If you use thread gages to measure the leads and/or pitches of screw threads, then you probably already know that using these gages can be somewhat tricky. In fact, no matter how much experience you have with thread gages, it's still common to run into problems or issues. Fortunately, though, with practice and a little research, most problems can easily be figured out. Here, we've provided some useful tips for dealing with your thread gages and for handling common issues that come up. If you can follow these tips, you should have good success with using your thread gages.
Don't Force It
One of the very first rules that you need to be aware of when it comes to using your thread gage is to never, under any circumstances, force your gage into the screw thread part that you are attempting to check.
Doing so is either going to be impossible, end up breaking the screw thread or the thread gage, or give you inaccurate results. If a part doesn't fit the way that it is supposed to, then this is a pretty good indicator that you are not using the right thread gage for the job. While this can be a frustrating thing to discover, the only real way to do things right is to stop what you're doing, determine and locate the proper thread gage you need to use, and then begin the process again.
Clean All Part Dimensions Thoroughly
Another thing that you will want to keep in mind is that, before gaging any part dimensions, you absolutely need to clean them thoroughly. When you do so, you will want to make sure that you also check for and remove any burrs.
If you fail to properly complete this step, then you will likely run into gaging interference, which can disrupt the entire process of measuring using the thread gage.
Store Your Thread Gages Correctly
Finally, when you are done using your thread gages, you will want to make sure that you store them correctly, ideally in a case somewhere where they cannot fall, come into contact with corrosive materials, or otherwise sustain damage.
Not storing them properly can cause holes, deformities, and other problems that, while they may appear slight, can keep the thread gage from working properly the next time that you attempt to use it.
If you can follow these simple tips, then you should not run into problems when using your thread gages. Talk to a company like WEST port Corporation for more tips.
