Product Guides
AIMS Tap & Die Selection Guide: Hand, Spiral Point, Spiral Flute & Forming
A practical guide to selecting the right tap and die for the thread you're cutting. Covers hand taps (taper, plug, bottoming), spiral point taps for through holes, spiral flute taps for blind holes, thread forming taps for ductile material, machine nut taps, die nuts, button dies and die holders. Includes thread system selection (metric, BSP, BSPT, NPT, UNC, UNF, BSW, BSF), tap drill sizing, brand selection across Sutton Tools and Bordo, and AS/NZS/ISO standards.
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AIMS Drill Bit Selection Guide: Choose by Material, Application & Cost
A practical guide to selecting the right drill bit for the workpiece you're cutting. Covers HSS, cobalt HSS, solid carbide, carbide-tipped, masonry, tile and glass drill bits, plus jobber, stub, step and SDS sub-types. Includes drill point geometry, coatings, brand selection across Sutton Tools, Bordo and P&N, and AS/NZS/ISO standards relevant to Australian industry.
Read moreSheet Metal & Wire Gauge Chart: AWG, SWG, BWG to mm
Complete sheet metal and wire gauge cross-reference — AWG (American Wire Gauge), SWG (British Imperial Standard Wire Gauge), and BWG (Birmingham Wire Gauge) converted to millimetres, with Australian usage notes and selection guidance for fabrication, electrical, and tube wall applications.
Read moreMetric to Imperial Conversion Chart: mm, Inches, Drill # & Gauge Cross-Reference
Master engineering conversion reference — 225 rows covering 0.1mm to 25mm, every standard drill number (#1-#80), letter drill (A-Z), AWG gauge, SWG gauge and common imperial fractions in a single cross-reference table.
Read moreCutting Tool Materials Guide: HSS, Cobalt, Carbide, PCBN & PCD Explained
Master cutting tool material reference — seven tool material families documented with hardness, thermal stability, toughness and cost positioning. When HSS is enough, when carbide pays back, when PCBN or PCD become economical.
Read moreSteel Grades Comparison Chart: Carbon, Alloy & Tool Steels
A complete steel grades comparison covering carbon, alloy and tool steels. Cross-references AU (AS 1442 / AS 1444), US (SAE/AISI) and ISO/EN designation systems with compositions, mechanical properties, and typical applications for each grade.
Read moreCutting Tool Coatings Guide: TiN, TiAlN, AlCrN, TiCN & Premium Coatings Explained
Master cutting tool coating reference — 13 PVD coatings and surface treatments documented with hardness, friction, thermal stability and material-specific application. Why TiAlN reacts with aluminium, when AlCrN replaces TiAlN, what each coating colour means.
Read moreCutting Tool Troubleshooting Guide: Drills, Taps, Endmills, Reamers, Bandsaw Blades
Master troubleshooting reference for cutting tool failures — drills, taps, endmills, reamers, bandsaw blades. Symptom × cause × solution tables plus three universal principles that solve most failures.
Read moreCutting Speeds & Feeds Reference Chart: Drilling, Milling, Tapping, Reaming
Master cutting parameter reference — Vc and feed rate ranges for HSS, cobalt and solid carbide tooling across all major engineering materials. Includes drilling, milling, tapping, reaming and material-specific cautions.
Read moreWorkpiece Material Cross-Reference Chart: SAE, AISI, DIN, JIS, AS/NZS Equivalents
Master engineering material cross-reference: ISO VDI 3323 material groups mapped to SAE/AISI (US), DIN (Germany), BS EN (UK), AFNOR (France), JIS (Japan) and AS/NZS (Australia) national standards. Includes AS layer often omitted from international charts.
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Recoil Thread Repair Cross-Reference Guide: 2007 → 2013 → 2023 Part Numbers
Recoil renumbered its entire kit catalogue twice in the last twenty years. In 2013 the suffix on every kit code shifted from 0 to 8. In 2023 every code picked up an RC prefix. If you've ever searched an old purchase order, a printed catalogue, or a service-manual callout and come up empty, this is why. This is the single most comprehensive cross-reference for Recoil kit part numbers anywhere in the Australian market. 277 individual kits mapped across all three catalogue generations (2007 → 2013 → 2023), grouped by thread family, with the matching drill bits, STI taps, inserts, install tools and tang break tools spelled out. Cross-reference data compiled by AIMS Industrial from the Recoil 2007 catalogue, the 2013 Australian Price List, and the 2022/2023 catalogue, then validated against the current AIMS Recoil collection. Quick Reference — How to Use This Guide Three things you need to know before reading the tables. The three generations 2007 Part No. — the original Recoil code as listed in the 2007 catalogue. Mostly 5-digit numeric codes ending in 0 (e.g. 35060 for M6 x 1.0). 2013 Part No. — same kit, but the trailing 0 was switched to an 8 across the Australian Price List (e.g. 35068). Some specialty kits gained a hyphenated sub-code (e.g. 38108-2 for the M10 trade spark plug kit). 2023 Part No. (RC) — the current code. Same number as 2013, with a literal RC prefix added (e.g. RC35068). A handful of kits were also re-organised into "Inc.Drill" variants where the matching HSS drill bit is now packed in the box. What "Status" means Stable — number is unchanged, or only gained the RC prefix. Order with confidence. Renumbered — the number changed beyond a simple prefix addition (usually the 2013 suffix shift from 0 to 8). Cross-reference carefully. POA — Price on Application. Kit still exists but moved to special-order in 2023. Contact AIMS for current pricing and lead times. Obsolete — kit appeared in the 2007 and/or 2013 catalogue but is not listed in 2023. See the Obsolete Kits section below for suggested current alternatives. New 2013 — kit didn't exist before the 2013 catalogue. New 2023 — kit was introduced in the 2023 catalogue. RC prefix logic at a glance Recoil's 2023 numbering follows a consistent family pattern. The first two digits after the RC prefix tell you the thread system: RC Prefix Range Thread System Example RC30xxx BSF (British Standard Fine) + BA RC30068 — 5/16-22 BSF RC31xxx BSP (British Standard Pipe) RC31028 — 1/8-28 BSP RC32xxx BSW (British Standard Whitworth) RC32088 — 1/2-12 BSW RC33xxx UNC (Unified National Coarse) RC33048 — 1/4-20 UNC RC34xxx UNF (Unified National Fine) RC34048 — 1/4-28 UNF RC35xxx Metric Coarse RC35068 — M6 x 1.0 RC36xxx NPT / Special Inch RC36028 — 1/8-27 NPT RC37xxx Metric Medium RC37088 — M8 x 1.0 RC38xxx Metric Extra Fine / Spark Plug RC38148 — M14 x 1.25 Spark Plug Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. Most jobs only touch one or two of these families. Find your section in the tables below and read across. Metric Coarse Thread Kits Cross-Reference (M2 to M45) The bread-and-butter family — covers most automotive, machinery and general engineering applications. Range runs from instrument-scale M2 x 0.4 through to heavy industrial M45 x 4.5. AIMS stocks the M3 to M30 range as in-stock variants of the Recoil Thread Repair Kit — Metric 304 Stainless Steel, with the larger sizes available on order from the Recoil collection. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes M2 x 0.4 35020 35028 RC35028 Renumbered 2007→2013: suffix 0→8; same size M2.2 x 0.45 35010 35018 RC35018 Renumbered — M2.5 x 0.45 35250 35258 RC35258 Renumbered — M3 x 0.5 35030 35038 RC35038 Renumbered — M3.5 x 0.6 35350 35358 RC35358 Renumbered 2023: POA only M4 x 0.7 35040 35048 RC35048 Renumbered — M5 x 0.8 35050 35058 RC35058 Renumbered — M6 x 1.0 35060 35068 RC35068 Renumbered — M7 x 1.0 35070 35078 RC35078 Renumbered — M8 x 1.25 35080 35088 RC35088 Renumbered — M9 x 1.25 35090 35098 RC35098 Renumbered — M10 x 1.5 35100 35108 RC35108 Renumbered — M11 x 1.5 35110 35118 RC35118 Renumbered — M12 x 1.75 35120 35128 RC35128 Renumbered — M13 x 1.75 35130 35138 RC35138 Renumbered — M14 x 2.0 35140 35148 RC35148 Renumbered — M15 x 2.0 35150 35158 RC35158 Renumbered — M16 x 2.0 35160 35168 RC35168 Renumbered — M18 x 2.5 35180 35188 RC35188 Renumbered — M20 x 2.5 35200 35208 RC35208 Renumbered — M22 x 2.5 35220 35220 RC35220 Stable 2007→2013: no change M24 x 3.0 35240 35240 RC35240 Stable — M27 x 3.0 35270 35270 RC35270 Stable — M30 x 3.5 35300 35300 RC35300 Stable — M30 x 3.0 — 35300-3 RC353003 New 2013 3mm pitch variant added 2013; 2023: RC353003 M33 x 3.5 — 35330 RC35330 New 2013 — M36 x 4.0 35360 35360 RC35360 Stable — M39 x 4.0 35390 35390 RC35390 Stable — M42 x 4.5 35420 35420 RC35420 Stable — M42 x 4.0 35420-4 35420-4 RC354204 Renumbered 4mm pitch variant; 2023: RC354204 M45 x 4.5 — 35450 RC35450 New 2013 — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. The most popular metric kit in this range is RC35068 (M6 x 1.0) — the size most commonly stripped on cast aluminium engine and gearbox housings. The RC35004R range kit covers M5, M6, M8, M10 and M12 in a single case if you want broad cover. Step up to RC35005R for M6 through M16. For more on diagnosing and avoiding stripped threads in the first place, see our stripped threads guide. Metric Medium Thread Kits Cross-Reference The "medium" family covers metric threads where the pitch sits between coarse and fine — used heavily in automotive applications and where coarse threads would be too aggressive for the material. M8 x 1.0, M10 x 1.25 and M12 x 1.25 are the common sizes here. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes M8 x 1.0 37080 37088 RC37088 Renumbered — M9 x 1.0 37090 — — Obsolete In 2007; dropped by 2013 M10 x 1.25 37100 37103/37108 RC37103/RC37108 Renumbered Split into two SKUs by 2013 M11 x 1.25 37110 37118 — Obsolete 2007 & 2013; not in 2023 M12 x 1.5 37120 37128 RC37128 Renumbered — M13 x 1.5 — 37138 RC37138 New 2013 — M14 x 1.5 37140 37148 RC37148 Renumbered — M15 x 1.5 37150 37158 RC37158 Renumbered — M16 x 1.5 37160 37168 RC37168 Renumbered — M18 x 2.0 37180 37188 RC37188 Renumbered — M20 x 2.0 37200 37208 RC37208 Renumbered — M22 x 2.0 37220 37220 RC37220 Stable — M24 x 2.0 37240 37240 RC37240 Stable — M27 x 2.0 37270 37270 RC37270 Stable — M30 x 2.0 37300 37300 RC37300 Stable — M33 x 2.0 — 37330 RC37330 New 2013 — M36 x 3.0 37360 37360 RC37360 Stable — M39 x 3.0 37390 37390 RC37390 POA 2023: POA only M42 x 3.0 37420 37420 RC37420 POA 2023: POA only M6 x 0.75 Inc.Drill — — RC37060 New 2023 New in 2023 only M9 x 1.0 Inc.Drill — — RC37098 New 2023 New in 2023 only Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. Metric Extra Fine Thread Kits Cross-Reference Extra fine pitches are common on hydraulic fittings, sensor bosses, and precision adjustments. The M14 x 1.25 spark plug thread sits in this family — see the dedicated Spark Plug section below. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes M10 x 1.0 38101 38108 RC38108 Renumbered 2007 suffix 01→08 M11 x 1.0 38110 38118 RC38118 Renumbered — M12 x 1.25 38121 38128 RC38128 Renumbered — M12 x 1.0 — 38120-1 RC381201 New 2013 1mm pitch variant; 2023: RC381201 M13 x 1.25 38130 38138 RC38138 Renumbered — M14 x 1.25 (multi-insert) 38141 38147 RC38147 Renumbered Multi-insert spark plug sizes M14 x 1.25 38140 38148 RC381481 Renumbered 2023: RC381481 M18 x 1.5 38181 38188 RC381881 Renumbered 2023: RC381881 M18 x 1.5 Inconel 38180 38188-1X RC381881X Renumbered High-temp Inconel; 2023: RC381881X M20 x 1.5 38200 38208 RC38208 Renumbered — M22 x 1.5 38220 38220 RC38220 Stable — M24 x 1.5 38240 38240 RC38240 Stable — M26 x 1.5 — 38260 RC38260 New 2013 — M27 x 1.5 38270 38270 RC38270 Stable — M30 x 1.5 38300 38300 RC38300 Stable — M36 x 1.5 38360 38360 RC38360 Stable — M39 x 2.0 38390 38390 RC38390 POA 2023: POA only M42 x 2.0 38420 38420 RC38420 POA 2023: POA only M8 x 0.75 — — RC38080 New 2023 POA in 2023 M10 x 6.8mm x 1.0 — — RC38102 New 2023 Derailleur / bike spec M11 x 1.0 — — RC38110 New 2023 Additional SKU 2023 M25 x 1.5 — — RC38250 New 2023 — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. Spark Plug & Plug Saver Kits Cross-Reference Stripped spark plug threads in cylinder heads are one of the most common Recoil applications. The thread is almost always M14 x 1.25 on modern petrol engines, with M10 x 1.0 and M12 x 1.25 appearing on smaller engines, motorcycles and outboards. M18 x 1.5 covers older diesel and some marine engines. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes M10 x 1.0 Trade 38100 38108-2 RC381082 Renumbered — M12 x 1.25 Trade 38120 38120-2 RC381202 Renumbered 2023: RC381202 M14 x 1.25 Standard 38140 38140 RC38140 Stable — M14 x 1.25 Trade — 38148-2 RC381482 New 2013 2023: RC381482 M18 x 1.5 Trade 38180 38188 RC38188 Renumbered — Plugsaver M14 x 1.25 — 38148 RC38148 New 2013 — Plugsaver Refill — — RC98147RP New 2023 — Plugsaver Ford Triton — — RC98140T New 2023 Ford-specific kit Expanding Tool — — RC98146 New 2023 — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. AIMS keeps the four most common spark plug kits in stock as part of the Recoil collection: RC381082 (M10 x 1.0), RC381202 (M12 x 1.25), RC38140 (M14 x 1.25 standard), the trade version RC381482, and RC38188 (M18 x 1.5). The RC38148 Plug Saver Kit is the field-repair version — designed for in-vehicle use without removing the cylinder head. Left Hand Thread Kits Cross-Reference Left-hand threads appear on bike crank arms, fan shafts, gas valves, and any application where a clockwise-rotating component would otherwise back the fastener off. Recoil's left-hand kits include LH-specific drill bits and STI taps. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes M6 x 1.0 LH Inc.Drill — 35068LH RC35068LH New 2013 — M8 x 1.25 LH Inc.Drill — 35088LH RC35088LH New 2013 — M10 x 1.5 LH Inc.Drill — 35108LH RC35108LH New 2013 — M12 x 1.75 LH Inc.Drill — 35128LH RC35128LH New 2013 — M10 x 1.25 LH Inc.Drill — — RC37108LH New 2023 — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. For combination bike repairs (left and right crank threads in one kit), AIMS stocks the RC3409620 Bike Crank Range Kit. Pilot Nose Tap Kits & Metric Range Kits Cross-Reference Pilot Nose kits use a longer-shanked STI tap with a guide nose — useful for blind holes and tight-access work where a standard tap would wander. The Range Kits (suffix R) bundle multiple thread sizes into a single case for trade and workshop use. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes M6 x 1.0 Pilot Nose Inc.Drill — 35063 RC35063 New 2013 — M8 x 1.25 Pilot Nose — 35083 RC35083 New 2013 — M10 x 1.5 Pilot Nose — 35103 — Obsolete In 2013; not in 2023 M10 x 1.25 Pilot Nose — 37103 RC37103 New 2013 — M12 x 1.75 Pilot Nose — 35123 RC35123 New 2013 — M9 x 1.25 Brake Caliper Kit — — RC35093S New 2023 Specific to brake caliper repair M14 x 1.5 Sump Plug Kit — — RC37143S New 2023 Sump plug thread repair Sizes Included 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. Status Notes M5x.8, M6x1, M8x1.25, M10x1.5, M12x1.75 35004 35004R RC35004R Renumbered 2007: bare number; 2013+: R suffix M6x1, M8x1.25, M10x1.5, M12x1.75, M16x2 35005 35005R RC35005R Renumbered — V/W range (38008 in 2007) 38008 — — Obsolete 2007 only; not in later catalogues O.P.E. range (38007 in 2007) 38007 38007R — Obsolete 2007 & 2013; dropped by 2023 M/C (motorcycle) range 38006 38006R RC38006R Renumbered — M4,M5,M6,M8,M10 — 35003R RC35003R New 2013 — M3,M4,M5,M6,M8 — — RC35006R New 2023 — M4,M5,M6,M8 Mini — 33007R RC33007R New 2013 — M8x1,M10x1,M10x1.25,M12x1.25,M12x1.5 — 37000R RC37000R New 2013 — M6,M8x1.25,M10x1.5,M12x1.75,M14x2 — 37003R RC37003R New 2013 — M4,M6,M8x1.25,M10x1.5,M12x1.75 — 37004R RC37004R New 2013 — M6–M14 fine — 38006R RC38006R New 2013 — M6,M8,M10 Mini 1.25 (Range Kit) — — RC37002 New 2023 — Metric Fine (various) — — RC37008 New 2023 — M6x1.25,M8x1.25,M10x1.5,M12x1.75,M14x1.25 — — RC33005R New 2023 — M6,M8,M9,M10,M12 x1.5 — — RC35007R New 2023 — M6-M14 Range Inc.Drill — — RC37007R New 2023 — M5,M6,M8,M10,M12 Inc.Drill — — RC37009R New 2023 — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. UNC Thread Kits Cross-Reference (Unified National Coarse) UNC is the standard coarse thread family in the United States and dominant on US-built equipment, agricultural machinery, and a large slice of Australian industrial inventory. Sizes run from instrument-scale #2-56 through to 1 1/2"-6. For more on identifying UNC vs UNF threads on Australian-spec fasteners, see our choosing the right drill and tap guide. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes #2-56 33520 33528 RC33528 Renumbered Inc.Drill in 2023 #3-48 33530 33538 RC33538 Renumbered Inc.Drill in 2023 #4-40 33540 33548 RC33548 Renumbered Inc.Drill in 2023 #5-40 33550 33558 RC33558 Renumbered Inc.Drill in 2023 #6-32 33560 33568 RC33568 Renumbered Inc.Drill in 2023 #8-32 33580 33588 RC33588 Renumbered Inc.Drill in 2023 #10-24 33600 33608 RC33608 Renumbered — #12-24 33620 33628 RC33628 Renumbered — 1/4-20 33040 33048 RC33048 Renumbered — 5/16-18 33050 33058 RC33058 Renumbered — 3/8-16 33060 33068 RC33068 Renumbered — 7/16-14 33070 33078 RC33078 Renumbered — 1/2-13 33080 33088 RC33088 Renumbered — 9/16-12 33090 33098 RC33098 Renumbered — 5/8-11 33100 33108 RC33108 Renumbered — 11/16-11 33110 33110 RC33110 POA 2023: POA only 3/4-10 33120 33128 RC33128 Renumbered — 7/8-9 33140 33140 RC33140 Stable No change 2007→2013 1-8 33160 33160 RC33160 Stable — 1 1/8-7 33180 33180 RC33180 Stable — 1 1/4-7 33200 33200 RC33200 Stable — 1 3/8-6 33220 33220 RC33220 Stable — 1 1/2-6 33240 33240 RC33240 Stable — 1/2-13 LH — 33088LH RC33088LH New 2013 — 1/4-20 LH Inc.Drill — 33048LH RC33048LH New 2013 — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. AIMS stocks the common UNC range as in-stock variants of the Recoil Thread Repair Kit — UNC 304 Stainless Steel. The RC33004R range kit covers 1/4" to 1/2" UNC — the trade workhorse for US-spec automotive, agricultural and industrial work. UNF Thread Kits Cross-Reference (Unified National Fine) UNF (Unified National Fine) shares the same nominal diameters as UNC but with a finer pitch — used where vibration resistance or precise adjustment matters. Common on aerospace, military spec equipment, and high-spec automotive. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes #3-56 34530 34538 RC34538 Renumbered Inc.Drill in 2023 #4-48 34540 34548 RC34548 Renumbered Inc.Drill in 2023 #6-40 34560 34568 RC34568 Renumbered Inc.Drill in 2023 #8-36 34580 34588 RC34588 Renumbered Inc.Drill in 2023 #10-32 34600 34608 RC34608 Renumbered — #12-28 34620 34628 RC34628 Renumbered — 1/4-28 34040 34048 RC34048 Renumbered — 5/16-24 34050 34058 RC34058 Renumbered — 3/8-24 34060 34068 RC34068 Renumbered — 7/16-20 34070 34078 RC34078 Renumbered — 1/2-20 34080 34088 RC34088 Renumbered — 9/16-18 34090 34098 RC34098 Renumbered — 5/8-18 34100 34108 RC34108 Renumbered — 3/4-16 34120 34128 RC34128 Renumbered — 7/8-14 34140 34140 RC34140 Stable — 1-12 34160 34160 RC34160 Stable — 1-14 UNS Special 34160-14 34160-14 RC3416014 Renumbered 2023: RC3416014 1 1/16-12 — — RC34170 New 2023 POA in 2023 1 1/8-12 34180 34180 RC34180 Stable — 1 1/4-12 34200 34200 RC34200 Stable — 1 3/8-12 34220 34220 RC34220 Stable — 1 1/2-12 34240 34240 RC34240 Stable — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. AIMS stocks the popular UNF range under the Recoil Thread Repair Kit — UNF 304 Stainless Steel. The RC34004R range kit covers 1/4" to 1/2" UNF in a single case. UNEF Thread Kits Cross-Reference (Unified National Extra Fine) UNEF is rarer than UNC or UNF and largely absorbed into range kits in the 2023 catalogue. Most of the standalone UNEF kits are now obsolete or POA — see the Obsolete section below. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes 1/4-32 34040-32 34040-32 — Obsolete 2007 & 2013; not in 2023 7/16-24 34070-24 34070-24 — Obsolete 2007 & 2013; not in 2023 9/16-20 34090-20 34090-20 RC3409020 Renumbered 2023: new format RC3409020 1-18 — — RC3416018 New 2023 POA 2023 1-20 — — RC3416020 New 2023 — 7/16-24 Inc.Drill — — RC3407824 New 2023 — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. Special Inch Threads — Harley Davidson, Carburettor, Cummins, UN This is where the 2007 and 2013 catalogues had a long tail of specialty kits — Harley Davidson 1/4-24, carburettor 5/16-24, Cummins fuel injector threads, and UN-series. Many of these were absorbed into range kits in 2023 or moved to POA status. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes 1/4-24 Harley Davidson 34040-24 34040-24 — Obsolete 2007 & 2013; absorbed into range kit RC34008R in 2023 7/16-16 Harley Davidson 34070-16 34070-16 — Obsolete Absorbed into RC34008R 7/8-20 Carburettor 34140-20 34140-20 — Obsolete 2007 & 2013; not in 2023 1-20 Carburettor 34160-20 34160-20 — Obsolete 2007 & 2013; not in 2023 11/16-16 Cummins 34110-16 34110-16 RC3411816 Renumbered 2023: RC3411816 7/8-12 UN Special — — RC3414012 New 2023 — 7/8-2 UN Special — — RC3414020 New 2023 — 1/4-24 UN Inc.Drill — — RC3404824 New 2023 — 7/16 UN Inc.Drill — — RC3407816 New 2023 — 1 1/8-8 UN 36180 36180 RC36180 POA 2023: POA only 1 1/4-8 UN 36200 36200 RC36200 POA 2023: POA only 1 3/8-8 UN 36220 36220 RC36220 POA 2023: POA only 1 1/2-8 UN 36240 36240 RC36240 POA 2023: POA only 1 5/8-8 UN 36260 36260 RC36260 POA 2023: POA only 1 3/4-8 UN 36280 36280 RC36280 POA 2023: POA only 1 7/8-8 UN 36300 36300 RC36300 POA 2023: POA only 2-8 UN 36320 36320 RC36320 POA 2023: POA only Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. BSW Thread Kits Cross-Reference (British Standard Whitworth) Whitworth threads are still common on older British, Australian and Commonwealth-built machinery — particularly vintage automotive, plumbing, and machine tools manufactured before metric conversion in the 1970s. AIMS gets steady demand for BSW repair kits, especially the 1/2-12 BSW size. For a broader walk-through of imperial vs metric thread identification, see our tap and die guide. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes 1/8-40 32020 32028 RC32028 Renumbered — 3/16-24 32030 32038 RC32038 Renumbered — 1/4-20 32040 32048 RC32048 Renumbered — 5/16-18 32050 32058 RC32058 Renumbered — 3/8-16 32060 32068 RC32068 Renumbered — 7/16-14 32070 32078 RC32078 Renumbered — 1/2-12 32080 32088 RC32088 Renumbered — 9/16-12 32090 32098 RC32098 Renumbered — 5/8-11 32100 32108 RC32108 Renumbered — 3/4-10 32120 32128 RC32128 Renumbered — 7/8-9 32140 32140 RC32140 Stable — 1-8 32160 32160 RC32160 Stable — 1 1/8-7 32180 32180 RC32180 POA 2023: POA only 1 1/4-7 32200 32200 RC32200 POA 2023: POA only 1 3/8-6 32220 32220 RC32220 POA 2023: POA only 1 1/2-6 32240 32240 RC32240 POA 2023: POA only Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. AIMS stocks RC32088 (1/2-12 BSW) as a standalone kit, and the broader RC32004R range kit for 1/4" to 1/2" BSW. BSP Thread Kits Cross-Reference (British Standard Pipe) BSP threads are everywhere on Australian plumbing and fluid systems — hose fittings, pump bosses, valve bodies, instrumentation. AIMS stocks the common range as variants of the Recoil Thread Repair Kit BSP 304 Stainless Steel. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes 1/8-28 31020 31028 RC31028 Renumbered — 1/4-19 31040 31048 RC31048 Renumbered — 3/8-19 31060 31068 RC31068 Renumbered — 1/2-14 31080 31080 RC31080 Stable — 5/8-14 31100 31100 RC31100 Stable — 3/4-14 31120 31120 RC31120 Stable — 1-11 31160 31160 RC31160 Stable — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. NPT Thread Kits Cross-Reference (National Pipe Thread Tapered) NPT is the US tapered pipe thread — distinct from BSP and not directly interchangeable. Common on US-built pneumatic and hydraulic equipment. For Allthread, studs and matching thread standards see our threaded rod guide. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes 1/8-27 36020 36028 RC36028 Renumbered — 1/4-18 36040 36048 RC36048 Renumbered — 3/8-18 36060 36068 RC36068 Renumbered — 1/2-14 36080 36080 RC36080 Stable — 3/4-14 36120 36120 RC36120 Stable Note: 2013 listed as 36128 — minor discrepancy 1-11.5 — 36160 — Obsolete In 2013; not in 2023 Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. BSF Thread Kits Cross-Reference (British Standard Fine) BSF — the fine-thread variant of Whitworth. Used on older British motorcycles, vintage automotive applications, and pre-metric machine tools. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes 3/16-32 30030 30038 RC30038 Renumbered — 1/4-26 30040 30048 RC30048 Renumbered — 5/16-22 30050 30058 RC30058 Renumbered — 3/8-20 30060 30068 RC30068 Renumbered — 7/16-18 30070 30078 RC30078 Renumbered — 1/2-16 30080 30080 RC30088 Renumbered 2013 30080→30088 in some listings 9/16-16 30090 30090 RC30098 Renumbered — 5/8-14 30100 30100 RC30108 Renumbered — 3/4-12 30120 30120 RC30128 Renumbered — 7/8-11 30140 30140 RC30140 Stable — 1-10 30160 30160 RC30160 Stable — 1 1/4-9 30200 30200 RC30200 Stable — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. AIMS stocks the RC30004R range kit for 1/4" to 1/2" BSF. BA Thread Kits Cross-Reference (British Association — Fine Instrument Threads) BA threads are used on precision instruments, scientific equipment, electrical terminations and clock movements. Sizes run from 0 BA (largest) down to 8 BA (smallest). Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes 0 BA 30500 30508 RC30508 Renumbered — 2 BA 30520 30528 RC30528 Renumbered — 4 BA 30540 30548 RC30548 Renumbered — 6 BA 30560 30568 RC30568 Renumbered — BA 0–6 Range Kit — — RC30504R New 2023 — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. BSC / Brass Thread Kits Cross-Reference (British Standard Cycle / 26 TPI Brass) BSC (also called the 26 TPI Brass thread family) was Recoil's 2007-only catalogue family covering vintage bicycle, Commonwealth electrical and brass-trade threads. The bulk of this family is now Obsolete in 2023 — special order only. Thread Size 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. (RC) Status Notes 1/4-26 30040 — — Obsolete 2007 only (listed under BSC/Brass); not separate in later cats 5/16-26 36500 36508 RC36508 Renumbered — 3/8-26 36600 36608 RC36608 Renumbered — 7/16-26 36700 36708 RC36708 Renumbered — 1/2-26 36800 36808 RC36808 Renumbered — Sizes Included 2007 Part No. 2013 Part No. 2023 Part No. Status Notes UNC 1/4-20, 5/16-18, 3/8-16, 7/16-14, 1/2-13 33004 33004R RC33004R Renumbered — UNF 1/4-28, 5/16-24, 3/8-24, 7/16-20, 1/2-20 34004 34004R RC34004R Renumbered — BSW 1/4–1/2 32004 32004R RC32004R Renumbered — BSP 1/8, 1/4, 3/8 — 31004R RC31004R New 2013 — BSF 1/4–1/2 30004 30004R RC30004R Renumbered — NPT 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 — 36004R RC36004R New 2013 — UNC 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 — 33001R RC33001R New 2013 — UNC 1/4–1/2 — 33004R RC33004R New 2013 2013 duplicate listing UNF 1/4, 5/16, 3/8 — 34001R RC34001R New 2013 — UNC Mini #4,#6,#8,#10-24,#10-32 33002 33002R RC33002R Renumbered — BSC 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2 — 36001R RC36001R New 2013 — 9/16 & M10x6.8 Popular — 34005 RC34005 New 2013 — 1/4-24 Harley, 7/16-16 Harley, 3/8-20 BSF — 34008R RC34008R New 2013 Replaces individual Harley kits BA 0–6 — — RC30504R New 2023 — 5 x 9/16-20 LH & RH Bike Crank — 3409620 RC3409620 Renumbered 2023: RC3409620 9/16 Left Bike Crank — — RC3409820BCL New 2023 — 9/16 Right Bike Crank — — RC3409820BCR New 2023 — M6,M8,M9,M10,M12 x1.5 Popular — — RC35007R New 2023 — VW range (38008 in 2007) 38008 — — Obsolete 2007 only Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. Replacement Parts — Drill Bits, STI Taps, Inserts & Tools Every Recoil kit is a system: an oversize drill bit, an STI (Screw Thread Insert) tap that cuts the larger hole, the inserts themselves, a manual install tool, and a magnetic tang break tool to snap off the insert's installation tang once it's seated. Lose or break any one of these and the rest of the kit becomes useless — except you can buy each part separately from the AIMS Recoil collection. The tables below list, for each current RC kit, the exact replacement parts you need. Drill bits are cross-referenced against Sutton Tools D180 codes — Sutton is the AIMS-preferred HSS drill bit brand, and (relevantly) Sutton Tools is Recoil's parent company, so the drill cross-references are first-party data. For a wider view of drill bit sizing across metric and imperial, see our threading tap metric/imperial size chart. What's an STI tap? STI stands for Screw Thread Insert. An STI tap looks like a standard tap but cuts a slightly larger hole — the size needed to accept the Recoil insert. You can't substitute a standard tap. Recoil's STI taps are sold in three styles: Taper (long lead-in, for through-holes), Intermediate (medium lead, the general-purpose choice listed in the tables below), and Bottoming (short lead, for blind holes where you need threads right to the bottom). AIMS stocks all three styles — see Metric Intermediate, Metric Bottoming, and the matching UNC Taper versions. Metric Coarse Replacement Parts Thread Size Current Kit (RC) HSS Drill Bit STI Tap Inserts (Pack of 10) Install Tool Tang Break Tool M2 x 0.4 RC35028 Included (std HSS)2.2mmSutton D180 0220 RC45025 RC25022, RC25023, RC25024 † RC5006121 RC59060M M2.2 x 0.45 RC35018 Included (std HSS)2.5mmSutton D180 0250 RC45015 RC25013 † RC5006121 RC59060M M2.5 x 0.45 RC35258 Included (std HSS)2.8mmSutton D180 0280 RC45255 RC25253, RC25254 † RC5008917 — M3 x 0.5 RC35038 Included (std HSS)3.3mmSutton D180 0330 RC45035 RC25032, RC25033, RC25034 † RC5008917 RC59090M M3.5 x 0.6 RC35358 — RC45355 RC25353 † RC5009515 — M4 x 0.7 RC35048 Included (std HSS)4.5mmSutton D180 0450 RC45045 RC25042, RC25043, RC25044 † RC5012513 RC59080M M5 x 0.8 RC35058 Included (std HSS)5.5mmSutton D180 0550 RC45055 RC25052, RC25053, RC25054 † RC501569 RC59160M M6 x 1.0 RC35068 Included (std HSS)6.8mmSutton D180 0680 RC45065 RC25062, RC25063, RC25064, RC25065 † RC501885 RC59190M M7 x 1.0 RC35078 Included (std HSS)7.8mmSutton D180 0780 RC45075 RC25072, RC25073, RC25074 † RC502194 RC59200M M8 x 1.25 RC35088 Included (std HSS)8.8mmSutton D180 0880 RC45085 RC25082, RC25083, RC25084, RC25085 † RC502507 RC59250M M9 x 1.25 RC35098 Included (std HSS)9.5mmSutton D180 0950 RC45095 RC25092, RC25093 † RC502815 RC59310M M10 x 1.5 RC35108 Included (std HSS)11.0mmSutton D180 1100 RC45105 RC25102, RC25103, RC25104, RC25105 † RC502814 RC59280M M11 x 1.5 RC35118 Included (std HSS)12.5mmSutton D180 1250 RC45115 RC25112, RC25113 † RC503444 RC59340M M12 x 1.75 RC35128 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC45125 RC25122, RC25123, RC25124 † RC503751 RC59380M M13 x 1.75 RC35138 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC45135 RC25133 † RC503751 — M14 x 2.0 RC35148 — RC45145 RC25142, RC25143, RC25144 † RC504380 — M15 x 2.0 RC35158 — RC45155 RC25153 † RC504380 — M16 x 2.0 RC35168 — RC45165 RC25162, RC25163, RC25164, RC25165 † RC505000 — M18 x 2.5 RC35188 — RC45185 RC25183 † RC505910 — M20 x 2.5 RC35208 — RC45205 RC25203 † RC505910 — M22 x 2.5 RC35220 — RC45225 RC25223 † RC50688 — M24 x 3.0 RC35240 — RC45245 RC25243 † RC50750 — M27 x 3.0 RC35270 — RC45275 RC25243 † RC50875 — M30 x 3.5 RC35300 — RC45305 RC25303 † RC51000 — M30 x 3.0 RC353003 — RC453053 RC25303 † RC51000 — M33 x 3.5 RC35330 — RC45335 RC25303 † RC51063 — M36 x 4.0 RC35360 — RC45365 RC25303 † RC51063 — M39 x 4.0 RC35390 — RC45395 RC25303 † RC51250 — M42 x 4.5 RC35420 — RC45425 RC25303 † RC51250 — M42 x 4.0 RC354204 — RC45425 RC25303 † RC51250 — M45 x 4.5 RC35450 — RC45425 RC25303 † RC51250 — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. Metric Medium & Extra Fine Replacement Parts Thread Size Current Kit (RC) HSS Drill Bit STI Tap Inserts (Pack of 10) Install Tool Tang Break Tool M8 x 1.0 RC37088 Included (std HSS)8.5mmSutton D180 0850 RC47085 RC27082, RC27083, RC27084 † RC502507 RC59250M M12 x 1.5 RC37128 Included (std HSS)13.0mmSutton D180 1300 RC47125 RC27122, RC27123, RC27124 † RC503751 RC59380M M13 x 1.5 RC37138 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC47135 RC27133 † RC503751 — M14 x 1.5 RC37148 — RC47145 RC27142, RC27143, RC27144 † RC504380 — M15 x 1.5 RC37158 — RC47155 RC27153 † RC504380 — M16 x 1.5 RC37168 — RC47165 RC27162, RC27163, RC27164, RC27165 † RC505000 — M18 x 2.0 RC37188 — RC47185 RC27183 † RC505910 — M20 x 2.0 RC37208 — RC47205 RC27203 † RC505910 — M22 x 2.0 RC37220 — RC47225 RC27223 † RC50688 — M24 x 2.0 RC37240 — RC47245 RC27243 † RC50750 — M27 x 2.0 RC37270 — RC47275 RC27243 † RC50875 — M30 x 2.0 RC37300 — RC47305 RC27243 † RC51000 — M33 x 2.0 RC37330 — RC47335 RC27243 † RC51063 — M36 x 3.0 RC37360 — RC47365 RC27243 † RC51063 — M39 x 3.0 RC37390 — RC47395 RC27243 † RC51250 — M42 x 3.0 RC37420 — RC47425 RC27243 † RC51250 — M10 x 1.0 RC38108 Included (std HSS)10.5mmSutton D180 1050 RC48105 RC28102, RC28103 † RC502814 RC59280M M11 x 1.0 RC38118 Included (std HSS)11.5mmSutton D180 1150 RC48115 RC28113 † RC503444 RC59340M M12 x 1.25 RC38128 Included (std HSS)12.8mmSutton D180 1280 RC48125 RC28122, RC28123, RC28124 † RC503751 RC59380M M12 x 1.0 RC381201 Included (std HSS)12.5mmSutton D180 1250 RC481251 RC28122, RC28123 † RC503751 RC59380M M13 x 1.25 RC38138 — RC48135 RC28133 † RC503751 — M14 x 1.25 (multi-insert) RC38147 — RC48145 RC28147 † RC504380 RC59380M M14 x 1.25 RC381481 — RC48145 RC28148, RC28149 † RC504380 RC59380M M18 x 1.5 RC381881 — RC48185 RC28183, RC28189 † RC505910 — M18 x 1.5 Inconel RC381881X — RC48185 RC28183 RC505910 — M20 x 1.5 RC38208 — RC48205 RC28203 † RC505910 — M22 x 1.5 RC38220 — RC48225 RC28223 † RC50688 — M24 x 1.5 RC38240 — RC48245 RC28243 † RC50750 — M26 x 1.5 RC38260 — RC48265 RC28263 † RC50875 — M27 x 1.5 RC38270 — RC48275 RC28263 † RC50875 — M30 x 1.5 RC38300 — RC48305 RC28263 † RC51000 — M36 x 1.5 RC38360 — RC48365 RC28263 † RC51063 — M39 x 2.0 RC38390 — RC48395 RC28263 † RC51250 — M42 x 2.0 RC38420 — RC48425 RC28263 † RC51250 — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. Spark Plug & Left Hand Replacement Parts Thread Size Current Kit (RC) HSS Drill Bit STI Tap Inserts (Pack of 10) Install Tool Tang Break Tool M10 x 1.0 Trade RC381082 — RC48105 RC2814084 RC502814 RC59280M M12 x 1.25 Trade RC381202 — RC48125 RC28140124, RC28140164 RC503751 RC59380M M14 x 1.25 Standard RC38140 — RC48145 RC38140 RC504380 — M14 x 1.25 Trade RC381482 — RC48145 RC28140124, RC28143125 RC504380 RC59380M M18 x 1.5 Trade RC38188 — RC48185 RC28183, RC28189 † RC505910 — Plugsaver M14 x 1.25 RC38148 — RC48145 RC28143125 RC504380 — M6 x 1.0 LH Inc.Drill RC35068LH Included (std HSS)6.8mmSutton D180 0680 RC45065LH RC25063LH † RC501885 RC59190M M8 x 1.25 LH Inc.Drill RC35088LH Included (std HSS)8.8mmSutton D180 0880 RC45085LH RC25083LH † RC502507 RC59250M M10 x 1.5 LH Inc.Drill RC35108LH Included (std HSS)11.0mmSutton D180 1100 RC45105LH RC25103LH † RC502814 RC59280M M12 x 1.75 LH Inc.Drill RC35128LH Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC45125LH RC25123LH † RC503751 RC59380M Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. Pilot Nose & Range Kit Replacement Parts Thread Size Current Kit (RC) HSS Drill Bit STI Tap Inserts (Pack of 10) Install Tool Tang Break Tool M6 x 1.0 Pilot Nose Inc.Drill RC35063 Included (std HSS)6.8mmSutton D180 0680 RC45067 RC25062, RC25063 † RC501885 RC59190M M8 x 1.25 Pilot Nose RC35083 Not included RC45087 RC25082, RC25083 † RC502507 RC59250M M10 x 1.25 Pilot Nose RC37103 Included (std HSS)10.5mmSutton D180 1050 RC47105 RC27102, RC27103 † RC502814 RC59280M M12 x 1.75 Pilot Nose RC35123 Not included RC45127 RC25122, RC25123 † RC503751 RC59380M Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. UNC Replacement Parts Thread Size Current Kit (RC) HSS Drill Bit STI Tap Inserts (Pack of 10) Install Tool Tang Break Tool #2-56 RC33528 Included (std HSS)#4 (2.8mm)Sutton D180 0280 RC43525 RC23522, RC23523, RC23524 † RC5006117 RC59060M #3-48 RC33538 Included (std HSS)#5 (3.2mm)Sutton D180 0320 RC43535 RC23533 † RC5006917 RC59070M #4-40 RC33548 Included (std HSS)#6 (3.5mm)Sutton D180 0350 RC43545 RC23542, RC23543, RC23544 † RC5007717 RC59080M #5-40 RC33558 Included (std HSS)#6 (3.5mm)Sutton D180 0350 RC43555 RC23552, RC23553 † RC5008918 RC59080M #6-32 RC33568 Included (std HSS)#8 (4.0mm)Sutton D180 0400 RC43565 RC23562, RC23563, RC23564 † RC5009516 RC59100M #8-32 RC33588 Included (std HSS)#8 (4.0mm)Sutton D180 0400 RC43585 RC23582, RC23583, RC23584 † RC5012514 RC59130M #10-24 RC33608 Included (std HSS)#10 (4.8mm)Sutton D180 0480 RC43605 RC23602, RC23603, RC23604 † RC5014011 RC59140M #12-24 RC33628 Included (std HSS)#11 (4.9mm)Sutton D180 0490 RC43625 RC23622, RC23623 † RC5015610 RC59140M 1/4-20 RC33048 Included (std HSS)17/64" (6.7mm)Sutton D180 0670 RC43045 RC23042, RC23043, RC23044 † RC5018810 RC59190M 5/16-18 RC33058 Included (std HSS)21/64" (8.3mm)Sutton D180 0830 RC43055 RC23052, RC23053, RC23054 † RC502198 RC59220M 3/8-16 RC33068 Included (std HSS)13/32" (10.3mm)Sutton D180 1030 RC43065 RC23062, RC23063, RC23064 † RC502507 RC59250M 7/16-14 RC33078 Included (std HSS)29/64" (11.5mm)Sutton D180 1150 RC43075 RC23072, RC23073 † RC503443 RC59340M 1/2-13 RC33088 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC43085 RC23082, RC23083 † RC503752 RC59380M 9/16-12 RC33098 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC43095 RC23093 † RC504380 RC59380M 5/8-11 RC33108 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC43105 RC23102, RC23103 † RC505000 RC59380M 11/16-11 RC33110 — RC43115 RC23113 † RC505000 — 3/4-10 RC33128 — RC43125 RC23122, RC23123 † RC505000 — 7/8-9 RC33140 — RC43145 RC23143 † RC50688 — 1-8 RC33160 — RC43165 RC23163 † RC50750 — 1 1/8-7 RC33180 — RC43185 RC23182, RC23183 † RC50875 — 1 1/4-7 RC33200 — RC43205 RC23202, RC23203 † RC51000 — 1 3/8-6 RC33220 — RC43225 RC23223 † RC51063 — 1 1/2-6 RC33240 — RC43245 RC23242, RC23243 † RC51063 — 1/2-13 LH RC33088LH Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC43085 RC23082, RC23083 † RC503752 RC59380M 1/4-20 LH Inc.Drill RC33048LH Included (std HSS)17/64" (6.7mm)Sutton D180 0670 RC43045 RC23042, RC23043 † RC5018810 RC59190M Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. UNF Replacement Parts Thread Size Current Kit (RC) HSS Drill Bit STI Tap Inserts (Pack of 10) Install Tool Tang Break Tool #3-56 RC34538 Included (std HSS)#5 (3.2mm)Sutton D180 0320 RC44535 RC04535 † RC5006117 RC59060M #4-48 RC34548 Included (std HSS)#6 (3.5mm)Sutton D180 0350 RC44545 RC04542, RC04543, RC04544 † RC5007717 RC59080M #6-40 RC34568 Included (std HSS)#8 (4.0mm)Sutton D180 0400 RC44565 RC04562, RC04563, RC04564 † RC5009517 RC59100M #8-36 RC34588 Included (std HSS)#10 (4.8mm)Sutton D180 0480 RC44585 RC04582, RC04583, RC04584 † RC5012514 RC59130M #10-32 RC34608 Included (std HSS)#10 (4.8mm)Sutton D180 0480 RC44605 RC04602, RC04603, RC04604 † RC5015611 RC59140M #12-28 RC34628 Included (std HSS)#11 (4.9mm)Sutton D180 0490 RC44625 RC04622, RC04623, RC04624 † RC5015610 RC59140M 1/4-28 RC34048 Included (std HSS)17/64" (6.7mm)Sutton D180 0670 RC44045 RC04042, RC04043, RC04044 † RC5018810 RC59190M 5/16-24 RC34058 Included (std HSS)21/64" (8.3mm)Sutton D180 0830 RC44055 RC04052, RC04053, RC04054 † RC502508 RC59220M 3/8-24 RC34068 Included (std HSS)13/32" (10.3mm)Sutton D180 1030 RC44065 RC04062, RC04063, RC04064 † RC503136 RC59250M 7/16-20 RC34078 Included (std HSS)29/64" (11.5mm)Sutton D180 1150 RC44075 RC04072, RC04073, RC04074 † RC503443 RC59340M 1/2-20 RC34088 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC44085 RC04082, RC04083, RC04084 † RC503753 RC59380M 9/16-18 RC34098 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC44095 RC04092, RC04093 † RC504380 RC59380M 5/8-18 RC34108 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC44105 RC04102, RC04103, RC04104 † RC504380 RC59380M 3/4-16 RC34128 — RC44125 RC04122, RC04123, RC04124 † RC505000 — 7/8-14 RC34140 — RC44145 RC04142, RC04143, RC04144 † RC50688 — 1-12 RC34160 — RC44165 RC04162, RC04163, RC04164 † RC50750 — 1-14 UNS Special RC3416014 — RC44165 RC2416314 † RC50750 — 1 1/8-12 RC34180 — RC44185 RC04182, RC04183 † RC50875 — 1 1/4-12 RC34200 — RC44205 RC04202, RC04203, RC04204 † RC51000 — 1 3/8-12 RC34220 — RC44225 RC04222, RC04223, RC04224 † RC51063 — 1 1/2-12 RC34240 — RC44245 RC04242, RC04243, RC04244 † RC51063 — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. BSW, BSP, BSF, BA Replacement Parts Thread Size Current Kit (RC) HSS Drill Bit STI Tap Inserts (Pack of 10) Install Tool Tang Break Tool 1/8-40 RC32028 Included (std HSS)3.5mmSutton D180 0350 RC42025 RC02022, RC02023, RC02024 † RC5008919 RC59060M 3/16-24 RC32038 Included (std HSS)5.5mmSutton D180 0550 RC42035 RC02032, RC02033, RC02034 † RC501409 RC59060M 1/4-20 RC32048 Included (std HSS)6.6mmSutton D180 0660 RC42045 RC02042, RC02043, RC02044 † RC501885 RC59190M 5/16-18 RC32058 Included (std HSS)8.3mmSutton D180 0830 RC42055 RC02052, RC02053, RC02054 † RC502507 RC59220M 3/8-16 RC32068 Included (std HSS)10.0mmSutton D180 1000 RC42065 RC02062, RC02063, RC02064 † RC502507 RC59250M 7/16-14 RC32078 Included (std HSS)11.5mmSutton D180 1150 RC42075 RC02072, RC02073, RC02074 † RC503441 RC59340M 1/2-12 RC32088 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC42085 RC02082, RC02083, RC02084 † RC503752 RC59380M 9/16-12 RC32098 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC42095 RC02092, RC02093, RC02094 † RC504380 RC59380M 5/8-11 RC32108 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC42105 RC02102, RC02103, RC02104 † RC504380 RC59380M 3/4-10 RC32128 — RC42125 RC02122, RC02123, RC02124 † RC504380 — 7/8-9 RC32140 — RC42165 RC02142, RC02143, RC02144 † RC50688 — 1-8 RC32160 — RC42165 RC02162, RC02163, RC02164 † RC50750 — 1 1/8-7 RC32180 — RC42185 RC02182, RC02183, RC02184 † RC50875 — 1 1/4-7 RC32200 — RC42205 RC02202, RC02203, RC02204 † RC51000 — 1 3/8-6 RC32220 — RC42225 RC02222, RC02223, RC02224 † RC51063 — 1 1/2-6 RC32240 — RC42245 RC02242, RC02243, RC02244 † RC51063 — 1/8-28 RC31028 Included (std HSS)9.7mmSutton D180 0970 RC41025 RC01022, RC01023, RC01024 † RC503135 RC59190M 1/4-19 RC31048 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC41045 RC01042, RC01043, RC01044 † RC504380 RC59310M 3/8-19 RC31068 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC41065 RC01062, RC01063, RC01064 † RC504380 RC59310M 1/2-14 RC31080 Not included(>13.0mm — outside D180 range) RC41085 RC01082, RC01083, RC01084 † RC504380 RC59380M 5/8-14 RC31100 — RC41105 RC01102, RC01103, RC01104 † RC505000 — 3/4-14 RC31120 — RC41125 RC01122, RC01123, RC01124 † RC505000 — 1-11 RC31160 — RC41165 RC01162, RC01163, RC01164 † RC505910 — 3/16-32 RC30038 Included (std HSS)2.5mmSutton D180 0250 RC40035 RC20032, RC20033, RC20034 † RC5008919 RC59060M 1/4-26 RC30048 Included (std HSS)6.5mmSutton D180 0650 RC40045 RC20042, RC20043 † RC501885 RC59190M 5/16-22 RC30058 Included (std HSS)8.1mmSutton D180 0810 RC40055 RC20052, RC20053, RC20054 † RC502194 RC59220M 3/8-20 RC30068 Included (std HSS)9.7mmSutton D180 0970 RC40065 RC20062, RC20063, RC20064 † RC502507 RC59250M 7/16-18 RC30078 Included (std HSS)11.4mmSutton D180 1140 RC40075 RC20072, RC20073, RC20074 † RC503441 RC59340M 1/2-16 RC30088 Included (std HSS)13.0mmSutton D180 1300 RC40085 RC20082, RC20083, RC20084 † RC503752 RC59380M 9/16-16 RC30098 — RC40095 RC20093 † RC504380 — 5/8-14 RC30108 — RC40105 RC20103 † RC504380 — 3/4-12 RC30128 — RC40125 RC20123 † RC504380 — 7/8-11 RC30140 — RC40145 RC20143 † RC50688 — 1-10 RC30160 — RC40165 RC20163 † RC50750 — 1 1/4-9 RC30200 — RC40205 RC20163 † RC51000 — Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. If the kit you need isn't in the table above (older 2007 or 2013 codes only, or Obsolete status), the parts above are also sold individually and can usually substitute. Ring AIMS with the original kit number — Sam or one of the team will work out the current replacement parts. The standalone insert removal tool — RC50003 Insert Extraction Tool — covers M4 through M24 / #6 through 1" UNC and is essential gear for any workshop doing regular thread repair. AIMS also stocks the threadlockers commonly used after insert installation: see our Loctite 243 guide for medium-strength threadlock applications, and the Loctite 577 guide for pipe thread sealing. Obsolete Kits — Identifying Alternatives 14 kits that appeared in the 2007 and/or 2013 catalogues did not make the cut for 2023. Most were absorbed into range kits or replaced by closer-fitting current sizes. If you've got an obsolete code on an old purchase order, the table below lists each one with a suggested current alternative. When in doubt, contact AIMS — we can usually source the obsolete kit on special order through Recoil/Sutton Tools, or recommend the closest current RC equivalent from the Recoil collection. Thread Size Section Last Known Code (2007/2013) Suggested Current Alternative M9 x 1.0 METRIC MEDIUM THREAD KITS 37090 Contact AIMS — special order or closest current RC kit M11 x 1.25 METRIC MEDIUM THREAD KITS 37118 Contact AIMS — special order or closest current RC kit M10 x 1.5 Pilot Nose PILOT NOSE TAP KITS 35103 Contact AIMS — special order or closest current RC kit V/W range (38008 in 2007) PILOT NOSE TAP KITS 38008 Contact AIMS — special order or closest current RC kit O.P.E. range (38007 in 2007) PILOT NOSE TAP KITS 38007R Contact AIMS — special order or closest current RC kit 1/4-32 UNEF — UNIFIED NATIONAL EXTRA FINE 34040-32 Contact AIMS — UNEF range largely absorbed into UNF / range kits 7/16-24 UNEF — UNIFIED NATIONAL EXTRA FINE 34070-24 Contact AIMS — UNEF range largely absorbed into UNF / range kits 1/4-24 Harley Davidson SPECIAL INCH THREADS — HARLEY, CARBURETTOR, CUMMINS, UN 34040-24 Contact AIMS — special order or closest current RC kit 7/16-16 Harley Davidson SPECIAL INCH THREADS — HARLEY, CARBURETTOR, CUMMINS, UN 34070-16 Contact AIMS — special order or closest current RC kit 7/8-20 Carburettor SPECIAL INCH THREADS — HARLEY, CARBURETTOR, CUMMINS, UN 34140-20 Contact AIMS — special order or closest current RC kit 1-20 Carburettor SPECIAL INCH THREADS — HARLEY, CARBURETTOR, CUMMINS, UN 34160-20 Contact AIMS — special order or closest current RC kit 1-11.5 NPT — NATIONAL PIPE THREAD (TAPERED) 36160 Contact AIMS — closest BSP equivalent or special order 1/4-26 BSC / BRASS — BRITISH STANDARD CYCLE / BRASS THREADS (26 TPI) 30040 Contact AIMS — discontinued thread family, custom sourcing VW range (38008 in 2007) BSC / BRASS — BRITISH STANDARD CYCLE / BRASS THREADS (26 TPI) 38008 Contact AIMS — discontinued thread family, custom sourcing Can't find your kit above? AIMS sources historic, obsolete and special-order Recoil kits direct. Contact us with the part number you need and we'll track it down for you. Why Recoil Renumbered — Understanding the Three Generations Three changes happened over fifteen years. 2007 — the original numbering The 2007 catalogue used 5-digit numeric codes ending in a 0. The first two digits identified the thread family (35 = Metric Coarse, 33 = UNC, 32 = BSW, and so on), the next two coded the size, and the final 0 marked the standard kit. Spark plug trade kits used a hyphenated sub-code (38140 base, 38140-2 for trade pack). 2013 — the suffix shift In 2013 Recoil moved every standard kit's trailing 0 to an 8. The reasoning at the time was inventory and barcode rationalisation — the 8-suffix freed up the 0-suffix codes for bulk and OEM-only variants. Hyphenated spark plug trade codes also shifted (38140-2 → 38148-2). 2023 — the RC prefix The 2023 catalogue added a literal RC prefix to every part number. This was a global brand-consolidation move — Recoil products had been distributed under various sub-brands in different markets, and the RC prefix gave the line a single identifying signature worldwide. Many kits were also re-organised into "Inc.Drill" variants (the matching HSS drill bit packed inside the kit) and a fresh batch of range kits with the R suffix were introduced. Recoil has been a Sutton Tools brand since the early 2000s — Sutton, the Australian-owned engineering tool manufacturer headquartered in Melbourne, owns the Recoil brand globally. That's why you'll see Sutton D180 drill bit codes throughout this guide as the matched replacements — Sutton is making the drill bits that Recoil specifies. AIMS stocks the matching Sutton drills in the Sutton Tools collection. Standards & Specifications Recoil inserts and the holes they fit are governed by a handful of international and Australian thread standards. The kits themselves are manufactured to military and aerospace specifications, which is why Recoil inserts are an accepted repair method on certified aircraft and defence equipment. Thread standards by family AS 1275-1985 (R2017) (Metric Screw Threads for Fasteners) and ISO 965 (ISO Metric Screw Threads — tolerances). and ISO 965 (ISO Metric Screw Threads — tolerances). The diameter and pitch designations in the tables above (e.g. M6 x 1.0) follow ISO 965 nomenclature. UNC and UNF kits — ASME B1.1-2024 (Unified Inch Screw Threads, UN/UNR/UNJ Thread Forms). Defines the #2-56 through 4-4 thread series Recoil supplies kits for.. Defines the #2-56 through 4-4 thread series Recoil supplies kits for. BSW and BSF kits — BS 84:2007 (Parallel Screw Threads of Whitworth Form — Requirements). Standard remains active for legacy/restoration applications.. BSP kits — ISO 228-1 (Pipe threads where pressure-tight joints are not made on the threads) for parallel BSP. BS 21 / ISO 7-1 for tapered BSPT variants. NPT kits — ANSI/ASME B1.20.1-2013 (R2018) (Pipe Threads, General Purpose, Inch).. BA kits — BS 93:2008 (British Association Screw Threads — Requirements). Standard remains active; BA series retained for instruments, clocks and legacy work (M-series preferred for new designs).. Insert manufacturing standards NASM 33537 (formerly MIL-S-7742) — the US National Aerospace Standard governing helical coil thread inserts. Recoil inserts are manufactured to NASM 33537 for the Free Running grade. NASM 8846 (formerly MIL-I-8846) — covers screw-locking (locking) helical coil inserts, with the polygonal locking coil. Recoil inserts in stainless steel are manufactured from 304 stainless steel as standard, with Inconel X-750 available for high-temperature applications (exhaust manifolds, turbocharger housings, gas turbine components — service temperatures above 425°C). If you're specifying Recoil for a certified application (aviation, defence, rail, pressure-rated industrial), contact AIMS — we can supply NASM-compliant certification paperwork on request. How AIMS Sources Recoil AIMS Industrial stocks the full current Recoil range as an authorised Australian distributor. The Recoil collection at AIMS includes: Single-size thread repair kits in metric, UNC, UNF, BSP, BSW, BSF, BA and spark plug threads — the standard workshop kits with everything needed for one specific size. Range kits — multi-size cases for trade and workshop use. RC35004R (M5–M12), RC35005R (M6–M16), RC33004R (1/4–1/2 UNC), RC34004R (1/4–1/2 UNF), RC32004R (1/4–1/2 BSW), RC30004R (1/4–1/2 BSF). Spark plug kits — RC381082, RC381202, RC38140, RC381482, RC38188, plus the in-vehicle RC38148 Plug Saver. Replacement inserts — sold in packs of 10 as variants of Recoil Insert — Metric 304 Stainless Steel, UNC, UNF, plus bulk 05xxx packs for high-volume users. STI taps — Taper, Intermediate and Bottoming styles in metric and UNC. Install & tang break tools — manual install tools (RC5006121, RC5008917, RC5006917, etc.) and magnetic tang break tools (RC59060M, RC59070M, RC59080M). Insert extraction — RC50003, covering M4 through M24 / #6 through 1" UNC. Keysert Light — solid-bushing inserts for higher load applications. Recoil Keysert Light — Metric Stainless Steel. For Obsolete (2007/2013-only) kits, POA kits, and historic codes that don't have a direct current equivalent, AIMS has a special-order channel direct to Recoil/Sutton Tools — lead times are usually 2–4 weeks. Ring (02) 9773 0122 with the original code and we'll source it. Trade and procurement accounts are available — automatic credit for government bodies, defence prime contractors and Tier-1 customers. Contact us or apply for a trade account. Found your code? Get your kit. Shop Recoil thread repair kits at AIMS — all current RC codes stocked AIMS Industrial is an authorised Recoil stockist carrying the current 2023 RC-prefix kits for metric M3–M14 and UNC threads — available for fast Australia-wide dispatch. Not sure which code you need? Our team can help match your old part number. Shop Recoil at AIMS Thread repair guide Talk to a specialist Frequently Asked Questions What's the difference between 2007, 2013 and 2023 Recoil part numbers? Recoil changed its catalogue numbering twice. In 2013 the trailing 0 on every standard kit code was changed to an 8 (e.g. 35060 became 35068). In 2023 a literal RC prefix was added to every part number (e.g. 35068 became RC35068). The kit itself — thread size, insert, drill, tap, install tool — is functionally the same across all three generations. Only the part number changed. What does the RC prefix mean on Recoil kits? RC simply stands for Recoil. It was added globally in 2023 as a brand-consolidation move so every Recoil product has the same identifying prefix worldwide. The number after the prefix is unchanged from the 2013 catalogue. Can I still buy Recoil kits with old part numbers? Old numbers (the 2007 and 2013 codes) won't appear in any current Recoil price list, but the equivalent current RC kit is almost always available. Use the tables in this guide to translate your old code to the 2023 RC code, then search the AIMS Recoil collection or ring (02) 9773 0122. For genuinely obsolete kits (about 14 in the catalogue), AIMS can usually special-order through Recoil/Sutton Tools — lead times around 2–4 weeks. What does 'POA' mean on Recoil kits? POA stands for Price on Application. The kit is still listed by Recoil and can be supplied, but pricing isn't published in the standard 2023 catalogue — usually because it's low-volume, specialty, or built to order. Around 17 kits sit in POA status (mostly large sizes like 1.5" BSW and 2" UN, plus Cummins and Harley Davidson specialty threads). Contact AIMS with the part number for a quote. Which Recoil kits are now obsolete? 14 kits that were in the 2007 or 2013 catalogues are not listed in 2023. Most are vintage British Standard Cycle (BSC) and Brass 26 TPI threads, some UNEF sizes that were absorbed into range kits, and a few Harley Davidson and NPT specialty kits. See the Obsolete Kits table in this guide for the full list with suggested current alternatives. How do I find the current RC code for an old Recoil part number? Find the row in the relevant thread family table above that lists your old code in the 2007 or 2013 column. The 2023 Part No. column gives you the current RC code. If the row shows an em-dash in the 2023 column, the kit is obsolete — see the Obsolete Kits section for alternatives. What's included in a standard Recoil thread repair kit? A standard Recoil kit contains: an STI (Screw Thread Insert) tap sized for that thread; a pack of inserts (usually 5 or 10 depending on the kit); a manual install tool for that thread size; and a tang break tool to snap off the insert's installation tang once it's seated. Some 2023 kits are 'Inc.Drill' variants which also include the matching HSS drill bit in the case. Do I need a special tap to install Recoil inserts? Yes — Recoil inserts require an STI (Screw Thread Insert) tap, which cuts a slightly larger thread than a standard tap to accept the insert. You can't substitute a standard tap. AIMS stocks STI taps in Taper, Intermediate and Bottoming styles for both metric and UNC threads. The Intermediate style is the general-purpose choice for most repair work. What drill bit size do I need for a stripped M6 thread? For Recoil RC35068 (M6 x 1.0), the drill bit size is 6.3mm HSS — Sutton D180 0630 is the AIMS-matched part. The drill is included in the 2023 'Inc.Drill' variants. For other thread sizes, see the Replacement Parts tables in this guide. The drill must be HSS minimum — carbide is fine but high-speed steel is the standard and what Recoil specifies. What's the difference between Free Running and Screw Locking Recoil inserts? Free Running inserts (manufactured to NASM 33537, formerly MIL-S-7742) are smooth helical coils — the most common type and what's supplied in standard kits. Screw Locking inserts (NASM 8846, formerly MIL-I-8846) have one or more polygonal locking coils that grip the male thread, providing vibration resistance without needing thread-locking adhesive. Locking inserts are common in aerospace, defence and motorsport applications. What's a Tanged vs Tangless Recoil insert? Tanged inserts have a small driving tang at the bottom that the install tool engages with — once the insert is seated, you use a tang break tool to snap the tang off. Tangless inserts have no tang and are installed with a special tool that grips the insert internally. Tangless is preferred where the tang could fall into a sensitive cavity (engine internals, hydraulic galleries). Most standard Recoil kits use Tanged inserts; Tangless is supplied for specific applications on request. Can I install Recoil inserts by hand or do I need a power tool? Hand install is the standard method and what every Recoil kit is designed for — the manual install tool is included. Power install is possible for high-volume production work but isn't recommended for one-off repairs because over-torquing can damage the insert or the parent material. For workshop use, the manual install tool gives the right feedback to know when the insert is correctly seated. What's the difference between standard and Inconel Recoil inserts? Standard Recoil inserts are 304 stainless steel — fine for service temperatures up to around 425°C. Inconel X-750 inserts are specified for high-temperature applications above 425°C: exhaust manifolds, turbocharger housings, gas turbine bosses, industrial furnace fittings. The Inconel inserts cost significantly more and are usually special-order — contact AIMS for current availability and pricing. Does AIMS stock the Recoil RC part I need? AIMS keeps the most-used Recoil kits in stock at our Milperra warehouse: single-size kits in metric M3–M30, UNC 1/4–1", UNF 1/4–3/4", BSP 1/8–1/2", common BSW sizes, and all five spark plug kits. Range kits for metric, UNC, UNF, BSW and BSF are also in stock. Less common sizes, Inconel inserts, and Obsolete/POA kits are special-order with lead times of 2–4 weeks. Ring (02) 9773 0122 to confirm stock before ordering. What if my Recoil kit is obsolete and there's no current equivalent? About 14 kits in the catalogue are flagged as Obsolete — they appeared in the 2007 or 2013 catalogues but aren't in 2023. For most, a closely related current RC kit will work (a UNEF kit absorbed into a UNF range kit, for example, or a BSC thread that's now special order). AIMS can also source genuinely obsolete kits through our direct Recoil/Sutton Tools channel — lead times 2–4 weeks. Ring (02) 9773 0122 with the original code and we'll work out the best path. Need a Recoil Kit or Replacement Part? AIMS Industrial stocks the full current Recoil range and can special-order obsolete kits and Inconel inserts through our direct Recoil/Sutton Tools channel. Browse the Recoil collection, see the matched Sutton Tools drill bits, or read more on the stripped threads guide for thread-repair fundamentals. Phone: (02) 9773 0122 · Contact us via our contact page · Warehouse: 108 Ashford Ave, Milperra NSW 2214 (Mon–Fri 07:30–15:30 dispatch, 08:00–17:00 phone). Cross-reference data compiled by AIMS Industrial from the Recoil 2007 catalogue, the 2013 Australian Price List, and the 2022/2023 catalogue. Validated against current Recoil/Sutton Tools stock. Last updated 18/06/26. See AIMS's full metric thread forming taps range — trade pricing and Australia-wide despatch.
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Spanner Size Guide: Metric & Imperial Selection Tips
Understanding Spanner Sizes: A Quick Guide Choosing the right spanner size is crucial for efficient and safe work. Spanners, also known as wrenches, come in various sizes to fit different bolt and nut dimensions. In Australia, both metric and imperial (AF) sizes are commonly used. Metric vs. Imperial – What’s the Difference? Metric Sizes: These are the go-to in Australia and most of the world, measured in millimetres (mm). Imperial Sizes (AF – Across Flats): Typically used in older equipment or specific industries, these are measured in inches. Common Spanner Sizes – Know Your Stuff Here’s a handy reference for some standard spanner sizes and what they correspond to: Spanner Size (mm) Bolt/Nut Size (mm) Bolt/Nut Size (AF) 8 6 1/4" 10 8 5/16" 12 10 3/8" 13 11 7/16" 14 12 1/2" 15 13 9/16" 17 14 5/8" 19 16 3/4" 22 18 7/8" 24 20 1" Need a more comprehensive guide? Check Spanner Size Chart (Metric-Imperial Equivalents) Picking the Right Spanner – Easy Peasy Size Matters: A spanner that fits snugly on the bolt or nut is your best friend. Too loose, and you risk slipping or damaging your gear. Quality Counts: Go for a sturdy, durable spanner that’ll stand the test of time. You don't want your tool to fail on you halfway through a job. Where to Grab Quality Spanners? Need to stock up? Check out AIMS Industrial’s spanner range for a wide variety of both metric and imperial sizes, including open-end and ring spanners. Perfect for all your DIY or professional needs! Safety First – A Few Tips Check Before You Wrench: Always inspect your spanner before use. Look for wear or damage that could make it unsafe. Easy Does It: Don’t go overboard with the force. Gradually apply pressure to avoid accidents. Store Your Spanners Right: Keep them clean and dry to avoid rusting. A little TLC goes a long way! By understanding spanner sizes and picking the right tool for the job, you’ll save time, effort, and avoid unnecessary frustration. Now, get out there and tighten those bolts like a pro! People Also Ask — Spanner Sizes Q: What does spanner size refer to, the thread size or the head size? Spanner size refers to the width across flats of the fastener head, not the thread diameter. A standard metric hex bolt has an across-flats dimension that is larger than its thread diameter. For example, an M10 bolt typically has a 17mm across-flats head. Spanner charts cross-reference thread size to the correct across-flats spanner size needed to drive each fastener. Q: What is the difference between a metric spanner and an imperial spanner? Metric spanners are sized in millimetres corresponding to metric fastener head widths. Imperial spanners are sized in fractions of an inch for imperial fastener heads. While some sizes are close in dimension, metric and imperial are not interchangeable and using the wrong size risks rounding the fastener head. Q: Why are some spanners sold in combination sets? A combination spanner has an open-end jaw on one side and a ring end on the other, both sized for the same fastener. The open end allows quick engagement in tight spaces; the ring end provides a full six-point or twelve-point grip for final tightening and breaking loose corroded fasteners without rounding the head. Combination sets provide the most versatile coverage for general workshop use. Q: What is a Whitworth spanner and when is it still used? Whitworth spanners are sized for British Standard fasteners using an older across-flats dimension standard. While metric fasteners dominate modern Australian industry, Whitworth fasteners remain on legacy British equipment, older agricultural machinery and some plumbing fittings. Whitworth spanner sizes are not directly interchangeable with metric or imperial spanners. See AIMS's full metric spiral point taps range — trade pricing and Australia-wide despatch. See AIMS's full strong hand range — trade pricing and Australia-wide despatch.
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How to Identify High Tensile Bolts for Your Projects
Quick & Easy: How to Identify High Tensile Bolts When your project demands extra strength – whether it's for a vehicle upgrade or heavy machinery – high tensile bolts are a must. At AIMS Industrial, we’re here to help you understand what to look for in a fun and easy way. Understanding Bolt Grades Bolt grades indicate the strength and durability of the bolt. In Australia, you will commonly encounter these grades: Grade Description 8.8 Medium carbon steel, quenched and tempered 10.9 Alloy steel, quenched and tempered for extra strength 12.9 Alloy steel with the highest tensile strength How to Identify High Tensile Bolts Look for the grade markings stamped on the bolt head – these numbers tell you the bolt’s strength: 8.8: Marked with "8.8" 10.9: Marked with "10.9" 12.9: Marked with "12.9" Choose the Right Bolt for Your Application Not every project requires the same level of strength. Here are some of our top picks available at AIMS Industrial: Metric Hex Bolt - Grade 8.8 High Tensile Zinc Finish – Ideal for many structural applications. Bumax 10.9 Stainless Steel High Tensile Hex Bolt – Perfect for projects needing extra corrosion resistance. M20 x 24 x 80 Socket Head Shoulder Screw Plain High Tensile G12.9 – The top choice when maximum strength is essential. Safety, Time and Money Selecting the right high tensile bolt is crucial for the safety and longevity of your projects. Always check the bolt head for grade markings and choose the one that best fits your application. Explore our full range of high-quality fasteners on our Bolts Collection for more options. For a comprehensive guide CLICK HERE At AIMS Industrial, we make sure you have the right tools for every project. Happy bolting! People Also Ask — High-Tensile Bolt Identification Q: How can I tell if a bolt is high-tensile? The quickest way is to read the head markings. Metric high-tensile bolts carry a property class number stamped on the head, such as 8.8, 10.9 or 12.9 — the higher the number, the stronger the bolt. Imperial bolts use radial lines on the head, where more lines indicate a higher grade. A bolt with no markings is generally a low-grade commercial fastener and should not be assumed to be high-tensile. So before relying on a bolt for a structural or high-load joint, check the head: a clear property class number or a set of radial lines tells you it is a graded, high-tensile fastener rather than a general-purpose one. Q: What do the numbers like 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9 mean? These are metric property class markings, and they encode the bolt's strength. The first number relates to the bolt's tensile strength and the second to its yield strength as a proportion of tensile, so a higher pair of numbers means a stronger, harder bolt. In practice, 8.8 is the common high-tensile grade for general engineering, 10.9 is used for more demanding joints, and 12.9 is among the highest standard grades for the most heavily loaded applications. The system lets you compare bolts at a glance — a 10.9 is stronger than an 8.8 — which is why matching the property class to the joint's requirement matters. Q: How do imperial bolt grade markings work? Imperial bolts show their grade through radial lines stamped on the head rather than numbers. No lines indicate a low-grade bolt, three radial lines indicate a common medium-high grade, and six radial lines indicate a higher grade again — more lines means a stronger bolt. Because the markings differ from the metric number system, it is important not to confuse the two: an unmarked head is not the same as a graded metric bolt. When working in imperial, count the radial lines to read the grade, and confirm against the supplier's specification if the joint is critical. Mixing up imperial and metric grade systems is a common and avoidable error. Q: Why does using the correct bolt grade matter? Bolt grade determines how much tension and shear a fastener can safely carry. Using a bolt that is too low a grade in a high-load joint risks the bolt yielding or failing, which in structural, lifting or machinery applications can be dangerous. Conversely, the grade affects the correct tightening torque, so fitting the wrong grade and torquing it as if it were another can over- or under-stress the joint. Matching the bolt's property class or grade to the engineering requirement — and torquing it accordingly — is what keeps the joint safe and reliable. When a joint is critical, always confirm the specified grade rather than substituting whatever is on hand. Q: Can I substitute a higher-grade bolt for a lower one? It is often acceptable to use a higher-grade bolt where a lower grade is specified, since the stronger bolt has greater load capacity — but it is not automatic. Higher-grade bolts are harder and can be more brittle, the correct tightening torque changes with grade, and some applications deliberately specify a particular grade for reasons such as controlled failure or ductility. Going the other way — substituting a lower grade where a higher one is called for — should never be done, as it under-rates the joint. The safe rule is to match the specified grade where you can, and only step up after confirming the higher grade and its torque suit the application. For champion, see our champion range stocked across Australia. Need bumax? Browse the AIMS range at bumax.
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