Featured:
Allergies
Grilling Guide
eHow Now Blog

How to Read Metric Bolts

Many metric bolts denote the use of metric measurements with an "M" at the start of the bolt designation, such as "M9x1.2x15." Metric bolts list measurements in millimeters. Besides using metric measurements, a metric bolt uses the distance between the threads rather than the thread pitch, used in American measurements, which is the number of threads per inch.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the diameter of the bolt by looking at the first number. For example, if the metric bolt was M14x1.5x25, it would have a diameter of 14 millimeters.

    • 2

      Determine the distance between threads by looking at the second number. For example, if the metric bolt was M14x1.5x25, it would have 1.5 millimeters between threads.

    • 3

      Determine the length of the metric bolt by looking at the third number. For example, if the metric bolt was M14x1.5x25, it would have a length of 25 millimeters.

    • 4

      Look on the bolt head for the number denoting the strength of the bolt. The bigger the number, the stronger the bolt.

Tips & Warnings

  • Do not try to use metric and American bolts together. They will not fit exactly.

Suggest item

Related Searches:

References

Comments

You May Also Like

  • Difference Between Metric & Standard Bolt Sizes

    American bolts are designed in United States customary system units like inches. Yet the majority of the international market is defined by...

  • How to Identify Metric Bolts

    Some, but not all, metric bolts are identified with an "M" at the start of the bolt sizing information, such as "M8...

  • How to Measure Nuts & Bolts

    Bolts commonly use four types of measurement, while nuts use only two. Bolts are measured in length of shank, bolt head size,...

  • How to Convert a Metric Bolt to a US Thread

    Metric bolts are characterized by grade, diameter, thread pitch and length in metric units, which were developed in France and formalized as...

  • How to Measure Metric Bolts

    Metric bolts differ from American bolts in the way that they are measured. The most significant difference is that American bolts use...

  • How to Read a Screw Thread Callout

    Unlike self-tapping screws, machine screws need be carefully matched in both length and thread pitch to their intended holes or nuts. A...

  • How to Read Screw Sizes

    Screw sizes are written in an alphanumeric code that can be difficult to decipher if you're not familiar with the system. Sequences...

  • Dimensions of Metric Bolts

    Dimensions of Metric Bolts. Although by their very nature, the exact dimensions of metric fasteners vary with the size needed for the...

  • Metric Bolt Tightness Specs

    Metric Bolt Tightness Specs. Regardless of the type of bolt, the tightness that a bolt requires -- its torque -- is essential...

  • How to Measure Bolt Size

    There are six pieces of information that describe the measurement of a bolt. These are: diameter, thread pitch, shank length, grade, head...

  • How to Measure Metric Screw Threads

    Metric screws are measured differently than American screws. In addition to using metric units, instead of measuring threads per inch, the metric...

  • How to Buy Metric Bolts

    Metric bolts are sized based on their diameter, thread width and length. Some are also labeled according to their strength. Metric bolts...

  • How to Read Metric Motorcycle Tire Sizes

    You might think you need a special decoder ring to decipher the numbers on the side of your motorcycle's tires. It might...

  • How to Size a Metric Screw

    By using a few simple measuring tools and referencing the metric screw dimension charts, you can size a metric screw according to...

  • Metric Screw Thread Specifications

    Metric Screw Thread Specifications. Metric screw threads have been an international standard (ISO 68-1) since 1947. It was one of the first...

  • Metric Torque Specifications for Bolts

    Metric bolt sizes are listed according to diameter, distance between threads and length. A bolt might be listed as 12 x 1.75...

  • How to Calculate the Metric Bolt Torque

    Torque ratings are important when using bolts or other fasteners to prevent overtightening or compromising the integrity of the metal. The metric...

  • How to Convert Metric Threads to English Threads

    Metric and English screw threads are two different systems of standardization for screws and bolts. Both systems characterize screws by two main...

  • How to Read a Metric Micrometer

    When measuring things like the inside radius of a tube or the diameter of a sphere, a micrometer will give you a...

Related Ads

thumbnail
Featured