The SolidWorks Hole Wizard is a fantastic tool, there are a variety of hole types to choose from. Holes can be placed without the need to sketch the cross section and use a revolved cut. This tutorial will examine the hole options in detail.

Type

The first three options for hole type are for clearance holes. The last three are the same however they will generate a slot instead of a circular hole. From left to right they are:

• Counter bore – Use this option to recess the head of a bolt below the surface of the part. Choose the standard and type to suit the bolt/screw used. The dimensions of the head varies between a hex head and socket head bolt, as a result the counterbore dimensions will not be the same.
• Countersink – Use this option for bolts or screws with countersink heads.
• Hole – Produces a standard clearance hole.

The first option of the middle row is used to create a straight tap, the second produces a hole with a tapered tap.

Positions

The minimum requirement is to select a face to apply the holes and position them roughly as required. If this method is used, the sketch will need to be edited to fully constrain the hole positions. Expanding the hole from the model tree will reveal two sketches, the first relates to the hole position.

Alternatively, create a sketch with points that are constrained. The points for placing the holes will be constrained to the points of the sketch. Create a separate sketch for each type and size of hole.

Circular edges of existing holes or bodies can be selected.  Hover over the edge to reveal the center point, select the point to constrain the hole to the center. This method was used for the parallel thread example, the threaded hole is constrained to the center of the pilot hole.

Examples

Straight Tap

Standard threads either metric or imperial can be created by selecting either “Tapped Hole” or “Bottoming Tapped Hole”. Use the bottoming tapped hole option for blind holes.

Counterbore

Use this type of hole to conceal the head of a bolt. Selecting the appropriate type of bolt used ensure the head is fully concealed and that the fastener can be tightened. Choose the desired fit, either Close, normal or loose. The custom sizing section can be used to adjust the dimensions of the counterbore, the dimensions below are the default values.

Countersink

Use these types of holes for bolts with countersunk heads. Similar to counterbore, select the appropriate fastener type is selected to ensure they fit correctly.

Tapered Pipe Threads

For this example, use ANSI Inch and Tapered pipe tap as the standard and type. Select the desired size, 3/8″  in this case, and set the end condition to through all. Unless custom sizing or threaded depth information is known, leave them set as default.

Parallel Pipe Threads

Select the desired standard and type: this example will use BSI and Straight pipe tapped hole. Parallel pipe threads do not self seal, therefore additional preparation is required to provide clearance for the seal. Prepare a counterbore and pilot hole for the port size, use a counterbored hole or a revolved cut. The dimensions for a 1/2″ BSPP port are shown in the sketch below.

The next step is to apply the threaded portion. The hole will begin from the face of the counterbore, hole and threaded depths for a 1/2″ BSPP thread are 19mm and 15mm respectively.

The final result can be seen in the image below.