THREAD GAUGING TECHNIQUES

API Rotary Shouldered

Threads

Connection Thread Styles

Straight Threads

API Tubing and Casing Tapered Threads

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

RSC Pin
Inspection
API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Rotary Shouldered Pin Connector (RSC Pin)

Datum

Torque shoulder

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

RSC Thread Information

Purpose: Join two pieces of pipe together for drilling wells

RSC connections are designed for use with drill strings to resist high torques

API Specification 7-2 controls all RSC dimensions

Preferred connections can use the API monogram

Non-preferred connections cannot use the API monogram

Connections diameters range from 1 to 8

Thread tapers range from 1 TPF to 3 TPF

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

API Connection Names

Connector Type
NC

Designed By and Connection Name

Thread Forms

API.

Numbered Connection

Hughes

Regular

H-90

Hughes

Hughes 90

2TPF & 3TPF thread form of 90-V-.050

90 Included angle form

IF

Hughes

Internal Flush

2TPF - thread form of V-.038

FH

Hughes

Full Hole

2TPF & 3TPF - thread form of V-040 and V050

SH

Hughes

Slim Hole

2TPF - thread form of V-0.38

XH

Hughes

Xtra Hole

2TPF - thread form of V-.038

DSL

Hughes.

Double Streamline

2TPF - thread form of V-0.38

WO

Hughes

Wide Open

2TPF - thread form of V-.038

EF

Hughes

External Flush

2TPF - thread form of V-0.38

REG

2TPF & 3TPF - thread form of V-0.38

2TPF & 3TPF - thread form of V-0.50

OH SW

American Iron OKC Open Hole Standard

Weight

1 1/2TPF - thread form of V-0.76

PAC

American Iron OKC Phil A. Cornell (PAC)

1 1/2TPF - thread form of V-0.76

Hughes

1 1/4TPF - thread form of 90-V-.084

SL H90

Slim Hole Hughes 90

API Monogrammable Connections

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

How do we get started?

Request the product thread drawing

Verify the thread form is correct

Verify the threading insert is correct for the thread on the drawing

Request a gage set up report

List all the gage serial numbers used to inspect the part

Verify the ball contact sizes are correct

Set the gages to a zero on a calibrated standard

Thread the part and start the inspection

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

TDWIN TAPER Drawing 5 Full Hole Pin

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

TDWIN Taper Gage Setup Report

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Thread Lead Inspection

LG-5002

Set

to zero on the standard

Double-check
Apply

your zero setting

the gage to the part for measuring

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Thread Lead Inspection

LG-5002

Measuring the part

The LG-5002 is used the same way on the part
as it is on the standard.
1.Place the fixed ball contact in the first full
depth thread
2. Move the fixed ball back one thread and
check again
3. Record your measurement for comparison

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Pin Thread Height Inspection

Thread Height Gage
Set the TH-3000RSC on the setting standard and tilt
the base back and forth to obtain the lowest reading
Thread form TPF Thread height
V032
2TPF
.09688
V038
2TPF
.12184
V038
3TPF
.12184
V040
2TPF
.11784
V050
2TPF
.14780
V050
3TPF
.14780
V055
2TPF
.05593
V076
2TPF
.09250
H-90
2TPF
.10000
H-90
3TPF
.09928

Ball contact
T032
T072
T072
T034
T072
T072
T072
T044
T072
T072

After locking the bezel clamp, always double check

your zero setting
TH-3000-RSC on a setting standard
API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Pin Thread Height Inspection

Thread Height Gage

Set using a setting standard

Double-check your zero setting

Measure the part

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Pin Thread Height Inspection

Measuring the part
The TH-3002-RSC is used the same way on
the part as on the standard
The ball contact is sized to closely match the
root radius and to center itself at the bottom of
the root
Measure at two locations, near the shoulder
and close to the face
Align the base parallel to the thread axis and tilt
the base back and forth to obtain the lowest
reading
Record your measurement

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Pin Thread Taper Inspection

ET-7003
Zero the dial on the first thread
Note: Do not lock the bezel clamp
Notice the radial location of the gage as
compared to the part or chuck.
Move the gage up the taper 1, or:
3 threads for All H-90
4 threads for V38, V040, V050,
V055, V076
5 threads for V040
6 threads for V055

Position 1

Place your index finger on top of the indicator stem

to hold the ball contact into the thread groove.

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Pin Thread Taper Inspection

ET-7003
After moving 1 up the taper, double
check your radial position of the
gage to the part or chuck.
Change in the radial position will
induce errors caused by the thread
helical path. If the gage is rotated,
the ball contacts will move up or
down the taper
You are checking the change in
diameter along a radial location or
plane
Note: On a 4TPI - 2TPF connection, every 45
rotation of the gage equals .0052 change in
diameter

Position 2

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Pin Pitch Diameter Inspection (Right Handed)

This method of locating where to
measure a pitch diameter on a
shouldered connection was first
used by Gagemakers Jim Douglas
in 1990 for Shell Oils TLP
connectors.
For right-hand threads, place the
LPP in the thread and slide it around
the part until it makes contact with
the shoulder.
Using your blue Sharpie, make a
mark on the two thread crest and
the thread groove where the LPP
template indicates. This is the
location where the fixed ball contact
will be placed.
Pin Location Template (LPP)
API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Pin Pitch Diameter Inspection (Left-Handed)

For left-handed threads, using your
blue Sharpie, make a long
mark in the thread groove where the
LPP template indicates.
Then move one thread groove down
the taper and run the blue line half
way around the connection. This is
where the moveable ball contact will
be located.
Note: On a left hand thread the groove
down the taper is on the backside,
moving away from you.

Pin Location Template (LPP)

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Presetting Pin Pitch Diameter Gage

PD-8001-RSC
Verify that the correct ball contacts are
correct for the thread pitch.
Place the rod standard between the
contacts and adjust the lower arm.
Remove the standard.
Preset the electronic indicator to read
approximately .375. This allows you to
check taper also. Lock the two
setscrews.
Place the standard between the ball
contacts on the gage
Sweep to the smallest indicator value
Zero the indicator

PD-8001-RSC with standard

Gage can also be preset
using a MIC TRAC

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Pin Pitch Diameter Inspection

PD-8001-RSC
Place the fixed ball contact in the blue
marked groove at the 12 oclock position and
the moveable point down the same thread
groove towards the pin face at 6 oclock.

Fixed ball

Note: On left hand threads, the gage appears to

be in the thread groove to the right of the
fixed ball contact.
Sweep to the largest indicator value
Record your measurement

PD-8001-RSC Inspecting Pin

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Thread Form Inspection

The JSS thread profile templates
performs, three different inspections:
1. Proper last full depth thread to the
shoulder distance.

0.500
API Requirement

2. Proper thread form

3. Checks for burrs on starting thread
The profile template should be in full
form contact with the product threads,
form and lead the same as if you
moved it back one thread pitch!!
If the profile templates contacts the
shoulder but is not fully seated in the
threads, the last full depth thread is too
long (greater than .5).
TP-23-50-JSS Inspecting Pin

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Length Inspection

Refer to the thread drawing for

dimensions and tolerances
Bevel
Diameter

All API Pin tolerances are

+.000 / -.125
The Drilco/Smith book is
+.125 / -.000

Length

Scale inspecting pin length

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

RSC Box
Inspection
API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Rotary Shouldered Pin Connector (RSC Box)

Datum

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

How do we get started?

Request the product thread drawing

Verify the thread form is correct

Verify the threading insert is correct for the thread on the drawing

Request a gage set up report

List all the gage serial numbers used to inspect the part

Verify the ball contact sizes are correct

Set the gages to a zero on a calibrated standard

Thread the part and start the inspection

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

TDWIN TAPER Drawing 5 Full Hole Box

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

TDWIN Taper Gage Setup Report

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Thread Lead Inspection

LG-5002

Set to zero on a standard

Double check your zero setting

Apply to the part

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Thread Lead Inspection

LG-5002

Measuring the part

The LG-5002 measures the same
way on the part as on the standard.
1.Place the fixed ball contact in the
first full depth thread.
2.Move the fixed ball back one
thread and check again.
3.Record your measurement for
comparison.

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Box Thread Height Inspection

TH-3009RSC
Set the TH-3009RSC on the
setting standard and tilt the base
back and forth to obtain the lowest
reading

Thread Form / TPF / Thread Height / Ball Contact

V032
2TPF
.09688
T032
V038
2TPF
.12184
T072
V038
3TPF
.12184
T072
V040
2TPF
.11784
T034
V050
2TPF
.14780
T072
V050
3TPF
.14780
T072
V055
2TPF
.05593
T072
V076
2TPF
.09250
T044
H-90
2TPF
.10000
T072
H-90
3TPF
.09928
T072
API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Box Thread Height Inspection

TH-3009RSC

The TH-3009RSC is used the same way on the part as on the standard.
The ball contact is sized to closely match the root radius and positioned in
the bottom center of the root.
Measure at two locations, near the face and the back of box.
Align the base parallel to the thread axis and tilt the base back and forth to
obtain the lowest reading.
Record your measurement.

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Box Thread Taper Inspection

IT-6000
1. Zero the dial on the first thread.
Do not lock the bezel clamp!
Note the radial location of the
gage to the part or chuck.
2. Move the gage up the taper 1 or:
3 threads for All H-90
4 threads for V38, V040, V050,
V055, V076
5 threads for V040
6 threads for V055

Position 1

3. Pivot off the lower ball and sweep the top one left
and right to obtain the largest value.
IT-6000 Zeroed on Product

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Box Thread Taper Inspection

IT-6000
4. Move the gage 1 up the taper and
double check your radial position of
the gage to the part or chuck.
Change in radial position will induce
errors caused by the thread helical
path. If the gage is rotated, the ball
contacts will move up or down the
taper.
You are checking the change in
diameter along a radial location or
plane.

Note: On a 4TPI - 2TPF connection, every 45

rotation of the gage equals .0052 change in
diameter.

Position 2

IT-6000 Inspecting Box

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Box Pitch Diameter Inspection

Length Box Pitch Diameter Template (LPB)

Place the LPB in the thread

and slide it around the part
until it makes contact with
the box face.
Using your blue Sharpie,
make a mark on the box
counter bore next to where
the LPP template stops.
Always measure the pitch
diameter in the second
thread groove. This is
where the fixed ball contact
will be located.

Second root from starting chamfer

Mark the counterbore next to
LPB template
API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Presetting the Box Pitch Diameter Gage

IT-5104-RSC
Verify the correct ball contact for the
thread pitch.
Place the rod standard between the
contacts and adjust the lower arm.
Remove the standard.
Preset the electronic indicator to read
approximately .100. This allows you
to check taper with the same gage.
Tighten the lower arm locking screw .
Place the standard over the ball
contacts on the gage.
Sweep to the smallest indicator value.
Zero the indicator
Note: The IT-5104-RSC may also
be preset using the MIC TRAC

Box Pitch Diameter Inspection

IT-5104-RSC
Compress the gage, turn it upside down
and place the top ball in the Second
root.
While holding the top ball in the groove,
rotate the gage 180 clockwise and put
the lower or fixed ball in the same
groove aligned with the blue mark on the
counter bore.
Sweep to the largest value on the
indicator
Note: When gauging left hand threads, the gage
is rotated counter clockwise.

IT-5104-RSC Inspecting Box

Record your measurement

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Box Thread Form Inspection

The profile template

should make full form
contact with the product
threads, form and lead

TP-23-50-JSS Inspecting Box

API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Length Inspection
Counter bore

Refer to the thread

drawing for dimensions
and tolerances

Depth of Box
Threads
Total Box Depth
API Rotary Shouldered Tapered Threads

Gagemaker Thread Inspection

Training Videos

Gage Manuals and Posters

On-site Demonstration

THREAD GAUGING TECHNIQUES

Rotary Shouldered Connections

Gagemaker, LP 2010

Gagemaker, LP
712 E. Southmore Ave.
Pasadena, TX 77502
P: (713) 472-7360 F: (713) 472-7241
www.gagemaker.com
sales@gagemaker.com