Hardware and Measuring Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering hardware components, threaded fasteners, measurement tools, and mechanical assembly standards from the Lecture.

Fasteners

Metal assemblies often held together by these components, which typically allow for repeated assembly and disassembly for repairs or modifications.

Bolt

A type of fastener intended to be tightened or loosened that must be paired with a nut or an internally threaded hole.

Screw

A type of fastener that threads itself into a part.

Thread

A ridge of uniform section in the form of a helix.

Internal Thread

Threads located on the inside of a part, such as a nut, which are cut using a tool called a tap.

Threads Per Inch (TPI)

The method for measuring Imperial or Inch size threads.

Thread Pitch

The distance between threads in $mm$, used to measure metric threads.

Drive type

The specification that defines what tool is used to tighten or loosen a bolt or screw, such as Hex/Allen or Torx.

Socket Head

A bolt head style recommended for sizes $8$ and smaller because it uses larger allen keys and strips less easily than button heads.

Flat head (countersink)

The exception to bolt length measurement; these are measured from the threaded end to the top of the head.

Jam nut

A thinner version of a standard nut.

Standoff

A component that can be thought of as a "long nut" with internal threads on both ends.

Rivet

A semi-permanent means of attaching flat surfaces that must be removed by drilling out and destroying the fastener.

Mandrel

The long end of a rivet assembly that is gripped by a rivet gun to install the fastener.

Grip range

The overall thickness that a rivet is designed to hold together.

Washer

A component placed under a bolt head or nut to spread the load, protect the surface, or ensure a firm fasten.

Lock washer

A circular piece, such as a helical spring or toothed variety, used to prevent a nut or screw from moving due to vibration.

Spacer

A component used on shafts or bolts that has no internal threads.

Key

A component, usually square, that fits into a slot on a shaft called a "keyway" to keep pulleys and gears from rotating around the shaft.

Setscrew

A fastener like a bolt without a head used to constrain objects to shafts; they often do not hold up in high-torque situations.

Retaining ring (Snap ring)

A springy metal ring that fits into a machined groove to hold shafts in place, typically manipulated using snap-ring pliers.

Shoulder bolt

A fastener with a smooth, tight-tolerance body and a smaller diameter threaded section at the end, used to create a pivot point.

Team 341 Standard Hardware

Standard bolt sizes and threads including $1/4"-20$, $10-32$, $8-32$, $6-32$, and $4-40$.

Precision and Accuracy

In measurement, a high degree of both is desired; low accuracy results in wasted time and money if parts must be remade.

Steel rules

The formal name for rulers, ranging from $1"$ to $48"$ in length; users should not measure from the end unless there is a "knee."

Decimal-inch rule

A ruler that measures more precisely than fractional versions, often dividing $1$ inch into $100$ parts (each division = $0.01"$).

Squares

Tools used for layout and checking work where the beam and blade form a right angle.

Spring caliper

A "helper" tool with no scale used for comparing "inside" or "outside" dimensions; it cannot be used by itself to determine a measurement.

Calipers

A versatile, accurate tool with moveable jaws used for measuring inside, outside, and depth dimensions.

The Hex or Allen drive has a hexagonal socket, allowing for high torque.

The Torx drive features a star-shaped socket for improved torque transfer.

The Slotted drive has a straight, flat socket, but is more prone to slippage.

The Phillips drive has a cross-shaped socket designed for better grip.

The Pozidriv drive has additional slots for improved engagement.