Large Screw or use a washer
Large Screw or use a washer
(OP)
Hello great knowledge of this forum. I have a simple question, where I work, we assemble stuff. We have 2 options with out product one with a 6-32 thru hole and one with a 10-32 thru hole. We use the same bracket for both parts that has a 6-32 threaded hole. Now the issue that has come up is, is using a 6-32 screw with a washer for the 10-32 bracket equivalent to drilling out the hole to a 10-32 and using a 10-32 screw.
Personally I really don't see an issue with using the washer method. it does reduce the number of unique screws. that's about it.
there is little force on the screw, so material strength does not need to be factored in.(if the screw experiences 2 lb of force, that would be a lot)
Hardware like screws and washers are not inventoried so there is no worry about messing with that.
If you have any other questions let me know.
Personally I really don't see an issue with using the washer method. it does reduce the number of unique screws. that's about it.
there is little force on the screw, so material strength does not need to be factored in.(if the screw experiences 2 lb of force, that would be a lot)
Hardware like screws and washers are not inventoried so there is no worry about messing with that.
If you have any other questions let me know.





RE: Large Screw or use a washer
Scroll down to washer info:
Link
Chris, CSWA
SolidWorks '15
SolidWorks Legion
RE: Large Screw or use a washer
RE: Large Screw or use a washer
http://www.mcmaster.com/#92235A504
Flanged button heads also available - but on 6/32 the hex is a bit small and prone to stripping especially if someone uses a ball end wrench.
"is using a 6-32 screw with a washer for the 10-32 bracket equivalent to drilling out the hole to a 10-32 and using a 10-32 screw"
Obviously not, but if your application doesn't see any load the 6-32 and associated clamp force generated is adequate then I don't see the problem.
I end up using undersized fasteners with unloaded off the shelf items all the time to minimize the different types of screw used in assemblies (or because the good folks that supply a lot of off the shelf stuff with mounting holes don't believe in allowing for tolerances in mating part).
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Large Screw or use a washer
I have seen screws snap (without a load designed into it) by simply changing to a smaller screw because the engineer thought it would be either more convenient or make more space on the part.
Whatever the design is, you need to figure out the screw size based on the load it will see.
Chris, CSWA
SolidWorks '15
SolidWorks Legion
RE: Large Screw or use a washer
Thank you for your help on this matter. I know it was a simple question, but it was appreciated.
RE: Large Screw or use a washer
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Large Screw or use a washer
How do you install a 10-32 UNF screw into a 6-32 UNC threaded hole?
Using a 6-32 UNC screw in the larger diameter hole designed for a 10-32 UNF screw and using an oversize washer to bridge the gap seems rather amateurish. If a 10-32 screw will fit, then I would suggest the correct approach would be reworking the mating part to accept the 10-32 screw so that everything looks like it belongs. You and your company should take some pride in the products you produce. Do what's best rather than what is cheapest and most expedient.