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Not all threads are cut in the same direction. Left hand and right hand threads can be misidentified at first sight. A simple visual check can help avoid any costly missteps. While standing at the face of the connection, look down on the thread. If the thread groove appears to rise up from the bottom […]
Inspecting the minor diameter on rotors can be done easily with Gagemaker. For measuring the minor diameter, you have two options based on the number of lobes/peaks: Even number of lobes (2, 4, etc.) The “valley to valley” measurement can be achieved using an Minor MIC gage (MM-06). The contact balls ride in the valleys […]
Per API 7-2, the shoulder contact face is required to be plane and square with the thread axis within 0.002″. You can detect a severely out-of square shoulder by sweeping a thread profile template up the thread’s helix until it butts up against the face of the shoulder. A visible or measured gap in excess […]
When setting functional roll gages to zero, it’s smart practice to record the revolution count as seen on the small dial of the indicator. Place a small piece of masking tape on the metal plate beneath the indicator, and record the rev count. This ensures you don’t machine your part one or more rev counts […]
Thread inspection using thread rolls make a lot of sense when you have a better understanding of how it all works. Both the PG-6000 and RG-7000 gages use 2 thread rolls that are precision ground to seat into the thread form and contact the thread at the pitch line.The gages are preset and zeroed to […]
Verifying that the faces of your TF-1Fs or TF-Pls are mounted parallel can be done with point extensions and a 0.250″ ball. Attach the ball to the point extension(s). Bring the blocks together and zero the MIC TRAC. Open the blocks and place the ball against a corner of the fixed block’s face. Bring the […]
For zeroing pitch diameter gages on an internal rod standard, Gagemaker recommends using our new RSV fixtures to align the contact points enabling easier, consistent, repeatable zeros. Normally to zero the gage, you must sweep the point on the standard in two directions to obtain the lowest possible indication. To consistently find the ideal setting […]
The best practice for setting an MRP® crest diameter gage is using a MIC TRAC™ or a dedicated rod standard.* In a pinch however, gage blocks or an OD micrometer can work. For box threads, the “A” dimension (distance over the shoes) can be set using an OD micrometer preset to the proper dimension*. For […]
Pitch diameter (PD) on an API R or RX ring groove cannot be directly measured. However, the PD can be easily obtained with a simple calculation. Find the specified pitch diameter (per the design print or API/ANSI spec), add the BX-1000 deviation of the major diameter, and then subtract the BXG-1000 deviation of the groove […]
When using a rod standard or gauge blocks to set the “B” dimension (the distance between the shoe and the wear pad) on an MRP, shoe and arm position are crucial. To ensure proper position when locking an arm, place and hold your finger on the shoe against the standard instead of holding the arm. […]