ME Threads 2.20 is a database which offers quick and easy access to a large quantity of dimensional information for more than 1100 different screw threads.  These threads are representatives of twenty-four common types - UNC, UNF, UNEF, UNJ, UNJC, UNJF, UNJEF, UN, UNS, UNM, UNC-STI, UNF-STI, ACME, STUB ACME, BUTTRESS, NPT, NPTF, NPSM, NPSL, ISO COARSE, ISO FINE, BSW, BSF, and BA.

This information is essential to machinists, CNC programmers, inspectors, and engineers involved in the design or manufacture of threaded components.

There isn't much involved with installing the program - just copy the included files to a directory of your choice and run METhreads.exe.

Using ME Threads is equally simple.  Choose a Thread Type with an option button and a Thread Size from the drop-down list - the desired information is instantly displayed.

The first time it's run, ME Threads creates a one-line initialization file.  The line reads "threadunits=inch".  This establishes that the program will always start up displaying UNC threads in inch units.  If you'd prefer that the program always started with ISO COARSE threads in millimeter units, change that single line in a text editor to read "threadunits=metric".  In either case, leave off the quotation marks.

There are option buttons to convert the display back and forth between inches and millimeters.

The program has a database of 748 commercial drill sizes.

When a Thread Type is initially selected, the smallest supported Thread Size from that Type becomes active, the minimum minor diameter (internal) for that Size is calculated, and the first drill in the database which is at least that large is located one line down from the top of the sorted Tap Drill Guide.

Clicking on a percent value inside the Percent Thread listbox will cause the suggested tap drill for that percentage to be positioned in the middle of the Tap Drill Guide, so that you can get a good overview of drilling options on both sides of the theoretical diameter.  The active percentage line is marked with an asterisk.

If it's enabled, clicking the Form Tap Style option button, located above the Tap Drill Guide, will cause the Percent Thread and Tap Drill Guide listboxes to display data for Form Taps.  If the Form button is disabled, there's no data available for Form Taps for the active Thread Type, and the Cut Tap Style button will be automatically selected.

Clicking the Info button displays an information window for the active thread type.

Clicking the Print button opens a viewer containing a printable summary of the data for the active thread.  Alternatively, the summary can be saved as a standalone 4k executable file which can be viewed or printed on any computer.

Clicking the About button displays the name of the licensed user, if applicable, and buttons which allow you to visit my website, purchase a license, or send me an email.

The price for an Individual License is $15.00.  A Corporate License is $50.00.  Licensed users receive all program updates at no additional cost.

The demo version of ME Threads 2.20 is fully functional, except that only data for the first three sizes of each thread type can be displayed.

I’ll be happy to help with any questions or problems you might have related to ME Threads, and am always interested in hearing about features you’d like to see changed or added.  My name is Michael Rainey, and I can be contacted at rainey47@bellsouth.net