How to Easily Measure Bolts

Is that bin of miscellaneous hardware driving you nuts? Let us show you how to easily measure Metric and Standard/American/Imperial bolts with a few simple tools.

Thanks:

Tire Rack:

Coco Mats:

[DobbsyLondon]

Length measurement is from tip to part flush with material. So if it's a countersunk bolt or screw then it's the entire length. Bolts as you me turned correctly, are indeed body/shoulder length only.

[DaveNagy]

Also, be sure to understand the strength of the bolt - depending on usage the right size bolt may not be strong or could be too brittle to hold what it should.

[Chris_Tropea]

Now I need to get out to the garage and organize my box of random bolts.

[Z-Ack]

So why are bolts labeled m10x1.5 for metric and 3/8x16 for sae? You said the 1.5 system is sae.. ive never seen them labeled m10x16 or 3/8x1.5….

[Jeff_Seely]

Thank you very much. I have a question about measuring bolt length on a shoulder bolt. Do you include the shoulder as part of your length measurement or do you just measure the threaded portion ? That's it and thank you!

[MeepMeep]

1:20 that's where you could have written that long number you just said :)