Problems understanding imperial hole sizes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of imperial hole dimensions specified in a manufacturing drawing for a structural component. Participants are trying to understand the meaning of the dimensions given, particularly in the context of transitioning from metric measurements in South Africa.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion over the imperial dimensions, suggesting that the notation may refer to the bolt rather than the hole itself.
  • Another participant questions whether the dimension is for a clearance hole and proposes a possible interpretation involving the depth of the hole.
  • A different participant speculates that the -1/8" could indicate a tolerance range for the hole or bolt length.
  • One participant provides context about the structural component, suggesting that the dimensions likely refer to the bolt size and possibly a generic tolerance for the hole.
  • Another participant discusses standard thread pitches for 5/8" diameter fasteners and interprets the -1/8" as a tolerance for bolt length.
  • One participant proposes an alternative reading of the dimension as two and nine sixteenths inches, questioning the clarity of the notation used.
  • A participant raises concerns about the implications of the callout, questioning the adequacy of a 5/8" diameter hole for clearance and the depth requirement for the hole.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various interpretations and concerns regarding the dimensions, with no consensus reached on the correct understanding of the callout. Multiple competing views remain regarding the meaning and implications of the specified dimensions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential issues with the clarity of the drawing standards and the implications of the dimensions on the structural integrity of the component. There are unresolved questions about the function of the hole and the adequacy of the specified dimensions.

Chris_N
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We need to manufacture a structural component, but we do not understand the imperial hole dimensions given on the drawing:(we went metric in South Africa in the 1960's)

5/8"x29/16"-1/8"

We think it may describe the bolt and not the hole, but are unsure what it means.
Can anybody help?
 
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Is that for a clearance hole? That call out makes no sense. Please describe the hole function and where it is on the part. I'm sure we can decipher it.

If it is a clearance hole, perhaps, since [tex]\frac{29}{16} + \frac{1}{8} = 1 \frac{15}{16}[/tex]
that they mean simply a 5/8 diameter hole by 1-15/16 deep. I'm really reaching there. More info would really help.
 
Perhaps the -1/8" indicates a tolerance range (+0/-0.125)?
 
The hole is to be punched through an unequal angle 64mm x76 mm x 6mm (Electrical substation structure being maintained) .

We think the dimension refers to the bolt, namely:

5/8" (diameter) x 29/16" (length) - 1/8" (Pitch?) and that a generic tolerance on the hole is applied.

Does this make sense?
 
Standard thread pitch for 5/8" diameter fasteners is 11 tpi, or 18 tpi (threads per inch). Less common is 24 tpi.

I believe the -1/8" spec is a tolerance for the bolt length.
 
Maybe the 29/16 is really 2 9/16 ie, two and nine 16ths inch. Why anyone would write 29/16 instead of 1 13/16 is beyond me.

as for the overall question, I have no idea. 2 9/16 inch would be 2.5625 inch or 65.0875mm; maybe that corresponds to your 64 mm? (I mean 64 mm to the nearest 1/16 inch)
 
Is there any way that you can scan in the print section that has the hole call out? It would sure help. I definitely like the idea of the .125 being a thread length tolerance call out although it follows no drawing standard I have ever seen.

There are a few things that worry me about the callout:
1) If it is a clearance hole for a 5/8-11 or 5/8-18, then a 5/8 diameter hole will be too small for a clearance hole.
2) If you take the -.125" for the bolt length tolerance, then the bolt will not be long enough for the angle. Even with the full length, there is no room for a nut.
3) If the hole is going through a piece of angle, why do you need a hole that deep? You should only need a depth equal to the thickness of the section, i.e. 6 mm.

This is why it would be nice to know exactly what is going on around this callout.
 
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