I BRITISH STANDARD BS 84:1956

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Specification for
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Parallel screw threads
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of Whitworth form
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  : UDC 621.882.082.2
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   I BS 84:1
84:195 956 6
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Co-operating organizations
  p
  o
   C
   d The Mechanical Engineering Industry Standards Committee, under whose
  e
   l
   l supervision this British Standard was prepared, consists of representatives
  o
  r
   t from the following Government departments and scientific and industrial
  n organizations:— 
  o
  c
  n  Admiralty*
   U  Air Ministry*
 ,  Associated Offices’ Technical Committee
   6
   0  Association of Consulting Engineers (Incorporated)
   0 British Chemical Plant Manufacturers’ Association
   2 British Compressed Air Society
   0 British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association*
   0
  : British Engineers’ Association*
   0
   0 British Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers’ Association
  + British Iron and Steel Federation
   T British Railways, The British Transport Commission*
   M Central Electricity Authority and Area Boards
   G Crown Agents for Oversea Governments and Administrations
   1 D.S.I.R. — Mechanical Engineering Research Laboratory*
   1
  : Engineering Equipment Users’ Association*
   1
   2
  :
Gas Council
   4 High Commission of India
   0 Institute of Marine Engineers
   7 Institute of Petroleum
   2 Institution of Civil Engineers
   t
  c Institution of Gas Engineers
   O Institution of Heating and Ventilating Engineers
   i
  r Institution of Mechanical Engineers*
   F Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Automobile Division)
 ,
  y
   t
Institution of Production Engineers*
   i Locomotive and Allied Manufacturers’ Association*
  s
  r Ministry of Fuel and Power
  e
  v
   i Ministry of Labour and National Service (Factory Department)
  n Ministry of Supply*
   U Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation
   k Ministry of Works
  n National Coal Board
  a
   B National Physical Laboratory
   h Radio Industry Council*
   t War Office
  u
  o
   S The organizations marked with an asterisk in the above list, together with the
  n following, were directly represented on the Committee entrusted with the
  o This British Standard, having
   d preparation of this standard:— 
  n been approved by the
  o Mechanical
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering
   L Industry  Agricultural Engineers’ Association
 , Indust ry Standards
Standa rds British Bolt, Nut, Screw and Rivet Federation
  y Committee
   t Committee and endorsed
endorsed by
   i the Chairman Cut Thread Screwing Tool Manufacturers’ Association
  s Chairman of the
  r Engineering
the
Engineering Standards Co-ordinating Committee
Engineering Divisional
Divisional
  e Council, Gauge and Tool Makers’ Association
  v Council, was published
   i published
Ground Thread Tap Association
  n under
under the author
authority
ity of the
Machine Tool Trades Association
   U General Council on
National Association of Marine Engine Builders
   k 26 Septem
Septemberber 1956
1956
  n Scientific Instrument Manufacturers’ Association
  a © BSI 02-2000 Society of British Aircraft Constructors
   B Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd.
   h
   t First published Telecommunication Engineering and Manufacturing Association
published as BS 84:1918
84:1918
  u
  o and BS 92:1919  Amendments issued since publication
   S First revision
revision as BS 84
  n (incorporatin
(incorporatingg BS
BS 92) May 1940
  o Second revision
revision September 1956  Amd. No. Date Comments
   d
  n
  o
   L The following BSI references
  :
  y relate to the work on this
  p standard:— 
  o
   C Committee reference MEE/1/12
   d Draft for comment CT(MEE)6884
  e
  s
  n ISBN 0 580 32662 4
  e
  c
   i
   L
   I BS 84:1
84:195 956 6
   S
   B
   )
  c
   (
 ,
  y
Co-operating organizations
  p
  o
   C
   d The Mechanical Engineering Industry Standards Committee, under whose
  e
   l
   l supervision this British Standard was prepared, consists of representatives
  o
  r
   t from the following Government departments and scientific and industrial
  n organizations:— 
  o
  c
  n  Admiralty*
   U  Air Ministry*
 ,  Associated Offices’ Technical Committee
   6
   0  Association of Consulting Engineers (Incorporated)
   0 British Chemical Plant Manufacturers’ Association
   2 British Compressed Air Society
   0 British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association*
   0
  : British Engineers’ Association*
   0
   0 British Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers’ Association
  + British Iron and Steel Federation
   T British Railways, The British Transport Commission*
   M Central Electricity Authority and Area Boards
   G Crown Agents for Oversea Governments and Administrations
   1 D.S.I.R. — Mechanical Engineering Research Laboratory*
   1
  : Engineering Equipment Users’ Association*
   1
   2
  :
Gas Council
   4 High Commission of India
   0 Institute of Marine Engineers
   7 Institute of Petroleum
   2 Institution of Civil Engineers
   t
  c Institution of Gas Engineers
   O Institution of Heating and Ventilating Engineers
   i
  r Institution of Mechanical Engineers*
   F Institution of Mechanical Engineers (Automobile Division)
 ,
  y
   t
Institution of Production Engineers*
   i Locomotive and Allied Manufacturers’ Association*
  s
  r Ministry of Fuel and Power
  e
  v
   i Ministry of Labour and National Service (Factory Department)
  n Ministry of Supply*
   U Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation
   k Ministry of Works
  n National Coal Board
  a
   B National Physical Laboratory
   h Radio Industry Council*
   t War Office
  u
  o
   S The organizations marked with an asterisk in the above list, together with the
  n following, were directly represented on the Committee entrusted with the
  o This British Standard, having
   d preparation of this standard:— 
  n been approved by the
  o Mechanical
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering
   L Industry  Agricultural Engineers’ Association
 , Indust ry Standards
Standa rds British Bolt, Nut, Screw and Rivet Federation
  y Committee
   t Committee and endorsed
endorsed by
   i the Chairman Cut Thread Screwing Tool Manufacturers’ Association
  s Chairman of the
  r Engineering
the
Engineering Standards Co-ordinating Committee
Engineering Divisional
Divisional
  e Council, Gauge and Tool Makers’ Association
  v Council, was published
   i published
Ground Thread Tap Association
  n under
under the author
authority
ity of the
Machine Tool Trades Association
   U General Council on
National Association of Marine Engine Builders
   k 26 Septem
Septemberber 1956
1956
  n Scientific Instrument Manufacturers’ Association
  a © BSI 02-2000 Society of British Aircraft Constructors
   B Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Ltd.
   h
   t First published Telecommunication Engineering and Manufacturing Association
published as BS 84:1918
84:1918
  u
  o and BS 92:1919  Amendments issued since publication
   S First revision
revision as BS 84
  n (incorporatin
(incorporatingg BS
BS 92) May 1940
  o Second revision
revision September 1956  Amd. No. Date Comments
   d
  n
  o
   L The following BSI references
  :
  y relate to the work on this
  p standard:— 
  o
   C Committee reference MEE/1/12
   d Draft for comment CT(MEE)6884
  e
  s
  n ISBN 0 580 32662 4
  e
  c
   i
   L
   I BS 84:1
84:195
956
6
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Contents
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   d Page
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Co-operating organizations Inside front cover
   t
  n Foreword iii
  o
  c 1 Scope 1
  n
   U 2 Nomenclature and definitions 1
 , 3 Form of Whitworth screw threads 1
   6
   0
   0 4 Classes of bolts and nuts 1
   2
5 Standard diameter — pitch series: limits and tolerances 2
   0
   0
  : 6 Plated threads 2
   0
   0 7 Stainless steel bolts 3
  +
   T 8 Selected thread series 3
   M a) Basic sizes
   G
b) Design sizes
   1
   1
  : c) Tolerances
   1
   2
  : 9 Tolerances on effective diameter, pitch and flank angles 4
   4 10 Designation of screw threads of Whitworth form 4
   0
   7 11 Gauges 5
   2
   t  Appendix A Truncated Whitworth form threads with flat crests 34
  c
   O  Appendix B Bases of tolerances and allowances for Whitworth
   i
  r form screw threads 39
   F
 ,  Appendix C Tolerances on pitch and angle in relation to tolerance
  y
   t
   i on effective diameter 41
  s
  r
  e  Appendix D Notes on the form of the crests of Whitworth threads 42
  v
   i  Appendix E 44
  n
   U Figure 1 — Basic form of Whitworth thread 6
   k Figure 2 — Effective diameter tolerance zones of recommended
  n
  a comb
combininati
ation
onss of
of clas
classe
sess of
of bol
bolts
ts and
and nuts
nuts havi
having
ng Whitw
Whitwororth
th scr
screw
ew threa
threads
ds 7
   B
   h Figure 3 — Tolerance zones for close class bolt and medium
   t
  u class nut 1/4 in. B.S.W. (20 t.p.i.) illustrated 8
  o
   S Figure 4 — Tolerance zones for medium class bolt with allowance
  n and normal class nut. 1/4 in. B.S.W. (20 t.p.i.) illustrated 9
  o
   d Figure 5 — Tolerance zones for free class bolt with allowance and
  n normal class nut. 1/4 in. B.S.W. (20 t.p.i.) illustrated 10
  o
   L Figure 6 — Effective diameter tolerance zones for Whitworth bolts
 ,
  y
   t and nuts, unplated or before plating, and after plating (cf. Figure 2)
   i
  s
  r of sizes 3/4 in. nominal size and smaller 11
  e
  v
   i Figure 7 — Tolerance zones for truncated Whitworth thread 1/4 in.
  n B.S.W. (20 t.p.i.) illustrated 36
   U
   k Fig
Figure 8 — Cr Crest foforms resultulting fr
from di
diffe
fferent pro
produc
duction me
metho
thods 43
  n
  a Table 1 — Basic sizes 12
   B Table 2 — Bolts — Close class 13
   h
   t
  u Table 3 — Nuts — Medium class 14
  o Table 4 — Bolts — Medium class 15
   S
  n a) Nominal sizes up to and including 3/4 in.
  o
   d b) Nominal sizes above 3/4 in.
  n
  o Table 5 — Nuts — Normal class 16
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© BSI 02-2000 i
   I BS 84:1
84:195
956
6
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   l Page
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  o
  r Table 6 — Bolts — Free class 17
   t
  n a) Nominal sizes up to and including 3/4 in.
  o
  c b) Nominal sizes above 3/4 in.
  n
   U Table 7 — Basic sizes 18
 ,
   6 Table 8 — Bolts — Close class 19
   0
   0 Table 9 — Nuts — Medium class 20
   2
   0 Table 10 — Bolts — Medium class 21
   0
  :
   0 a) Nominal sizes up to and including 3/4 in.
   0 b) Nominal sizes above 3/4 in.
  +
   T Table 11 — Nuts — Normal class 22
   M
   G Table 12 — Bolts — Free class 23
   1 a) Nominal sizes up to and including 3/4 in.
   1
  :
   1 b) Nominal sizes above 3/4 in.
   2
  : Table 13 — Preferred diameters and pitches — Fractional sizes 24
   4
   0 Table 13a — Preferred diameters and pitches — Decimal sizes 27
   7 Table 14 — Depths of thread for various pitches 29
   2
   t Table 15 — Bolts — Medium and free class allowances 31
  c
   O Table 16 — Bolts — Close class 31
   i
  r
   F Table 17 — Nuts — Medium class 32
 ,
  y
   t Table 18 — Bolts — Medium class 32
   i
  s
  r Table 19 — Nuts — Normal class 33
  e Table 20 — Bolts — Free class 33
  v
   i
  n Table 21 — Basic data 37
   U
   k Table 22 — Bolts and nuts — all classes 38
  n Table 23 — Bolts and nuts — all classes 39
  a
   B Table 24 — Nuts — Close class 44
   h
   t
  u Table 25 — Nuts — Close class 45
  o Table 26 — Nuts — Close class 46
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ii © BSI 02-2000
   I BS 84:1
84:195
956
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Foreword
  p
  o
   C
   d This standard makes reference to the following British Standards:
  e
   l
   l
  o
  r
BS 919, Screw gauge limits and tolerances.
   t
  n BS 1157, Tapping drill sizes.
  o
  c BS 1916, Pt.
1916, Pt. 2. Guide to the selection of fits.
  n
   U BS 2517, Definitions
2517, Definitions for use in mechanical engineering.
 ,
   6 This revised British Standard has been prepared, under the authority of the
   0
   0 Mechanical Engineering Industry Standards Committee, to supersede
   2
BS 84:1940
84:1940,, “Screw
“Screw threads of Whitworth form”.
form ”. It applies to threads of
   0
   0
  : Whitworth form used for general engineering purposes and is not intended to
   0 apply to special applications such as those requiring interference fits.
   0
  + The standard includes tables of basic sizes, limits and tolerances for British
   T
   M Standard Whitworth (B.S.W.) and British Standard Fine (B.S.F.) screw threads.
   G In addition it now provides a “Selected Thread” series of recommended
   1 diameter-pitch combinations for use in applications where the standard coarse
   1
  : (B.S.W.) and fine (B.S.F.) pitch series have insufficiently fine pitches.
   1
   2
  : The British Standard Pipe parallel thread series was incorporated in BS 84:1940
   4 as a fine thread series for general engineering purposes, and though this series
   0
   7 was not intended for pipe joints it has been extensively used on certain types of
   2 pipe fittings, such as unions, compression type connections, etc., where the
   t
  c pressure seal is not made on the threads. This has caused some confusion with
   O
   i the pipe threads specified in BS 211) where the pressure seal is, in fact, made on
threads specified
  r
   F the threads. It has, therefore, been decided to publish the tables of basic sizes,
 , limits and tolerances for the British Standard Pipe parallel thread series given in
  y
   t
   i BS 84:1940
84:1940 in a new standard,
standard, BS 2779, “Fastening Threads of B.S.P. Sizes,”
Sizes, ” now
  s
  r
  e in course of preparation. This standard, in addition to BS 21, which is now being
  v
   i revised, will come under the aegis of the Pipe Threads Committee of BSI and
  n
   U these two standards will then include recommended limits and tolerances for all
   k B.S.P. threads whether or not the pressure seal is made upon the threads.
  n
  a The new “Selected Thread” series will, in most cases, be more suitable for use in
   B new designs than the BS Pipe p arallel thread series in cases where an extra fine
   h
   t
  u
pitch thread is required, and its use is strongly recommended.
  o In revising this standard, advantage has been taken of the experience gained in
   S
  n the use of BS 84:1940, to modify it to conform to modern thread tolerancing
  o practice. Thus an allowance (minimum clearance) is provided on certain classes
   d
  n of bolts of sizes up to and including 3/4 in. diameter; the recommended
  o
   L associations of classes of bolts and nuts include nuts having larger effective
 , diameter tolerances than the corresponding sizes of bolts. Three classes of
  y
   t
   i tolerance are provided for bolts, the Close, Medium and Free Classes, equivalent
  s
  r
  e to the old Close, Medium and Free Fit bolt s. The allowance is provided on bolts in
  v
   i the Medium and Free Classes by reducing the maximum bolt limits below basic
  n
   U size. The purpose of this allowance is to provide for the threads to be plated if
   k necessary, the plating encroaching within the allowance; it also guarantees easy
  n assembly of maximum metal bolts and nuts, thus facilitating the use of torque
  a
   B wrenches. Two classes of tolerance for nuts are recommended, a Medium Class
   h
   t and Normal Class, identical with the old Medium and Free Fit nuts respectively.
  u The old Close Fit (now termed Close Class) nuts, are now regarded as
  o
   S non-preferred but, in view of their usage in the past and for special needs, their
  n limits and tolerances are given in an Appendix to the standard.
  o
   d  All screw threads made in accordance with this revised standard will assemble
  n
  o with the corresponding nominal sizes of mating screw threads made to
   L
  : BS 84:194
84:1940.
0.
  y
  p
  o
   C
   d
  e
  s 1)
BS 21,
21, “ Pipe threads”.
 Pipe threads”.
  n
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   i
   L
© BSI 02-2000 iii
   I BS 84:1956
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   l It will be observed that no change has been made in the general three-part
   l
  o
  r formula used as a basis for tolerancing effective diameters, and t he formulae used
   t
  n for tolerancing the other thread elements also remain unchanged from those in
  o BS 84:1940; the reason for this is to minimize any changes in the sizes of the
  c
  n gauges used to control the size of the finished work.
   U
 , The table of recommended diameter-pitch combinations for screw threads in the
   6
   0 “Selected Thread” series follows very closely the corresponding Table in BS 1580,
   0
   2 “Unified Screw Threads”.
   0 In revising the standard the following amendments issued subsequent to
   0
  :
   0 BS 84:1940 have been incorporated in the text, with the exception of that part of
   0 the amendments dealing with B.S.P. threads, and Amendments Nos. 1 and 2
  +
   T have been restricted to lengths of engagement of bolt and nut up to 15 pitches.
   M  Amendment No. 1, June 1942, provided simplified tables of tolerances for threads
   G
   1 not in the three standard diameter-pitch series (B.S.W., B.S.F. and B.S.P.), based
   1
  : on a length of engagement of bolt and nut of 10 pitches, but applicable in practice
   1 to all reasonable lengths of engagement.
   2
  :
   4  Amendment No. 2, April 1943, specified that the tolerances given in the three
   0
standard diameter-pitch series should apply to all lengths of engagement.
   7
   2  Amendment No. 3, August 1945, provided information about truncated
   t
  c Whitworth form screw threads.
   O
   i
  r  Amendment No. 4, December 1949, gave extensions of tables of limits and
   F tolerances for the larger sizes of standard diameter-pitch combinations of
 ,
  y
   t Whitworth form.
   i
  s
  r In conclusion it may be asked why the revision of this standard has been
  e undertaken in view of the standardization of the Unified thread in BS 1580. The
  v
   i
  n reason is that Whitworth threads will undoubtedly continue to be used for many
   U years, especially on replacements or spare parts.
   k
  n  A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
  a
   B contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
   h
   t
  u Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
  o from legal obligations.
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   L Summary of pages
  :
  y
  p This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
  o pages 1 to 47 and a back cover.
   C
   d This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
  e amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the
  s
  n inside front cover.
  e
  c
   i
   L
iv © BSI 02-2000
   I BS 84:1956
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   l 1 Scope
   l
  o
  r
   t This British Standard relates to parallel screw threads, having the Whitworth form of thread, used for
  n
  o general engineering purposes. It is not intended to apply to t hreaded pipe joints, screw threads associated
  c with interference fits, such as those on the “metal-ends” of studs and in the corresponding tapped holes, or
  n
   U to screw threads which are subject to high temperature.
 ,
   6 This standard includes:
   0
   0 a) A coarse thread series, the British Standard Whitworth (B.S.W.) Series, from 1/8 in. to 6 in. diameter.
   2
   0 b) A fine thread series, the British Standard Fine (B.S.F.) Series, from 3/16 in. to 41/4 in. diameter.
   0
  :
   0 NOTE The tables of limits and tolerances in the B.S.F. Series extend up to the 3 in. size only, since nominal sizes above 3 in. are
   0 rarely used.
  +
   T c) A supplementary Selected Thread Series from 1/4 in. diameter upwards.
   M d) Screw threads of Truncated Whitworth form (Appendix A). Supplementary information is given
   G
in Appendix A to Appendix E.
   1
   1
  :
   1 2 Nomenclature and definitions
   2
  :
   4 For the nomenclature and definitions of terms used in this standard, see BS 2517, “ Definitions for use in
   0
   7 Mechanical Engineering ”.
   2
   t
  c 3 Form of Whitworth screw thread
   O
   i
  r The basic (and design) form of the Whitworth thread is shown in Figure 1. It is a symmetrical V-thread in
   F which the angle between the flanks, measured in an axial plane, is 55 °; one-sixth of the sharp vee is
 ,
  y
   t truncated at top and bottom, the t hread being rounded equally at crests and roots by circular arcs blending
   i
  s
  r
tangentially with the flanks, the theoretical depth of thread being thus 0.640327 times the nominal pitch.
  e The basic thread depths calculated from the above definition are rounded off to the nearest 0.0001 in.
  v
   i
  n
   U 4 Classes of bolts and nuts
   k
  n Three classes of tolerances for bolts and two classes for nuts 2) are provided as follows:
  a
   B Close class bolts. The close class 3) applies to screw threads requiring a fine snug fit, obtainable consistently
   h
   t only by the use of the highest quality production equipment supported by a particularly efficient syst em of
  u
  o gauging and inspection. It should be used only for special work where refined accuracy of pitch and thread
   S form are particularly required.
  n
  o Medium class bolts and nuts. The medium class applies to the better class of ordinary interchangeable
   d
  n screw threads.
  o
   L Free class bolts. The free class applies to the majority of bolts of ordinary commercial quality.
 ,
  y
   t Normal class nuts. The normal class applies to ordinary commercial quality nuts; this class is intended for
   i
  s
  r use with medium or free class bolts.
  e
  v
   i The relative magnitudes and dispositions of the effective diameter tolerance zones 4) for the recommended
  n combinations of classes are shown in Figure 2.
   U
   k It will be noted that the lower limit of the nut is always basic size. No allowance is provided for close class
  n bolts, but for medium and free class bolts an allowance is provided between the lower limit for the nut
  a
   B (basic size) and the upper limit for the bolt on sizes 3/4 in. nominal diameter and below. The allowance
   h
   t amounts to 0.3  × medium class bolt effective diameter tolerance for nominal sizes of 3/4 in. down to 1/4 in.
  u The allowance for nominal sizes less than 1/4 in. is the same as that for the 1/4 in. size.
  o
   S Since it is more difficult to control the threading of nuts than bolts the recommended classes of nuts to be
  n associated with close and medium class bolts have effective diameter tolerances 50 per cent greater than
  o
   d those of the associated bolts.
  n
  o
   L
  :
  y
  p
  o
   C 2)
The terms “bolts” and “nuts” are used in a general sense to designate external and internal threads respectively.
   d 3)
  e Limits and tolerances for close nuts are given in Appendix E.
  s 4)
  n For the bases of the tolerances and allowances see Appendix B.
  e
  c
   i
   L
© BSI 02-2000 1
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   l The choice of fit for a particular purpose rests with the designer. A close class bolt would usually be
  o
  r assembled with a medium class n ut, and a medium or free class b olt with a normal class nut, but in special
   t
  n circumstances different combinations of classes may be specified for mating bolts and nuts if desired.
  o
  c Information about plating, as applied to the various classes of bolts and nuts, is given in Clause 6.
  n
   U
 , 5 Standard diameter — pitch series: Limits and tolerances
   6
   0
   0 The basic sizes for the B.S.W. and B.S.F. series are given in Table 1 and Table 7 respectively.
   2
   0 Limits and tolerances for the major, effective and minor diameters for the various classes are given
   0
  : in Table 2 to Table 6 for the B.S.W. series and in Table 8 to Table 12 for the B.S.F. series. Limits and
   0 tolerances for close class nuts in the B.S.W. and B.S.F. series are given in Appendix E.
   0
  +
   T In these tables, the effective diameter tolerances, which are intended to include the diametral effects of
   M pitch and angle error (see Appendix C), have been calculated from the general formula (see page 40) taking
   G the length of engagement as being equal to the nominal diameter of the thread. In order to reduce to a
   1 minimum the number of NOT GO gauges required, the tolerances for the B.S.W. and B.S.F. series of threads,
   1
  :
   1 although calculated for the lengths of engagement just quoted may, however, be regarded as applicable to
   2
  : lengths of engagement up to fifteen pitches. The tolerances quoted for the major and minor diameters of
   4 threads belonging to the B.S.W. and B.S.F. series may be accepted for any length of engagement.
   0
   7 Following existing practice, no tolerance is specified for the major diameters of the nuts, but only a
   2
   t minimum size, which is the same as the basic major diameter. The major diameters of nuts will be
  c controlled in practice by the major diameters of the taps or other screwing tools used to cut the threads.
   O
   i
  r Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5 show, for the three recommended combinations of classes respectively, the
   F relationship existing between the diametral tolerances for a 1/ in. B.S.W. bolt and nut. It will be noted that
 , 4
  y the nut minor diameter tolerances are such as to permit a tapping drill of ample size to be used, thus
   t
   i
  s
  r preventing binding at the root of the tap during the tapping operation. If full advantage is taken of the
  e generous nut minor diameter tolerances, the crests of the nut t hreads will be flat. In special cases, though,
  v
   i
  n where thin nuts are used, it may b e desirable not to take full advantage of t he tolerance on minor diameter.
   U It will also be noted that the bolt major diameter tolerances are such as to permit crests which are not
   k perfectly radiused (see Appendix D).
  n
  a
   B Formulae for calculating the tolerances for major, effective and minor diameters are given in Appendix B.
   h
   t
  u 6 Plated threads
  o
   S The following recommendations refer to the limits f or screw threads which are plated with metals such as
  n cadmium, nickel, tin or zinc, where the usual thickness of plating is of the order of  0.0002 in.; they do not
  o
   d apply to heavily plated threads.
  n
  o Taking as a basis Figure 2, which shows the effective diameter tolerance zones for bolts and nuts of the
   L
 , various classes supplied unplated, Figure 6 shows in addition the corresponding recommended tolerance
  y
   t
   i zones for bolts and nuts of nominal sizes 3/4 in. and below before and after plating.
  s
  r It will be noted for these sizes that plating is accommodated within the allowance in the case of the medium
  e
  v and free class bolts, and by adjustment of the bolt tolerance zone in the case of the close class bolts.
   i
  n
   U The interpretation of Figure 6 is as follows:— 
   k
  n i) Both free and medium class bolts are suitable for plating. The finished size of the screw threads after
  a plating shall not exceed the basic size.
   B
   h
   t ii) Should it be necessary to plate close class bolts, again the finished size of the threads after plating
  u shall not exceed the basic size. In order to avoid any undue restriction of the tolerance for screwing, the
  o
   S sizes of close class bolts before plating may be smaller than the lower limits specified in Table 2
  n and Table 8 by an amount not greater than 0.001 in.
  o
   d iii) The sizes of finished medium class and normal class nuts, whether plated or not, shall not fall below
  n
  o the lower limits specified in the appropriate tables of limits and tolerances.
   L
  : iv) Since the plating of medium class nuts may necessitat e a reduction in the manufacturing tolerances
  y
  p in order that, after plating, they comply with the specified lower limits, it is strongly recommended that
  o plated normal class nuts be used instead of medium class where plating is a requirement.
   C
   d
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2 © BSI 02-2000
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   l Bolts and nuts of nominal sizes above 3/4 in., whether plated or not, shall comply with the limiting sizes
   l
  o
  r specified in the appropriate tables with the following exception. In order to avoid any undue restriction of
   t
  n the tolerance for screwing, the sizes of close class bolts before plating may be smaller than the lower limits
  o specified in the tables by an amount not greater than 0.001 in.
  c
  n
   U Where it is known that nuts will be plated, care should be taken that the nuts are made with minimum
 , sizes slightly greater than basic size in order to effect satisfactory assembly after plating. Similarly,
   6
   0 medium and free class bolts of nominal sizes above 3/4 in. diameter, which are required to be plated, should
   0
   2 be made with maximum sizes slightly less than basic size.
   0 The above remarks apply not only to the tolerance zones for effective diameter, but equa lly to the tolerance
   0
  :
   0 zones for the major and minor diameters of plated threads. The limiting sizes of medium and free class
   0 B.S.W. and B.S.F. bolt threads before and after plating are indicated in Table 4, Table 6, Table 10
  +
   T and Table 12 respectively.
   M Recommendations on the gauging of plated screw threads are given in an Appendix to BS 919, “Screw
   G
   1  gauge limits and tolerances”.
   1
  :
   1 7 Stainless steel bolts
   2
  :
   4 Owing to the tendency for close-fitting bolts and nuts of stainless steel to seize when tightened together, it
   0
   7 is recommended that stainless steel bolts of nominal sizes 3/4 in. and below should not be made to close class
   2 limits but rather to medium or free class limits for unplated bolts. It is recommended that stainless steel
   t
  c bolts of nominal sizes above 3/4 in. shall have maximum and minimum limits which are 0.001 in. smaller
   O than the values obtained from the tables.
   i
  r
   F
 , 8 Selected thread series
  y
   t
   i
  s
  r Recommended diameter-pitch combinations for the applications of threads of Whitworth form, for which
  e the B.S.W. and B.S.F. diameter-pitch series are unsuitable, are given in Table 13 and Table 13A.
  v
   i
  n Two tables of preferred diameters and associated pitches are included to meet the needs of different
   U sections of industry, some preferring to use common fractions and others decimals. Table 13 lists the
   k
  n fractional, and Table 13A the decimal series. It will be noted that both tables contain, above 11/2 in.
  a diameter, the same 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. steps, the difference between the two tables being that in the decimal
   B
   h series the intermediate 1/8 in. steps have been replaced by steps to the nearest 1/10 in. dimension. This
   t
  u enables the same diameters to be used as are recommended in BS 1916-25).
  o
   S a) Basic sizes. The basic effective and minor diameters ma y be determined by subtracting from the basic
  n major diameter the basic depth of thread and twice the basic depth of thread respectively
  o
   d (Columns 3 and 4, Table 14).
  n
  o b) Design sizes.
   L
 , i) Nuts. The design sizes of the major, effective and minor diameters for all classes are the same as
  y
   t
   i the corresponding basic sizes.
  s
  r
  e ii) Bolts.
  v
   i
  n  A . Close class. The design sizes are the same as the basic sizes.
   U B. Medium and free classes. Basic major diameters of  3/4 in. and below. The design sizes are
   k
  n obtained from the basic sizes by subtracting the appropriate allowance given in Table 15.
  a
   B  Basic major diameters above 3/4 in. The design sizes are the same as the basic sizes.
   h
   t
  u c) Tolerances. The tolerances on Whitworth Selected Threads for bolts and nuts of nominal sizes up
  o to 20 in. are obtained from Table 16 to Table 20 inclusive. For nominal diameters above 20 in. the
   S tolerances should be calculated from the data and formulae in Appendix B.
  n
  o The effective diameter tolerances have been calculated from the general formula given in Appendix B,
   d
  n assuming a length of engagement of the mating threads equal to ten times the pitch. The tolerances so
  o
   L obtained may be regarded as satisfactory for all normal lengths of engagement, say five to fifteen pitches.
  : For exceptional lengths of engagement, if these tolerances are found to be unsuitable, the effective diameter
  y
  p tolerance should be calculated from the basic formula in Appendix B, giving Le its actual value.
  o
   C
   d
  e
  s 5)
  n BS 1916-2, “Guide to the selection of fits”.
  e
  c
   i
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   l No tolerance is specified for the major diameter of the nut thread, as it is considered that this dimension
  o
  r will be controlled adequately by the crests of the taps or other cutting tools used to produce the threads.
   t
  n  All diametral tolerances on screw threads are applied unilaterally from the appropriate design size of the
  o
  c dimension, “minus” for a bolt and “plus” for a nut.
  n
   U Examples illustrating the use of Table 14 to Table 20 when determining limits and tolerances of Whitworth
 ,
   6 Selected Screw Threads are given following Table 14.
   0
   0 Exceptional design requirements may, at times, necessitate the use of a screw thread of Whitworth form
   2 but having a diameter-pitch combination differing from those recommended in Table 13 and Table 13A and
   0
   0
  : the relevant notes. It is recommended in such cases that the number of threads per inch should be chosen
   0 from the following series.
   0
  + 40 36 32 28 26 24 20 18 16 14 12 11 10 8 6 4 threads per inch
   T
   M The numbers of threads per inch in heavy type are to be regarded as preferred.
   G The design sizes and tolerances for such threads should be derived as stated for threads in the Selected
   1
   1 Thread series.
  :
   1
   2
  : 9 Tolerances on effective diameter, pitch and flank angles
   4
   0 Errors in the pitch and flank angles of a thread virtually increase the effective diameter of a bolt and
   7
   2 decrease the effective diameter of a nut. The minimum m etal limits stated in the tables apply to t he simple
   t effective diameter (as measured along the pitch line of t he thread) and the maximum metal lim its apply to
  c
   O the effective diameter as virtually increased (for bolts) or decreased (for nuts) by the diametral equivalents
   i
  r of any errors present in the flank angles and in the pitch over the length of engagement (see Appendix C).
   F
 ,
  y
   t
   i 10 Designation of screw threads of Whitworth form
  s
  r
  e It is recommended that the following system should be adopted on drawings and related documents for
  v designating the screw threads covered by the present standard.
   i
  n
   U Designation
   k
  n British Standard Whitworth series B.S.W.
  a
   B British Standard Fine series B.S.F.
   h
   t
  u The basic major diameter of the thread and the number of threads per inch should be added to the
  o
   S designation. If the thread is left-hand the symbol “LH” should follow the designation.
  n
  o Examples:
   d
  n 1
/4 in. — 20 B.S.W.
  o
   L 1
/2 in. — 16 B.S.F., LH
 ,
  y
   t
   i For screw threads of the selected diameters and pitches given in Table 13 and Table 13A, the basic major
  s
  r diameter and number of threads per inch should be stated, followed by the symbol “Whit. S”.
  e
  v Example: 1 in. — 20 Whit. S.
   i
  n
   U Screw threads of Whitworth form but not having the selected diameter-pitch combinations given in
   k Table 13 and Table 13A should be designated as given below:— 
  n
  a Example: 0.67 in. — 20 Whit.
   B
   h
   t Where it is desired to designate the class of thread tolerance, one of the four terms “close”, “medium”, “free”
  u or “normal” should be added in brackets, together with the word ”bolt” or “nut” as appropriate.
  o
   S Examples:
  n
  o 1
/4 in. — 20 B.S.W. (close) bolt.
   d
  n 1 in. — 20 Whit. S. (free) bolt.
  o
   L 11/2 in. — 8 B.S.F. (normal) nut.
  :
  y
  p It is recommended that multiple-start Whitworth form threads should be designated as in the following
  o
   C example:— 
   d 2 in. 2 start, 0.2 in. lead, 0.1 in. pitch, Whit.
  e
  s
  n
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4 © BSI 02-2000
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   l 11 Gauges
   l
  o
  r
   t It is recommended that the gauging system to be employed for checking screw threads of Whitworth form
  n
  o between the limits laid down in this standard should be that given in BS 919, “Screw gauge limits and
  c tolerances”.
  n
   U Unless otherwise stated GO ring or calliper gauges for medium or free class bolts of nominal sizes 3/4 in. and
 ,
   6 below will be supplied made to the limits for unplated bolts.
   0
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Figure 1 — Basic form of Whitworth thread
   d
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  u   G NOTE 1 The Medium Class bolt effective diameter tolerance is shown as 100 units and the other values are expressed as a percentage of this tolerance. The formula for effective
  o diameter tolerance is given in Appendix B.
   S NOTE 2 See Appendix E for Close Class nuts for special needs.
  n
  o * See Clause 4.
   d
  n Figure 2 — Effective diameter tolerance zones of recommended combinations of classes of bolts and nuts having Whitworth
  o
   L screw threads
  :
  y
  p
  o B
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   d  8 
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  u   G NOTE 1 The Medium Class bolt effective diameter tolerance is shown as 100 units and the other values are expressed as a percentage of this tolerance. The formula for effective
  o diameter tolerance is given in Appendix B.
   S NOTE 2 See Appendix E for Close Class nuts for special needs.
  n
  o * See Clause 4.
   d
  n Figure 2 — Effective diameter tolerance zones of recommended combinations of classes of bolts and nuts having Whitworth
  o
   L screw threads
  :
  y
  p
  o B
   C  S 
   d  8 
  e 4 
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   I BS 84:1956
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   I BS 84:1956
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   t
  u Figure 3 — Tolerance zones for close class bolt and medium class nut 1 / 4 in. B.S.W. (20 t.p.i.)
  o
   S illustrated
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8 © BSI 02-2000
   I BS 84:1956
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   0
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  o
   S NOTE The maximum bolt dimensions refer to unplated bolts only.
  n
  o Figure 4 — Tolerance zones for medium class bolt with allowance and normal class
   d
  n nut. 1 / 4 in. B.S.W. (20 t.p.i.) illustrated
  o
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© BSI 02-2000 9
   I BS 84:1956
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  n
  o NOTE The maximum bolt dimensions refer to unplated bolts only.
   d
  n Figure 5 — Tolerance zones for free class bolt with allowance and normal class nut. 1 / 4 in.
  o
   L B.S.W. (20 t.p.i.) illustrated
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10 © BSI 02-2000
   1
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   4  ©
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  o
   d NOTE 1 Bolt Medium Class effective diameter tolerance is shown as 100 units.
  n NOTE 2 See Appendix E for Close Class nuts for special needs.
  o
   L Figure 6 — Effective diameter tolerance zones for Whitworth bolts and nuts, unplated or before plating, and after plating
  :
  y (cf. Figure 2) of sizes 3 / 4 in. nominal size and smaller
  p
  o B
   C  S 
   d  8 
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   L 1  1   6 

   I BS 84:1956
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   l Coarse thread series, B.S.W.
   l
  o
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   t Table 1 — Basic sizes
  n
  o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
  c
  n Number of Cross sectional
   U Nominal
threads per Pitch
Depth of Major Effective Minor
area at bottom of
 , size thread diameter diameter diameter
   6 inch thread
   0
   0 in. in. in. in. in. in. sq. in.
   2
ab
   0 13/8 40 0.02500 0.0160 0.1250 0.1090 0.0930 0.0068
   0
  : / 16 24 0.04167 0.0267 0.1875 0.1608 0.1341 0.0141
   0 1
/ 4 20 0.05000 0.0320 0.2500 0.2180 0.1860 0.0272
   0 5
  + /16 18 0.05556 0.0356 0.3125 0.2769 0.2413 0.0457
   T 3/8 16 0.06250 0.0400 0.3750 0.3350 0.2950 0.0683
   M 7/16 14 0.07143 0.0457 0.4375 0.3918 0.3461 0.0941
   G 1
/ 12 0.08333 0.0534 0.5000 0.4466 0.3932 0.1214
   1 9/216a 12 0.08333 0.0534 0.5625 0.5091 0.4557 0.1631
   1
  : 5
/8 11 0.09091 0.0582 0.6250 0.5668 0.5086 0.2032
   1
   2
  : 11
/ a 11 0.09091 0.0582 0.6875 0.6293 0.5711 0.2562
   4 3/416 10 0.10000 0.0640 0.7500 0.6860 0.6220 0.3039
   0 7/ 9 0.11111 0.0711 0.8750 0.8039 0.7328 0.4218
   7 8

   2 1 8 0.12500 0.0800 1.0000 0.9200 0.8400 0.5542

   t 11/
  c 8 7 0.14286 0.0915 1.1250 1.0335 0.9420 0.6969
   O 1 /4
1
7 0.14286 0.0915 1.2500 1.1585 1.0670 0.8942
   i
  r 11/ 6 0.16667 0.1067 1.5000 1.3933 1.2866 1.3000
   F 13/2 5 0.20000 0.1281 1.7500 1.6219 1.4938 1.7530
 , 4
  y
   t 2 4.5 0.22222 0.1423 2.0000 1.8577 1.7154 2.3110
   i
  s
  r 21/ 4 0.25000 0.1601 2.2500 2.0899 1.9298 2.9250
4
   I BS 84:1956
   S
   B
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   (
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  e
   l Coarse thread series, B.S.W.
   l
  o
  r
   t Table 1 — Basic sizes
  n
  o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
  c
  n Number of Cross sectional
   U Nominal
threads per Pitch
Depth of Major Effective Minor
area at bottom of
 , size thread diameter diameter diameter
   6 inch thread
   0
   0 in. in. in. in. in. in. sq. in.
   2
ab
   0 13/8 40 0.02500 0.0160 0.1250 0.1090 0.0930 0.0068
   0
  : / 16 24 0.04167 0.0267 0.1875 0.1608 0.1341 0.0141
   0 1
/ 4 20 0.05000 0.0320 0.2500 0.2180 0.1860 0.0272
   0 5
  + /16 18 0.05556 0.0356 0.3125 0.2769 0.2413 0.0457
   T 3/8 16 0.06250 0.0400 0.3750 0.3350 0.2950 0.0683
   M 7/16 14 0.07143 0.0457 0.4375 0.3918 0.3461 0.0941
   G 1
/ 12 0.08333 0.0534 0.5000 0.4466 0.3932 0.1214
   1 9/216a 12 0.08333 0.0534 0.5625 0.5091 0.4557 0.1631
   1
  : 5
/8 11 0.09091 0.0582 0.6250 0.5668 0.5086 0.2032
   1
   2
  : 11
/ a 11 0.09091 0.0582 0.6875 0.6293 0.5711 0.2562
   4 3/416 10 0.10000 0.0640 0.7500 0.6860 0.6220 0.3039
   0 7/ 9 0.11111 0.0711 0.8750 0.8039 0.7328 0.4218
   7 8

   2 1 8 0.12500 0.0800 1.0000 0.9200 0.8400 0.5542

   t 11/
  c 8 7 0.14286 0.0915 1.1250 1.0335 0.9420 0.6969
   O
1
1 / 4 7 0.14286 0.0915 1.2500 1.1585 1.0670 0.8942
   i
  r
   F 113//2 6 0.16667 0.1067 1.5000 1.3933 1.2866 1.3000
1

 , 4 5 0.20000 0.1281 1.7500 1.6219 1.4938 1.7530

  y
   t 2 4.5 0.22222 0.1423 2.0000 1.8577 1.7154 2.3110
   i
  s
  r 211/4 4 0.25000 0.1601 2.2500 2.0899 1.9298 2.9250
  e 2 /2 4 0.25000 0.1601 2.5000 2.3399 2.1798 3.7320
  v 23/
   i 3.5 0.28571 0.1830 2.7500 2.5670 2.3840 4.4640
  n
4

   U 3 3.5 0.28571 0.1830 3.0000 2.8170 2.6340 5.4490

   k 31/4a 3.25 0.30769 0.1970 3.2500 3.0530 2.8560 6.4060
  n 31/2 3.25 0.30769 0.1970 3.5000 3.3030 3.1060 7.5770
  a
   B 33/4a 3 0.33333 0.2134 3.7500 3.5366 3.3232 8.6740
   h
   t 4 3 0.33333 0.2134 4.0000 3.7866 3.5732 10.0300
  u 41/2 2.875 0.34783 0.2227 4.5000 4.2773 4.0546 12.9100
  o
   S 5 2.75 0.36364 0.2328 5.0000 4.7672 4.5344 16.1500
  n
1
5 / 2 2.625 0.38095 0.2439 5.5000 5.2561 5.0122 19.7300
  o 6 2.5 0.40000 0.2561 6.0000 5.7439 5.4878 23.6500
   d
  n a To be dispensed with wherever possible.
  o
   L b Dimensionally, the 1/8 in. × 40 t.p.i. thread belongs more appropriately to the B.S.F. series, but it has for so long been associated
 ,
  y with the B.S.W. series that it is now included herein.
   t
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12 © BSI 02-2000
   I BS 84:1956
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   d
  e
   l Table 2 — Bolts — Close class
   l
  o
  r
   t Limits and Tolerances
  n
  o 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
  c
  n
Number of Major diameter Effective diameter Minor diameter
   U Nominal
 , size
threads per
   6 in. Max. Tol. Min. Max. Tol. Min. Max. Tol. Min.
   0
   0 in. in. in. in. in. in. in. in. in. in.
   2
   0 /8a 40 0.1250 0.0035 0.1215 0.1090 0.0019 0.1071 0.0930 0.0040 0.0890
   0
1
  : 3
/16 24 0.1875 0.0043 0.1832 0.1608 0.0023 0.1585 0.1341 0.0050 0.1291
   0 1
/4 20 0.2500 0.0048 0.2452 0.2180 0.0026 0.2154 0.1860 0.0055 0.1805
   0
  +
   T /16 18 0.3125 0.0052 0.3073 0.2769 0.0028 0.2741 0.2413 0.0059 0.2354
5
3
/8 16 0.3750 0.0055 0.3695 0.3350 0.0030 0.3320 0.2950 0.0062 0.2888
   M 7
/16 14 0.4375 0.0059 0.4316 0.3918 0.0032 0.3886 0.3461 0.0067 0.3394
   G
   1 1
/2 12 0.5000 0.0063 0.4937 0.4466 0.0034 0.4432 0.3932 0.0072 0.3860
   1
  : 9
/16a 12 0.5625 0.0065 0.5560 0.5091 0.0036 0.5055 0.4557 0.0074 0.4483
   1 5
/8 11 0.6250 0.0067 0.6183 0.5668 0.0037 0.5631 0.5086 0.0076 0.5010
   2
  :
   4 11
/16a 11 0.6875 0.0068 0.6807 0.6293 0.0038 0.6255 0.5711 0.0077 0.5634
   0 3
/4 10 0.7500 0.0072 0.7428 0.6860 0.0040 0.6820 0.6220 0.0081 0.6139
   7 7
/8 9 0.8750 0.0076 0.8764 0.8039 0.0043 0.7996 0.7328 0.0086 0.7242
   2
   t 1 8 1.0000 0.0080 0.9920 0.9200 0.0045 0.9155 0.8400 0.0091 0.8309
  c 11/8 7 1.1250 0.0086 1.1164 1.0335 0.0048 1.0287 0.9420 0.0097 0.9323
   O
   i
  r
11/4 7 1.2500 0.0087 1.2413 1.1585 0.0049 1.1536 1.0670 0.0098 1.0572
   F 11/2 6 1.5000 0.0094 1.4906 1.3933 0.0053 1.3880 1.2866 0.0106 1.2760
 , 13/4 5 1.7500 0.0102 1.7398 1.6219 0.0057 1.6162 1.4938 0.0115 1.4823
  y
   t
   i 2 4.5 2.0000 0.0108 1.9892 1.8577 0.0061 1.8516 1.7154 0.0122 1.7032
  s
  r
  e 21/4 4 2.2500 0.0114 2.2386 2.0899 0.0064 2.0835 1.9298 0.0129 1.9169
  v
   i 21/2 4 2.5000 0.0116 2.4884 2.3399 0.0066 2.3333 2.1798 0.0131 2.1667
  n 23/4 3.5 2.7500 0.0123 2.7377 2.5670 0.0070 2.5600 2.3840 0.0139 2.3701
   U
   k 3 3.5 3.0000 0.0125 2.9875 2.8170 0.0072 2.8098 2.6340 0.0141 2.6199
  n 31/4a 3.25 3.2500 0.0130 3.2370 3.0530 0.0074 3.0456 2.8560 0.0146 2.8414
  a 31/2 3.25 3.5000 0.0132 3.4868 3.3030 0.0076 3.2954 3.1060 0.0148 3.0912
   B
   h 33/4a 3 3.7500 0.0136 3.7364 3.5366 0.0079 3.5287 3.3232 0.0154 3.3078
   t 4 3 4.0000 0.0138 3.9862 3.7866 0.0080 3.7786 3.5732 0.0155 3.5577
  u
  o 41/2 2.875 4.5000 0.0143 4.4857 4.2773 0.0084 4.2689 4.0546 0.0161 4.0385
   S
5 2.75 5.0000 0.0148 4.9852 4.7672 0.0088 4.7584 4.5344 0.0166 4.5178
  n 51/2 2.625 5.5000 0.0153 5.4847 5.2561 0.0091 5.2470 5.0122 0.0171 4.9951
  o
   d 6 2.5 6.0000 0.0158 5.9842 5.7439 0.0094 5.7345 5.4878 0.0177 5.4701
  n
  o a To be dispensed with wherever possible.
   L
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© BSI 02-2000 13