Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 12, 2025 ...

Bolts and nuts

April 02, 2013, 02:35:28 pm

My old gray head has ceased to absorb all that it should and certainly not as much as it used to so I need to use CHEAT SHEETS every once in a while.
Attached are some useful ( to me ) charts that some others may have a use for.
Gary B

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Re: Bolts and nuts

Reply #1 – April 02, 2013, 02:45:20 pm

I like your charts.

I think I will print and laminate for quick reference.

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Re: Bolts and nuts

Reply #2 – April 02, 2013, 02:51:15 pm

Gary, you might also find it of interest to know that the bolt head size is usually a ratio of 3/2 of the thread size and the same height as the bolt diqa. Example: 3/8(thd dia) x 3/2=9/16 head size. 1/2x 3/2=3/4", 1"=1/1x3/2=1-1/2"
This remains standard for Hex and Allen bolts, with the exception of the 5/16 dia bolt. There the head size is rounded up to 1/2"

Standard SAE/AND standards

Saves running after another wrench if you know size. Some people are very good at remembering the correct size. Not me!! I need all the help I can get.

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Re: Bolts and nuts

Reply #3 – April 02, 2013, 04:12:29 pm

Nitehawk, Fractions were beyond me even when I was a child.  Thats why my wrenches are in a pile in my toolbox so that I can just keep reaching into the pile til I find the right one.  You know... old dogs.. new tricks.
I envy the guy that can eyeball a nut and reach for the right wrench.  Is that why they invented monkey wrenches because of guys like me ?
Gary B

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Re: Bolts and nuts

Reply #4 – April 02, 2013, 06:33:30 pm

Thank you Gary!

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Re: Bolts and nuts

Reply #5 – April 02, 2013, 08:45:15 pm

Thanks Gary. I saved the files  on my computer for reference.

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Re: Bolts and nuts

Reply #6 – April 02, 2013, 09:12:47 pm

An easy way to gauge wrench size is to figure 1-1/2 times the diameter of the bolt for standard bolts and nuts. Add 1/8" to that figure when dealing with heavy duty bolts and nuts.

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