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When a hole is created for a bolt, it might be "tight"; the intent is for the hole to be tapped. Or it might be "loose", and the intent is for the bolt to slide into the hole and attached to a nut on the other side.

What is the terminology for these two kinds of holes?

Mark Harrison
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  • Hi Mark, has this been asked as a specific 3D printing question or should it be moved to Engineering.SE. As it stands now it is more a question fit for another Stack? I'd like to know the rational behind the question. Thanks! – 0scar Jun 29 '20 at 14:11
  • Hey Oscar, I'm getting ready to ask a question about compensating for hole sizes when 3d printing and wanted to make sure I asked properly about a clearance hole (the "loose" one in my ignorance!). If you think it's better to move, that's fine with me. – Mark Harrison Jun 30 '20 at 03:11

1 Answers1

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A hole designed for a screw/bolt to slide freely through is called a clearance hole. A hole that is designed to be tapped could be called a pilot hole.

Tom van der Zanden
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