1. What is Countersink Depth?

Countersink depth is the vertical distance from the surface of a material to the bottom of a countersunk hole. It's crucial for ensuring proper seating of flat-head screws and other fasteners.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the countersink depth formula:

Where:

• \( \text{major\_dia} \) — Diameter at the surface (inches)
• \( \text{minor\_dia} \) — Diameter at the bottom (inches)
• \( \theta \) — Countersink angle (degrees)

Explanation: The formula calculates the vertical depth based on the diameter difference and the angle of the countersink tool.

3. Importance of Countersink Depth

Details: Proper countersink depth ensures flush mounting of fasteners, prevents material splitting, and provides optimal load distribution.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter major and minor diameters in inches, and countersink angle in degrees. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are common countersink angles?
A: 82° is standard for US screws, 90° is common in metric systems, and 60° is used for aircraft applications.

Q2: How do I measure major and minor diameters?
A: Use calipers to measure the diameter at the surface (major) and at the bottom of the hole (minor).

Q3: What if my countersink has multiple angles?
A: This calculator is for single-angle countersinks. For compound angles, specialized calculations are needed.

Q4: Does material affect countersink depth?
A: The formula is material-independent, but softer materials may require slightly deeper countersinks for proper seating.

Q5: How precise should my measurements be?
A: For critical applications, measure to at least 0.001" precision to ensure proper fastener seating.