Aluminum tubes are available in various sizes, shapes, and alloys. To select the best option for certain uses, let’s take a closer look at the aluminum tubing sizes (round, square, and rectangular), manufacturing process, materials, uses, and comparison with other tubes. What Is Aluminum Tubing and Its Uses? Aluminum tubing is a type of hollow metal with long, slender shapes made from aluminum, which is one of the most common metals on Earth, and is known for being soft, flexible, and resistant to rust or corrosion because it forms a protective layer on its surface. Aluminum tubes are w......

Carriage bolts are a common fastener in woodworking and construction. Their unique design and installation advantages make them a practical choice for many projects. This article covers the Carriage bolt definition, available dimensions, grades, mechanical properties, recommended torque, typical uses, and how they compare to lag bolts. What is a Carriage Bolt? A carriage bolt is a type of fastener commonly used in woodworking and construction projects. It features a smooth, rounded head and a flat underside, with a square neck just beneath the head. This unique design allows th......

A sprocket is a core part for power transmission and chain management in motorcycles, conveyors, and all sorts of machinery. The choice of sprocket affects how your equipment performs, how often you need to service it, and how your chain and drivetrain feel on the road or in the factory. Today’s topic is sprocket catalogue – types, specs (mounting, chain standard, hub, profile, material, and key sizes), uses, customer priorities, and design. What Is a Sprocket? A sprocket is a profiled wheel with teeth that mesh into a chain track or other perforated device in ord......

The nut in hardware refers to a type of typical fastener that features a threaded hole. What are the different types of nuts to choose from, and what are their applications? In this guide, we’ll get into an in-depth overview of various fastener nuts along with standard nut size charts, metric/imperial dimension standards, and how to use them properly (installation, anti-loosening, torque, etc.). Different Types of Hardware Nuts and Their Uses Hardware or mechanical nuts come in many different shapes and types, each designed for specific uses in machines and structures. Most nuts......

Among various screw thread forms, knuckle thread is an uncommon type. This article will break down knuckle thread with its shape/form, uses, angle, standard, drawing, and dimensions (pitch & diameter) chart specified by DIN 405 and DIN 20400. What Is a Knuckle Thread? The Knuckle thread, also called round thread or RD thread, is a type of screw thread form known for its smooth, rounded shape. Unlike most threads that have sharp edges, knuckle threads have big, curved crests and roots. This unique design creates plenty of space between the thread parts, which helps dirt, dust, and oth......

Have you ever wondered how to make sure your screws go in smoothly without damaging the material? That’s where a pilot hole comes into play. Pilot holes are a fundamental part of many manufacturing and assembly processes. They help ensure that parts fit together accurately and securely. When you are working on a woodworking project or assembling complex machinery, drilling an accurate pilot hole for your project can make a significant difference in the quality of your work. So before you drive in the fastener, make sure to know what size pilot hole to have precision holes for your......

The thread geometry is defined with different sizes in various standards. As a classic thread system, Unified Series includes UNC, UNF, UNR, and UNS. In this article, we’ll introduce the basics of UNS threads (designation meaning, reading, full form, angle, standard, and fit classes) and list the UNS thread chart with the dimensions (diameter, pitch, TPI, and tap drill sizes) specified in ASME B1.1. What Is a UNS Thread? – UNS Thread Meaning and Full Form The UNS thread, with the full form being Unified Special Thread, is a designation from one of the major screw thread systems now......

Keyed connections are achieved by cutting keyways on the shaft and hub and inserting a component called a “key”. Although small in size, the shaft key plays a significant role in mechanical transmission. A key is a mechanical element used to fix rotating shafts and gears. It is primarily used to transmit torque by securing components circumferentially on the shaft. Some keys also provide axial fixation or allow for axial movement, such as the connection between gears and shafts in reducers. While not a prominent part, keys are crucial in power transmission. So today, letR......