General Fastener Database Fields

FIELD	FORMAT	DESCRIPTION
TYPE	40 char max	Key Field for Fastener Types
UNIT	4 char max, must be "in" or "mm"	Used for Scaling Factor
HEAD	8 char max (See Fastener Head Styles.)	Type of Head Geometry
PARTNUM	20 char max	Key Field for Fastener Sizes and Block Names
SIZE	decimal	Nominal Size Data for Fastener Sizes
AFFIX	Optional, 4 char	Added to SIZE
SERIES	Optional, 12 char max	Appended to SIZE for Fastener Sizes
PITCH	Optional, decimal	Thread Pitch
DASH*	8 char max	Key Field for Fastener Lengths
LNG*	decimal	Fastener Length Data for Fastener Lengths
THRD	Optional, decimal	Threaded Length
SHAFT	8 char max (see Table 6-3)	Shaft Type, for Tapping Screws Only
MAJOR	Decimal	Major Diameter, for Tapping Screws Only
MINOR	Decimal	Minor Diameter, for Tapping Screws Only

General Database Fields (*Not used for Nuts and Washers)

The TYPE, PARTNUM and DASH fields are Key Fields that are used to build the hierarchical structure of the database. When creating a fastener, the program will scan the database file and create a Type list of all unique Types that are found. For each Type, a Size list of unique Part Numbers will be made. The DASH field is used as the unique Key Field from which the Length list is made. Note that the program can be configured instead to display the decimal values taken from the SIZE and LNG fields in the Size and Length lists, respectively. In this case, these lists are still built from unique PARTNUM and DASH records in the database.

KeyCreator comes with sample part numbers in the PARTNUM field. You may, if necessary, replace the sample part numbers with your company's own part numbers. Remember that all fasteners of a specific type must have a unique part number (e.g., no two hex bolts can have the exact same part number).