What is a common practice for ensuring bolt threads on a flange are properly prepared?

Ensuring bolt threads on a flange are properly prepared is essential for achieving secure and reliable connections. Running threads a minimum halfway through is a common practice because it provides the necessary engagement between the bolt and the nut or tapped hole. This is particularly important in applications where the strength and integrity of the joint are critical.

When the threads are run too shallow, there might not be sufficient surface area for load distribution, potentially leading to failure under stress or movement. Properly engaged threads help prevent issues such as loosening over time due to vibration or thermal expansion. The practice ensures that the bolt can fully transfer forces and maintain the integrity of the connection over its service life.

Other practices, like visual inspection or lubricating the bolts, may support the overall process but do not address the fundamental need for adequate thread engagement. Similarly, thread chasing, which involves cleaning or re-tapping threads, is important for maintenance or repair but does not directly ensure proper thread preparation like running the threads adequately does.