Lee Valley’s most recent newsletter featured a new nut and bolt thread identifier tool that they’ve just begun carrying. From now until January 24th, the tool is being offered for $13.50, and the regular price is said to be $18.50.
What makes this set different than many of the other similar products on the market is how it incorporates both nut and bolt identification studs in a very compact and economically priced package.
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The tool plate is tapped for 10 national coarse sizes, 10 national fine sizes, and 8 metric coarse sizes. Enaged in each of the 28 tapped holes are matching removable knurled-head studs that can be used to identify threaded nuts.
When engaged in the plate, the studs can be used for nut sizing and identification. When removed, the studs can be used to identify and size the thread of fixed-position tapped holes, and to allow the plate to be used for the identification of unknown bolt sizes.
Thread I.D. Nut & Bolt Identifier via Lee Valley
While this tool is not mind-blowingly amazing, it is innovative enough to provide an advantage over similar nut and bolt sizing tools, not to mention that it is quite affordable at less than $20.
uthscsaedu
It appears to be out of stock until March 19. Seems like a good idea.
Stuart
Hmm, I’m seeing the same thing when we try to checkout. I suppose that these sets were in far higher demand than the manufacturer had intended.
Superautobacs
Uh-oh, I’ll have to purchase this one when the store gets replenished!
Thanks for mentioning this, Stuey.
wantedabiggergarage
Removing a stud, to check a thread size? I am not sure that is a good idea personally. Ever have an oddball metric bolt that is close enough to a standard (mess up the threads)? Do you ever set something down, for “just a minute”?
Rockler has the balls with the stud on one end, and the hole on the other. McMaster Carr, has a much LARGER board with more sizes. This seems too homebrew for me.
Stuart
Wantedabiggergarage, you may have a point there. For checking the thread of tapped holes that would be difficult to repair if damaged, a thread pitch gauge is definitely a safer bet. Still, as long as the user is gentle and doesn’t force a threaded stud into a hole, the risk of damage to the thread *should* be minimal.
You also make a good point about the risk of setting the studs down for “just a minute.”