Overview
ISO 14281:2002 - "Aerospace - Gauges, for internal cruciform ribbed or unribbed drives - Metric series" specifies the dimensions and configuration of metric gauges used to check internal cruciform drives (ribbed or unribbed) in metric screws. The standard applies to nominal thread diameters from 1.6 mm to 20 mm and is intended for aerospace fastener inspection and quality control.
Keywords: ISO 14281, aerospace gauges, internal cruciform drives, metric gauges, fastener inspection, gauge standard
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope and applicability
- Metric series gauges for internal cruciform drives (ribbed and unribbed) used on metric screws in the 1.6–20 mm nominal thread range.
- Configuration and dimensions
- Detailed gauge geometry is defined (gauge points, gauge body, collar) with figures and tables specifying dimensions and tolerances.
- Dimensions and tolerances are expressed in millimetres.
- Materials and hardness
- Gauge points: heat-treatable corrosion-resisting steel, hardened to 58 HRC – 62 HRC.
- Gauge body and collar: corrosion-resisting steel 440C, hardened to 30 HRC – 35 HRC.
- Design and designation
- Component part designation format and identification requirements for drive penetration gauge assemblies.
- Specific gauge point codes (R0–R5) and drive penetration gauge body codes (B0–B5) are defined.
- Measurement and assembly
- Drive penetration gauge assembly configuration includes gauge point, gauge body, optional collar (for R5), and a dial indicator for penetration measurement (see Figure 3).
- Perpendicularity, location and run-out tolerances conform to ISO 1101 (geometrical product specifications).
- Intellectual property note
- The standard notes a claimed patent by Phillips Screw Company related to these gauges; licensing may be required.
Applications
- Aerospace quality control: verifying correct drive geometry and engagement for screws used on aircraft structures and components.
- Fastener manufacturing: ensuring internal cruciform drive dimensions comply with mating tools and assembly requirements.
- Maintenance and MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul): inspection tools for service technicians to confirm fastener integrity and compatibility.
- Calibration and metrology labs: establishing and maintaining calibrated drive penetration gauges for inspection systems.
Who uses it: aerospace engineers, quality inspectors, fastener manufacturers, maintenance technicians, procurement specialists, and calibration laboratories.
Related Standards
- ISO 12256 - Drives, internal, cruciform, ribbed - Metric series
- ISO 14279:2002 - Drives, internal, cruciform - Metric series
- ISO 1101 - Geometrical tolerancing (tolerances of form, orientation, location and run-out)
ISO 14281 is a practical standard for anyone specifying, producing or using gauges to inspect internal cruciform drives in metric aerospace fasteners.