How to identify a nut

boltshardware

I have to replace a nut on an old sliding door that dates back at least 50 years. The nut fits a 7/16 spanner, but that's all I know about it. Unfortunately I can't take the nut off and take it to my local hardware shop because the door is in continual use and would have to be wedged in place when I take the nut off. So I have to try and work out what the thread is so I can buy a replacement nut.

From Googling it seems that if a 7/16 spanner fits the nut is (probably?) either 3/16 Whitworth or 1/4 BSF. And I can probably estimate the bolt diameter to enough accuracy to tell the difference.

My question is: does the above make sense. If I hold a ruler up to the bolt and it looks nearer to 1/4" than 3/16" do I just go out and buy a 1/4" BSF nut? Or a 3/16" Whitworth nut if the bolt looks nearer to 3/16" than 1/4"?

Not that buying the wrong nut will bankrupt me, but it's a long drive (through the snow!) to the hardware shop 🙂

Best Answer

A few alternative approaches that don't require guessing:

  • If the nut fastens to a removable bolt rather than a bracket with a permanent threaded rod, don't bother trying to match the nut. Replace both the bolt and nut with something about the same size that fits the existing holes.

  • If there is a removable bolt, but it also threads through other hardware, temporarily remove the bolt and nut and measure the size using the bolt.

  • If there is not a removable bolt, temporarily remove the nut and measure the size and thread of the exposed portion of the "bolt". Put the nut back on until you buy the replacement. If you have a thread gauge (or there are cheap ones you can buy), that will make it easier to get an accurate measurement on either the bolt or nut.

  • If you don't have a thread gauge and measurement is difficult, temporarily remove the nut. Lubricate the nut and threads, then make a quick "casting" of the thread with hot melt glue or other material, including enough material to grab to unscrew the casting. Unscrew the casting and put the nut back on the door. Then take the casting to the hardware store to find a matching nut.