1. What is Countersink Depth?

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

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the countersink depth formula:

Where:

• \( \text{depth} \) — Countersink depth (inches)
• \( \text{head\_dia} \) — Diameter of the screw head (inches)
• \( \text{hole\_dia} \) — Diameter of the pilot hole (inches)
• \( \text{angle} \) — Countersink angle (degrees)

Explanation: The formula calculates how deep the countersink needs to be based on the difference between head and hole diameters, divided by twice the tangent of half the countersink angle.

3. Importance of Countersink Depth Calculation

Details: Proper countersink depth ensures flush mounting of fasteners, prevents material splitting, and maintains structural integrity of the assembly.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure head and hole diameters accurately. Common countersink angles are 82°, 90°, and 100°. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are common countersink angles?
A: 82° is standard for aerospace, 90° is common for general purpose, and 100° is used for specific applications.

Q2: How precise should my measurements be?
A: For best results, measure to at least 0.001 inches (thousandths) precision.

Q3: What if my countersink is too deep?
A: Excessive depth weakens the material and may prevent proper fastener seating.

Q4: Can I use this for metric measurements?
A: Yes, as long as all dimensions use consistent units (all in inches or all in mm).

Q5: How does material hardness affect countersinking?
A: Harder materials may require shallower countersinks to prevent cracking.