The difference between fine thread and standard thread

What are the differences between ISO metric thread and ISO metric fine thread?

First, let’s look at what they have in common. Both types of threads are metric and defined in DIN 13. Both the standard thread and the fine thread have a flank angle of 60 degrees. But if you now take a closer look, you will notice the decisive differences.

Why is there a metric fine thread at all? And what is it used for? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the fine thread? That’s what we want to find out together in this blog post. Have fun reading!

Why use the fine thread?

The reason there are so many types of threads is because of the different functions of the thread types. Taking a look at the metric fine thread, this becomes especially clear. What is the difference between the fine thread (MF) and the coarser standard thread (M)?

In the case of the fine thread, a nominal dimension can have different pitches. In this respect, it is necessary and prescribed to extend the designation by the thread pitch.

Example:

The designation for a standard thread is M 10. The pitch 1,5 is clearly defined in the DIN 13-1 standard. For a fine thread M 10, the following pitches are possible according to DIN 13-2:

M10 x 0,5
M10 x 0,75
M10 x 1
M10 x 1,25

M10 pitch 1.5 mm for standard thread

Thread pitch fine pitch tap M10 with pitch 1.5 and corresponding gauge

Thread pitch fine pitch tap M10 with pitch 1.00 and corresponding thread gauge

M10 pitch 1.00 mm for fine pitch threads

Thread pitch fine pitch tap M10 with pitch 1.00 and corresponding gauge

Thread pitch fine pitch tap M10 with pitch 1.25 and corresponding thread template

M10 pitch 1.25 mm for fine pitch threads

Thread pitch fine pitch tap M10 with pitch 1.25 and corresponding gauge

Thread pitch fine pitch tap M10 with pitch 0.75 and corresponding thread template

M10 pitch 0.75 mm for fine pitch threads

Thread pitch fine pitch tap M10 with pitch 0.75 and corresponding gauge

The smaller the pitch, the finer the thread. However, you cannot draw the conclusion from the specification of the pitch in the designation that it is then always a fine thread. Some manufacturers abroad sometimes also indicate the pitch in the standard thread. This can lead to great confusion.

With a narrower thread profile, the core diameter is smaller and the thread depth is shallower. Therefore, metric-fine tap sets consist of a pre-cutter and a finish cutter. The center tap is not necessary because less material is removed.

Advantages of the fine thread

So what are the advantages? Due to the narrower thread profile, a more precise infeed is possible, for example with measuring instruments, because you cover a very small distance with one turn. You also have a higher contact pressure with the same torque. Another advantage is the smaller thread depth. If the space available for a thread is small, for example in the case of thin-walled tubes or short lengths, then the metric-fine thread is the right choice. The thread also has a higher self-locking effect. This can play a role if the threaded connections are exposed to vibrations. For this reason, metric fine threads are mostly used for screw connections with high loads that are also exposed to movements.

Disadvantages of the fine thread

What are the disadvantages? This type of thread is very sensitive to contamination and damage. Because of the smaller thread depth, they can tear out more easily, depending on the type of load.

Differences at a glance

Below you will find all the main differences between coarse thread and fine thread clearly at a glance. We have also summarized the advantages and disadvantages for you once again here:

The thread identification is shown with the pitch. The nominal dimension is followed by the pitch. (MF 10 x 0,75)
A nominal dimension can have different pitches ( MF 10 x 0.2 / MF 10 x 0.25 / MF 10 x 0.35 / MF 10 x 0.5 etc.)
A narrower thread profile
Larger core diameter
Smaller thread depth

Advantages of the fine thread:

More precise infeed (for example with measuring instruments)
Higher contact pressure with the same torque
Less space requirement (for example: thin-walled tubes, silencers, optical devices)
Less sensitive to vibrations, higher self-locking effect

Disadvantages of the fine thread:

Easy contamination
Easier seizure
Sensitive to damage
Easier to pull out

Standard thread and fine thread for inch threads

The fine thread is not only found in the metric ISO thread. There is also a distinction between coarse thread and fine thread in the inch thread types. The American counterpart to the metric standard thread is the UNC (Unified National Coarse Thread) and the fine thread is the UNF (Unified National Fine Thread) and the UNS (Unified National Special Thread). The British equivalent of the standard thread, on the other hand, is BSW (British Standard Whitworth Corase). The English variant is abbreviated as BSF (British Standard Fine). We have summarized more about the different thread types for you here.