw lies between 5 and 35 mm, and for an M10 screw between 12
and 100 mm for one particular type of head. The same range will also not cover
different types of head, hence the necessity to check stock lists (Fig. 18.4).

ISO metric hexagon socket cap screws (dimensions in

Table 18.2)
These screws are distinguished by square knurling on the heads. Generally, the lengths
of standard screws increase in increments of 5 and 10 mm, but the exact range should
be checked from the manufacturer’s catalog.

ISO metric hexagon socket shoulder screws (dimensions

in Table 18.3)
See Fig. 18.5.

ISO metric hexagon socket button head screws

(dimensions in Table 18.4)
See Fig. 18.6.
A

Thread
K length J

H Screw length

Fig. 18.4 ISO metric hexagon socket cap screw. Dimensions in Table 18.2.
226 Manual of Engineering Drawing

Table 18.2 Dimensions of metric socket cap screws.

Nominal size D M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 M10 M12 M16 M20

Head diameter A 5.5 7 8.5 10 13 16 18 24 30

Head depth H 3 4 5 6 8 10 12 16 20
Key engagement K 1.3 2 2.7 3.3 4.3 5.5 6.6 8.8 10.7
Socket size J 2.5 3 4 5 6 8 10 14 17

Table 18.3 Dimensions of metric hexagon socket shoulder screws.

Screw thread diameter D M5 M6 M8 M10 M12

Nominal shoulder diameter B 6 8 10 12 16

Head diameter A 10 13 16 18 24
Head height H 4.5 5.5 7 8 10
Socket size J 3 4 5 6 8
Nominal thread length L 9.75 11.25 13.25 16.4 18.4
Key engagement K 2.45 3.3 4.15 4.92 6.62
A

K
J
H L Lt

Fig. 18.5 ISO metric hexagon socket shoulder screws. Dimensions in Table 18.3.

Table 18.4 Dimensions of metric socket button head screws.

Nominal size D M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 M10 M12

Head diameter A 5.5 7.5 9.5 10.5 14 18 21

Head depth H 1.6 2.1 2.7 3.2 4.3 5.3 6.4
Key engagement K 2 2.5 3 4 5 6 8
Socket size J 1.04 1.3 1.56 2.08 2.6 3.12 4.16
Fillet radius
Feminimum 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.25 0.4 0.4 0.6
demaximum 3.6 4.7 5.7 6.8 9.2 11.2 14.2
S 0.38 0.38 0.5 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers 227

S L

da
A

D
K F J

Fig. 18.6 ISO metric hexagon socket button head screws. Dimensions in Table 18.4.

ISO metric hexagon socket countersunk head screws

(dimensions in Table 18.5)
The basic requirement for countersunk head screws is that the head should fit into a
countersunk hole with as great a degree of flushness as possible. Fig. 18.7 and
Table 18.5 give dimensions. To achieve this it is necessary for both the head of the
screw and the countersunk hole to be controlled within prescribed limits. The
maximum or design size of the head is controlled by a theoretical diameter to a sharp
corner and the minimum head angle of 90 . The minimum head size is controlled by a
minimum head diameter, the maximum head angle of 92 and a flushness tolerance.
The edge of the head may be flat, as shown in Fig. 18.8, or rounded but not sharp edged
(see below).

ISO metric hexagon socket set screws (dimensions in

Table 18.6)
These screws are available with a variety of pointed ends. In all cases the overall length
includes the chamfer at the socket end and the point.
Table 18.5 Dimensions of metric hexagon socket countersunk head screws.

Nominal size D M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 M10 M12 M16 M20

Head diameter
A e maximum 6.72 8.96 11.2 13.44 17.92 22.4 26.88 33.6 40.32
B e minimum 5.82 7.78 9.78 11.73 15.73 19.67 23.67 29.67 35.61
Head depth H 1.86 2.48 3.1 3.72 4.96 6.2 7.44 8.8 10.16
Socket size J 2 2.5 3 4 5 6 8 10 12
Key engagement K 1.05 1.49 1.86 2.16 2.85 3.60 4.35 4.89 5.49
Fillet radius
F e minimum 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.25 0.4 0.4 0.6 0.6 0.8
d e maximum 3.4 4.5 5.5 6.6 9 11 14 18 22
228 Manual of Engineering Drawing

F
9 0°

da
A

D
B

K Lt

H
Fig. 18.7 ISO metric hexagon socket countersunk head screws, Dimensions in Table 18.5.

90°

Theoretical sharp Sharp corners

removed
Min. Head Dia.
Flushness
tolerance
92°
Maximum
profile
Minimum
profile
Fig. 18.8 ISO metric hexagon socket countersunk head screws, head details. Dimensions in
Table 18.5.

Q
Y°

(A) (B)

90° 118°
C
C

90°

(C) (D)
Fig. 18.9 ISO metric hexagon socket set screws (A) Cone point (B) Dog point (C) W point (D)
Cup point. Dimensions in Table 18.6.
Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers 229

Table 18.6 Dimensions of metric hexagon socket set screws.

Nominal size D M3 M4 M5 M6 M8 M10 M12 M16 M20

Socket size J 1.5 2 2.5 3 4 5 6 8 10

Key engagement 1.2 1.6 2 2.4 3.2 4 4.8 6.4 8
K
Dog point 2 2.5 3.5 4.5 6 7 9 12 15
diameter P
Dog point length 0.88 1.12 1.38 1.62 2.12 2.62 3.12 4.15 5.15
Q
Cup point and ‘W’ 1.4 2 2.5 3 5 6 8 10 14
point diameter
C

Machine screws
Head shapes for machine screws have been rationalized in BS EN ISO 1580 and BS
EN ISO 7045. For the purpose of this British Standard, the generic term screws applies
to products which are threaded up to the head or having an unthreaded portion of the
shank.
The length of the thread is defined as the distance from the end of the screw, and this
includes any chamfer, radius or cone point, to the leading face of the nut which has
been screwed as far as possible onto the screw by hand. Note on the illustrations which
follow that in the case of the countersunk head types of screw, the length of the screw
includes the countersunk part of the head. For pan and cheese head screws, the screw
length does not include the head.
The Standard should be consulted for manufacturing dimensional tolerances, and
also for concentricity tolerances for the heads of the screws.
The illustrations which follow show each of the screws and tables are also given
showing the dimensions of regularly used sizes.
The sizes quoted in the tables are for screws manufactured in steel. Standard screws
are also available in brass but generally the range is not quite so extensive.
For all of the machine screws illustrated here, the countersunk head types have an
included angle of 90 (Figs. 18.9e18.17).
‘Posidriv’ Machine Screws, Countersunk and Raised Countersunk Head (Dimen-
sions in Table 18.7).
‘Posidriv’ Machine Screws, Pan Head (Dimensions in Table 18.8).
Slotted Machine Screws, Countersunk and Raised Countersunk Head (Dimensions
in Table 18.9).
Slotted Machine Screws, Pan Head (Dimensions in Table 18.10).
Slotted Machine Screws, Cheese Head (Dimensions in Table 18.11).
230 Manual of Engineering Drawing

Fig. 18.10 Typical socket screws and wrench.

H
D

Fig. 18.11 Countersunk head.

H
D

Fig. 18.12 Raised countersunk head.

H L
D

Fig. 18.13 Pan head.

Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers 231

d
Fig. 18.14 Countersunk head.

H
D

Fig. 18.15 Raised countersunk head.

H L
D

Fig. 18.16 Pan head.

H L
d
D

Fig. 18.17 Cheese head.

Machine screw nuts

A range of machine screw nuts is covered by BS EN ISO 1580 and BS EN ISO 7045
and these nuts are manufactured in two different patterns: square and hexagon. The
relevant table shows typical nuts for use with the screws previously described
(Table 18.12 and Figs. 18.18 and 18.19).
 232
Table 18.7 Dimensions of metric posidriv countersunk and raised countersunk head machine screws.

Diameter Diameter of Depth of head Driver Length

d head D H number L

M2 4.40 1.20 1 4 5 6 8 10 12
M2.5 5.50 1.50 1 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25
M3 6.30 1.65 1 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25
M3.5 7.35 1.93 2 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30
M4 8.40 2.20 2 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30
M5 10.00 2.50 2 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
M6 12.00 3.00 3 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
M8 16.00 4.00 4 12 16 20 25 30 40 50 60

Manual of Engineering Drawing

M10 20.00 5.00 4 16 20 25 30 40 50 60
 Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers
Table 18.8 Dimensions of metric posidriv pan head machine screws.
Diameter Diameter of Depth of head Driver Length
d head D H number L

M2 4.00 1.60 1 4 5 6 8 10 12
M2.5 5.00 1.75 1 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25
M3 6.00 2.10 1 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25
M3.5 7.00 2.45 2 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30
M4 8.00 2.80 2 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30
M5 10.00 3.50 2 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
M6 12.00 4.20 3 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
M8 16.00 5.60 4 16 20 25 30 40 50
M10 20.00 7.00 4 20 25 30 40

233
 234
Table 18.9 Dimensions of slotted countersunk and raised countersunk machine screws.

Diameter Diameter of Depth of Length

d head D head H L

M2 4.40 1.20 5 6 8 10 12
M2.5 5.50 1.50 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25
M3 6.30 1.65 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
M3.5 7.35 1.93 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60
M4 8.40 2.20 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70
M5 10.00 2.50 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70 80
M6 12.00 3.00 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70 80 90
M8 16.00 4.00 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70 80 90

Manual of Engineering Drawing

M10 20.00 5.00 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 70 80 90
 Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers
Table 18.10 Dimensions of metric slotted pan head machine screws.
Diameter Diameter of Depth of Length
d head D head H L

M2 4.00 1.20 4 5 6 8 10 12
M2.5 5.00 1.50 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25
M3 6.00 1.80 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
M3.5 7.00 2.10 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
M4 8.00 2.40 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
M5 10.00 3.00 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 70 80
M6 12.00 3.60 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 70 80
M8 16.00 4.80 10 12 16 20 25 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
M10 20.00 6.00 16 20 25 30 40 50 60 70

235
 236
Table 18.11 Dimensions of metric slotted cheese head machine screws.

Diameter Diameter of Depth of Length

d head D head H L

M2 3.80 1.30 3 4 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25
M2.5 4.50 1.60 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30
M3 5.50 2.00 4 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
M3.5 6.00 2.40 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70
M4 7.00 2.60 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70
M5 8.50 3.30 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70 80 90
M6 10.00 3.90 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70 80 90
M8 13.00 5.00 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70 80 90

Manual of Engineering Drawing

M10 16.00 6.00 16 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70 80 90
Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers 237

Table 18.12 Machine screw nuts, pressed type, square and hexagonal.
Width across corners
e
Nominal size of nut d Width across flats s Square Hexagon Thickness M
M2 4.0 5.7 4.6 1.2
M2.5 5.0 7.1 5.8 1.6
M3 5.5 7.8 6.4 1.6
M3.5 6.0 8.5 6.9 2.0
M4 7.0 9.9 8.1 2.0
M5 8.0 11.3 9.2 2.5
M6 10.0 14.1 11.5 3.0
M8 13.0 18.4 15.0 4.0
M10 17.0 24.0 19.6 5.0
s
d

e
m
Fig. 18.18 Square nut.
d

s
m
Fig. 18.19 Hexagon nut.

Wing nuts
Fig. 18.20 shows the dimensions of preferred sizes of wing nuts manufactured in brass
or malleable iron by a hot stamping or casting process (Table 18.13).
An alternative wing nut is available in brass or malleable iron and manufactured by
cold forging.
238 Manual of Engineering Drawing

B
E J

D G

Small rad

C
in corner
F
Alternative H
Thread wing shape A
size
Fig. 18.20 Sizes are in Table 18.13.

Table 18.13 Dimensions of metric wing nuts.

Thread size A B C D E F G H J

M3 9 6.5 7 13.5 22 19 3.5 2.5 1.5

M4 and M5 10 8 9 15 25.5 19 4 2.5 1.5
M6 13 9.5 11 18 30 19 5 2.5 1.5
M8 16 12 13 23 38 19 6.5 3 2.5
M10 17.5 14 14 25.5 44.5 19 7 5 3
M12 19 16 15 28.5 51 25.5 8 5 3
M16 25.5 20.5 19 36.5 63.5 32 10 6.5 5

Locking and retaining devices

The function of a locking device is to prevent loosening or disengagement of mating
components which may be operating under varying conditions of stress, temperature,
and vibration. The effectiveness of the locking device might be vital to safety.
One of the simplest locking devices is a locknut and these are generally thin plain
nuts which are tightened against ordinary plain nuts or against components into which
male threaded items are assembled. To ensure efficient locking, the bearing surfaces of
the nut and component must bed together evenly and the correct degree of tightness
obtained by applying the designed torque loading. The locknut should not be
overtightened as this may result in the stripping of the nut threads or overstressing
of the male component. In cases where rotation can occur, the plain nut must be
held stationary while the locknut is tightened (Fig. 18.21).
Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers 239

0,75D

DD
RA
φD
0,1D
Bolt length

DD
RA
D

D
RAD
0,5D
2D + 5 mm

Fig. 18.21 Bolts, nut, and locknut.

Slotted nuts and castle nuts

One method of preventing nuts from coming loose is to drill the bolt and use a pin
through the assembly. Suitable nuts are shown in Fig. 18.22. Slotted nuts are available
for sizes M4 to M39 and have six slots. Castle nuts are also available with six slots
between sizes M12 to M39 and eight slots between sizes M42 and M68. For conve-
nience in drawing both types of nuts, the total thickness can be approximated to the
thread diameter plus 2 mm. The dimensions for the hexagons can be taken from
Table 18.1.
Slotted nuts are reusable but difficult to apply where access is limited.

Simmonds locknut
This type of locknut incorporates a collar manufactured from nylon or fiber and the
collar is slightly smaller in diameter than the internal thread diameter. The section
in Fig. 18.23 shows the collar in black. On assembly, the stud or bolt forces its way
240 Manual of Engineering Drawing

(A) (B)
Fig. 18.22 (A) Slotted nut. (B) Castle nut.

Fig. 18.23 Simmonds nut.

through the resilient collar which provides a frictional lock. The locknut is a little
thicker than a conventional nut.

Spring washers
This type of washer is produced as a single or a double coil spring. The cross-section is
rectangular. Generally this type of washer dispenses with the simple plain washer
although a plain washer can be used at the same time with assemblies where the
component is manufactured from relatively soft-light alloys. The free height of double
coil washers before compression is normally about five times the thickness of the steel
section (Table 18.14 and Fig. 18.24).

Shakeproof washers
This type of washer is generally made from spring steel and serrations are formed on
either the internal or external diameters. These serrations then bite into the pressure
faces between the nut and the component when the nut is assembled. Some slight dis-
figuration of the component may result on assembly but this is of little significance
except where anti-corrosion treatment of the component surface has previously been
carried out. Some screws are pre-assembled with conical lockwashers which are
free to rotate but do not come off (Fig. 18.25).
Toothed lockwashers combat vibration and are especially suited to rough parts or
surfaces.
Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers 241

Table 18.14 Double coil rectangular section spring washers to BS 4464.

Free
Nominal thread Maximum inside Maximum outside Thickness height
diameter diameter I/D diameter O/D S H

M2 2.4 4.4 0.50 2.50

M3 3.6 6.2 0.80 4.00
M4 4.6 8.0 0.80 4.00
M5 5.6 9.8 0.90 4.50
M6 6.6 12.9 1.00 5.00
M8 8.6 15.1 1.20 6.00
M10 10.8 18.2 1.20 6.00
M12 12.8 20.2 1.60 8.00
M16 17.0 27.4 2.00 10.00
M20 21.5 31.9 2.00 10.00
M24 26.0 39.4 3.25 16.25
M30 33.0 49.5 3.25 16.25
M36 40.0 60.5 3.25 16.25

0/D
H
S

I/D

Fig. 18.24 Spring washer.

Wire locking
Non-corrodible steel and brass wire, of the appropriate gauge, are normally used for
wire locking. Generally, a hole is provided for this purpose in the component to be
locked and the wire is passed through and twisted. The lay of the wire between the
anchorage and the component must always be such as to resist any tendency of the
locked part or parts to become loose.
Fig. 18.26 shows the plan view of a pressurized cylinder and the cover is held down
by four bolts which are wire locked. The operation is performed with a single strand of
242 Manual of Engineering Drawing

(A) (B)

Lockwasher with external teeth

Dished-type washer with toothed periphery

Lockwasher with Single-coil

internal teeth washer
Fig. 18.25 Types of locking washer. (A) Flat form. (B) Dished type.

Fig. 18.26 Example of wire locking four bolts.

Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers 243

wire. The wire is passed in sequence through the holes in the bolts and the ends are
twisted together to tension the wire loop. Note that in order to become loose, the bolts
must turn in an anticlockwise direction but this will have the effect of increasing the
tension in the wire loop. The locking wire should only be used once.

Tab washers
Tab washers are thin metal washers designed with two or more tabs which project from
the external diameter. On assembly, a tab is bent against the component or sometimes
into a hole in the component. Other tabs are then bent up against the correctly tightened
nut. Another pattern has a tab projecting from the inside diameter and this is intended
to fit into a slot machined in the bolt, while the external tabs are again bent against the
flat sides of the nut. The deformation of the tab washer is such that it is intended to be
used only once.
Three different types of tab washer are shown in Fig. 18.27, together with a typical
assembly.

Locking plates
Locking plates are manufactured usually from mild steel and fit over hexagonal nuts
after these have been tightened on assembly. The locking plate is then secured on
the component by a separate screw which may itself be fitted with a shakeproof or
spring type of washer.
Locking plates may be used repeatedly, provided they remain a good fit, around the
hexagon of the nut or the bolthead. Locking plates may be cranked, as in Fig. 18.28 or
flat.
Fig. 18.29 shows a selection of locking terminals where a ‘shakeproof’ washer and
a soldering lug are combined into one unit, thus saving assembly time. The locking
teeth anchor the terminal to the base to prevent shifting of the terminal in handling,
while the twisted teeth produce a multiple bite which penetrates an oxidized or painted
surface to ensure good conductivity. All three types of locking terminal are generally
made from phosphor bronze with a hot-tinned finish.

Taper pins and parallel pins

Taper pins, with a taper of 1 in 50, and parallel pins are used on both solid and tubular
sections to secure, for example, levers to torque shafts and control rods to fork ends.
Some taper pins are bifurcated, or split, and the legs can be opened out for locking.
Plain taper pins and parallel pins may also be locked by peening. To prevent slackness,
244 Manual of Engineering Drawing

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D) Tab washer assembly

Fig. 18.27 Examples of tab washers.
Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers 245

Fig. 18.28 Typical locking plate for a hexagonal nut.

(A)

(B)

(C)
Fig. 18.29 Locking terminals. (A) Flat type. (B) Bent type. (C) Flat-wing type.
246 Manual of Engineering Drawing

these pins are assembled in accurate reamed holes. Undue force should not be used
during the peening process or the security of the fittings may be impaired if the pin
is bent.
Fig. 18.30A shows part of a lever which is fixed to a hollow operating shaft by a
bifurcated taper pin. On assembly, a hole is drilled which is slightly smaller than
the diameter at the small end of the taper pin and this is enlarged by a taper pin reamer
so that the small end of the taper pin, when pushed through the assembly, is flush with
the surface. The pin is then driven into position. If the pin is of the bifurcated type, then
the legs are spread to form an included angle of about 60 . Fig. 18.30B shows the same
operating lever assembled, but using a parallel pin, which has been peened over after
ensuring that the component is adequately supported.
Fig. 18.31 shows the general shape of a taper pin. Parallel sides are substituted for
tapered sides in parallel pins.

Split cotter pins

Ferrous and non-ferrous split cotter pins are covered by BS 1574. The designating size
of a split cotter pin is the size of the hole for which it is intended to fit. When reference
is made to a split cotter pin in a parts list, this nominal dimension is followed by the
length required. The closed legs of the shank of the pin form a circular cross-section.

(A)

(B)
Fig. 18.30 Application of taper and parallel pins.
Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers 247

R≈d

R≈d

d a

Fig. 18.31 Taper pin details.

b Nominal length L a
x
c

d
x Enlarged view on
section XX

Alternative shape of Alternative shape of

eye permissible end permissible

Fig. 18.32 Proportions of split cotter pins to BS 1574.

The legs should be straight and parallel throughout their nominal length. Fig. 18.32
shows alternative pins in detail (Table 18.15).
Exact dimensions are given in BS 1574 but for drawing purposes, the following
extracts will be useful where the maximum allowable sizes for dimensions a, b, c,
and d are quoted. Many standard lengths are obtainable for each pin size and as a rough
guide between 5 and 25 times the shank diameter.

Locking by adhesives
Small components found in, for example, instruments and switches may be locked by
the application of Shellac, Araldite, Loctite, or similar materials. Shellac and Loctite
are usually applied to the threads of nuts, bolts, screws and studs and the components
are assembled while still wet. The parts should be free from grease to achieve
maximum strength. Araldite is applied to the outside of the nut face and the protruding
screw thread, after tightening. Araldite is an adhesive which hardens, after mixing,
within a specified time period.
248 Manual of Engineering Drawing

Table 18.15 Split cotter pin dimensions.

Shank Outside Length
Nominal diameter of pin diameter diameter of eye Length extended
(hole) diameter d C of eye B prong a

1.0 0.9 1.8 3.0 1.6

1.2 1.0 2.0 3.0 2.5
1.6 1.4 2.8 3.2 2.5
2.0 1.8 3.6 4.0 2.5
2.5 2.3 4.6 5.0 2.5
3.2 2.9 5.8 6.4 3.2
4.0 3.7 7.4 8.0 4.0
5.0 4.6 9.2 10.0 4.0
6.3 5.9 11.8 12.6 4.0
8.0 7.5 15.0 16.0 4.0
10.0 9.5 19.0 20.0 6.3
13.0 12.4 24.8 26.0 6.3

Peening
This operation prevents re-use of the screw or bolt but locking can be carried out by
peening over about 11/2 threads. This practice can be used in the case of screwed pivots
and a simple example is often found in a pair of scissors. In the case of nuts and bolts,
peening is carried down to the nut to prevent it from slackening.
Countersunk screws may be locked by peening metal from the surroundings into
the screw slot. This practice is sometimes adopted when the thread is inaccessible.

Thread-cutting screws
‘Shakeproof’ thread-cutting screws made from carbon steel are subjected to a special
heat-treatment which provides a highly carburized surface with a toughened resilient
core. The additional strength provided enables higher tightening torques to be used,
and will often permit the use of a smaller size thread-cutting screw than would
normally be specified for a machine screw. Thread-cutting screws actually cut their
own mating thread; in any thickness of material a perfect thread-fit results in greatly
increased holding power, extra vibration-resistance, and a faster assembly.
The hard, keen cutting edge produces a clean-cut thread, from which the screw can
be removed, if desired, without damage to screw or the cut thread. The most suitable
Nuts, bolts, screws, and washers 249

drill sizes for use with these screws are generally larger than standard tapping-drill
sizes, but this apparent loss of thread engagement is more than offset by the perfect
thread-fit obtained.
Both the screws shown in Fig. 18.33 are interchangeable with standard machine
screws. Type 1 is recommended for use in steel and non-ferrous sheet and plate,
and they are manufactured with a wide shank slot and are eminently suitable for
paint-clearing applications, as they completely eliminate the need for expensive pre-
production tapping of painted assemblies. Type 23 screws incorporate a special
wide cutting slot with an acute cutting angle for fast, easy thread-cutting action and
ample swarf clearance. These screws are specially designed for application into soft
metals or plastics where a standard thread form is required.
The Type 25 thread-cutting screw has a specially spaced thread form which is
designed for fast efficient fastening into plastics and sheet-metal applications
(Fig. 18.34).
Fig. 18.35 illustrates a ‘Teks’ self-drilling screw which, with a true drilling action,
embodies three basic operations in one device. It (1) prepares its own hole, (2) either
cuts or forms a mating thread, and (3) makes a complete fastening in a single operation.
These screws consist of an actual drill point to which a threaded screw-fastener has
been added. Several different head styles are available. During the drilling stage,
Teks must be supported rigidly from the head. Some bench-mounted, automatically
fed screwdrivers provide a holding means which retracts as the screw is finally driven
home. Other drivers connect with the fastener only through the bit or socket. A good-
fitting Phillips or Posidriv bit will normally drive several thousands of these screws,
and a hex socket, for hex-head designs, will drive even more.
For long screws or applications requiring absolutely guaranteed driving stability, a
special chuck is available which holds the screw with three fingers and retracts upon
contacting the work surface. These screws are suitable for fastening sheet steel of 16
gauge, or thicker, within 5 s maximum while using a power tool.
Fig. 18.36 shows alternative head styles available for thread-cutting screws.
The examples and dimensions of nuts, bolts, screws and washers given here are
intended especially to be of use to students engaged on design projects. There are,
however, literally hundreds of industrial fastening systems available, associated with

Type 1 Type 23

Fig. 18.33 Type 1 and 23 thread cutting screws.

250 Manual of Engineering Drawing

Fig. 18.34 Type 25 thread-cutting screw.

Fig. 18.35 ‘Teks’ self-drilling screw.

(A) (B)

(C) (D) (E) (F)

Fig. 18.36 (A) Slotted round. (B) Slotted pan. (C) Slotted cheese. (D) Slotted fillister. (E)
Pozidriv flange. (F) Posidriv pan.

automobile, construction, electronics and aerospace developments. Manufacturers’

catalogs are freely available to provide technical specifications and necessary details
for designers. One further advantage of CAD systems is that such information can
be used to build a library of useful data and drawings, which are invaluable, where
contract drawings use a repetition of similar parts.