How deep must holes be for screws, how meany thread pitches must engage?

I am considering tapping a Sako TRGS receiver for a standard base as the dovetail method look hokey to me. The receiver bridge is fairly thin due to the clearance necessary for the third bolt lug.

Thanks
Brett

Brett,

As a rule of thumb for me, I usually limit my minimum depths, where possible, to the diameter of the screw. However, I think a flat bottom minimum of .125 would be fine for a #6 screw. I've heard some folks say that you only need 3 threads. I personally would like a few more than that.

Good luck,

Malm

[ 03-11-2003, 00:47: Message edited by: G.Malmborg ]

Thanks Malom, seems like a reasonalbe approach. B

A rule of thumb for any size thread for maximum holding is one and one half times the diameter of the thread. This is not always possible though.