Gagemaker L.P. Thread Lead Gage

Thread Lead is probably one of the most important thread elements if not the most important in the thread cutting industry. Lead error (which often leads to standoff error on tapered threads) is the most common error generated by manual and CNC lathes not cutting properly. Worn ball, lead screws, Z axis servo drives and spindle encoders on threading lathes will permit the cutting tool to stall, slow down or lag, which causes the thread pitch to be shorter than programmed on the first and second threads. This in turn results in lead error…standoff error… and eventually a failed connection. The lead gage inspects thread lead using contact points that seat in the threads of a part. Thread lead is the distance between threads, measured on a plane parallel to the centerline of the threaded part. The pitch of the thread determines the diameter of the contact points required for taking measurements.