Need the correct nuts for these bolts!

tizzle6560

Hi all,

This might seem like a really easy problem but I recently bought some 'vintage' copper bolts on ebay, that I'm going to use in a set up to change the handles on our kitchen cupboards.

The bolts are described as 3/8"-16, round head - photo below

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ybsfguvrf9f4su9/bolts.jpg?dl=0

And so I need to identify the right nuts to go with them. Are all bold thread patterns the same/ universal or does it differ massively?

Thanks!

Kiran

You need a thread gauge to determine the thread. Other than that take it to a builders merchants with a proper fasteners and fixings department or trial and error. The thread does look like it might be whitworth.


Just re read your post, does the ebay listing not say/will the seller not tell you what the thread is?

tizzle6560

Kiran wrote: »

You need a thread gauge to determine the thread. Other than that take it to a builders merchants with a proper fasteners and fixings department or trial and error. The thread does look like it might be whitworth.


Just re read your post, does the ebay listing not say/will the seller not tell you what the thread is?

The only other info I have says

Thread Count (TPI): 16

Does that narrow it down at all?

martinthebandit

Somewhere on one of the industrial estates in your nearest town will be a bolts and fastenings type place, take one of your bolts in and ask.

If they are anything like my closest one, the bloke behind the counter will say something unintelligible but involving the words whitworth, v thread, x number to the inch etc, just nod and then he will fetch the exact ones you need from the shelves behind him.

happybiker

Those 'bolts' are actually electrical earthing studs, but that's bye the bye.


If of USA origin, the nuts you require will be 3/8 UNC


If of UK origin, the nuts you require will be 3/8" BSW ( also known as Whit, or Whitworth)


They will interchange, but poorly.


I have enlarged the dropbox photo and looked at the thread shape, my opinion is that they are Whitworth thread. this is now obsolete and rarely used but should be available over the internet, especially Ebay as some classic car and motorcycle owners still require them.


Order 3/8" BSW and they will be correct.


Hope that helps

tizzle6560

happybiker wrote: »

Those 'bolts' are actually electrical earthing studs, but that's bye the bye.


If of USA origin, the nuts you require will be 3/8 UNC


If of UK origin, the nuts you require will be 3/8" BSW ( also known as Whit, or Whitworth)


They will interchange, but poorly.


I have enlarged the dropbox photo and looked at the thread shape, my opinion is that they are Whitworth thread. this is now obsolete and rarely used but should be available over the internet, especially Ebay as some classic car and motorcycle owners still require them.


Order 3/8" BSW and they will be correct.


Hope that helps

They are from the US as had to get them mailed over so should I therefore go for 3/8 UNC or would the 3/8" BSW do the job as well?

Thanks again

happybiker

3/8" UNC will be a lot easier to obtain as they are still used over there on US cars and Motorcycles ,there will be more choice. Go for the correct nuts. Plenty available off Ebay




Whitworth will work but will be tighter to thread on

Kiran

This is how we used to match threads http://www.green-oval.com/data/zeus.pdf


Having looked I think it probably is UNC

tizzle6560

happybiker wrote: »

3/8" UNC will be a lot easier to obtain as they are still used over there on US cars and Motorcycles ,there will be more choice. Go for the correct nuts. Plenty available off Ebay




Whitworth will work but will be tighter to thread on

So something like this potentially - https://www.accu.co.uk/en/flanged-hexagon-nuts/382656-HSN-3-8-16-A2?uk_google_shopping=1&c=3&gclid=CKavmrzQ3swCFe4y0wodUQsGsg

Also would you recommend me using a washer as well? If so, this the right one = https://www.accu.co.uk/en/flat-washers/37110-HPW-3-8-A2

Thanks!

happybiker

Flanged nuts are good if biting against wood, personally, I wouldn't use serrated faced ones though, plain face is better and you can put a bit of nail varnish on the threads to help stop the nuts coming undine.


Plain nuts and washers will do the job just as well but of there is a risk of anyone catching their hands on the threads when in position, I would consider using dome nuts.


any 3/8" or 10mm washer would be suitable if you wish to go that way

tizzle6560

happybiker wrote: »

Flanged nuts are good if biting against wood, personally, I wouldn't use serrated faced ones though, plain face is better and you can put a bit of nail varnish on the threads to help stop the nuts coming undine.


Plain nuts and washers will do the job just as well but of there is a risk of anyone catching their hands on the threads when in position, I would consider using dome nuts.


any 3/8" or 10mm washer would be suitable if you wish to go that way

The nuts will be secured on the inside of standard kitchen cupboard doors, the copper bolts will be visible on the outside, so maybe the flanged ones (without washers) would be suitable then?