Universal Hardware Reference – BETA
Tap drill sizes, bolt conversions, socket matches, torque multipliers, RivNuts, rivets and more – all in one place. Shade-tree friendly, fabricator approved. Use your brain and OE data with this, not instead of it.
Tap Drill Size Helper
Pick a thread, get a drill size and engagement note.
Rule of thumb: ~60–70% thread engagement is usually happy for steel. Softer materials often like a touch less.
SAE ↔ Metric Bolt Size
Find the closest twin when you’re digging through mixed hardware bins.
This is body diameter only – thread pitch, shoulder length and head style still matter.
mm ↔ SAE Socket Match
For when 10mm vanished again and you’re holding a 3/8" rack.
If the difference is sketchy, don’t force it – especially on rusty or high-torque fasteners.
Bolt Length mm ↔ Inches
Quick mm to inch + nearest common fraction.
Thread Pitch Identifier
Helps guess what you’re holding when the stamp is… gone.
RivNut Drill Size & Grip
Pick a RivNut size, get a drill size and basic grip notes.
Always check the manufacturer card – different brands like slightly different hole sizes and grip ranges.
Blind Rivet Drill & Grip
Standard pop rivet hole sizes and basic grip hints.
Torque Multiplier Helper
Estimate torque at the fastener when using a multiplier.
Extension length and angle can change actual torque. When in doubt, aim low and sneak up carefully.
Bolt Torque – Generic Chart
Generic torque ranges by size & grade. Not OE spec.
Always follow OE torque specs when available, especially on safety-critical or gasketed joints.
Bolt Grade Cheat Sheet
What the head marks actually mean.
- Grade 2 – Low strength, no lines. Use for light brackets and non-critical stuff.
- Grade 5 – Three radial lines. General automotive chassis / brackets.
- Grade 8 – Six radial lines. Higher strength, common on suspension / critical joints.
- Stainless (18-8 / 304 / 316) – Corrosion resistant but not magic; often softer than Grade 5.
- 8.8 – Similar to SAE Grade 5. Common metric automotive hardware.
- 10.9 – Stronger, similar to Grade 8. Often used on suspension / drivetrain.
- 12.9 – Very high strength socket head caps – sensitive to over-torque and bending.
- A2 / A4 stainless – Corrosion focused. Use anti-seize with aluminum to avoid galling.
- Lubrication and anti-seize can change clamp load by 20–30% at the same torque.
- Don’t blindly swap to “stronger” bolts; threads, mating materials and brackets may become the weak link.
- Torque-to-yield / stretch bolts (head bolts, some suspension) are usually one-time use.
Wheel Lug Torque – Generic
Quick ranges for typical passenger / light truck wheels.
Re-torque after the first 25–50 miles on fresh wheels or spacers, especially off-road setups.
Disclaimer – Use Your Brain
This page is a generalized hardware helper for shop and garage use. Values shown here are approximate and may not match any specific vehicle or brand. Thread sizes, tap drills, torque values, RivNut / rivet hole sizes and grip ranges vary by manufacturer, material, coating and application.
Always confirm critical information with OEM service information, fastener manufacturer data sheets and proper measuring tools. Improper hardware selection, installation or torque can cause component failure, loss of vehicle control, injury or worse. By using this page, you accept that you’re responsible for verifying everything before sending it out the door.
Session Summary / Tech Notes
Lightly print-friendly – copy this into your RO, text, or notes.
Start using the tools above and this will populate with your current selections.
