In this passage, we will learn how to effectively fix the PCB without worrying about falling off or loosening the accessories. We are going to focus on the working principles of countersink and counterbore, to understand the difference between the two holes.
Countersink VS Counterbore
Before we start looking at the comparison between them, let’s highlight what a countersink and a counterbore are.
What is Countersink?
A countersink is a cone-shaped hole that is bored into a PCB. This hole creates room for a flat head screw or fastener to fit correctly once installed.
What is Counterbore?
A counterbore is more of a cylindrical flat-shaped hole. The hole formed has a flat bottom and allows a screw or fastener with a flat underside to fit. Also, the instrument that is used to create this feature is known as a counterbore. The word will be used interchangeably.
Similarities and Differences Between Them
The practice of making a countersunk hole is known as countersinking. Now, a countersunk hole may come in different sizes of angles. It includes the standard sizes of 60, 82, and 90 degrees alongside the less popular 100, 110, and 120 degrees. However, the most frequently used degrees are 82, 90, and 100.
While the only angle applicable to a counterbore is a vertical zero degrees, it is just as effective as a countersink. It is important to note that when working with a wooden surface if you fail to countersink first but end up forcing the screw into this surface, not only will the wood’s stability and strength be compromised, but your work will consequently be an eyesore.
It is because the wood fibers will crack and become dented if not wholly damaged. It is much easier to counterbore a wooden surface; this is because counterboring does not require precision and accuracy in the angles. Also, in a counterbore, all the hole needs are a screw with a flat underside or one with a socket head that can fit with the surface or washer.
Countersink VS Counterbore Symbol
In drawing or design, symbols are used as a representation of the actual material or technique. With characters, there is room for dimensional consistency and tolerance of specifications. Also, it is much faster and even easier to write the symbol of material or quantity as opposed to spelling it out with actual words on a drawing. It is not only against drawing protocol but will also make your work clustered.
Symbols represent basic protocol in drawing, design, or mathematics. In a building or house plan drawing, symbols are used as a faster means of conveying information. Here, the character of a countersink and that of a counterbore is duly represented. It is often side by side with the symbol of diameter and accompanied by a numerical value.
What does a countersink symbol look like?
A countersink symbol looks like the letter V. When you think about it when you look at a countersunk hole from the side; it resembles the letter V.
What does a counterbore symbol look like?
The symbol of a counterbore has been likened to an incomplete square with an opening at the top. In technical drawing, this symbol was formed by taking the side view of the countersink and counterbore holes.
Both symbols are used in drilling designs. With the emblem of diameter, they show how wide or how deep a hole is meant to be. These designs are interpreted by a builder who works based on the information provided on these designs. A counterbore symbol is used to define counterboring operations while that of a countersink is for countersinking fastening operations.
Countersink VS Counterbore Drill Bits
You could create several holes when using a drill bit, depending on the diameter that is required and the thickness of the material. But for a counterbore and a countersink, They are hole drills, so the process created by them.
The drill bits are the instruments used for drilling or creating either a countersink hole or a counterbore into the surface of a material, which is a print circuit board, PCB. Both types of holes use different materials for their fabrication. Ultimately, the aim is to create a spot where a screw or fastener can sit flush within the washer or workpiece.
It is done to completely hide the entire length and axis of the fastener or screw in the countersunk hole or counterbore. Because of the difference in their cavity (one is flat, and the other is angled), different materials are used for their fabrication.
For counterboring, a cylindrical hole is bored into the material’s surface. This hole has a large diameter at the head and a smaller one down below. The screw or fastener is meant to sit correctly in the spot and prevent the two surfaces from separating when joined. The larger side of the hole fits the head of the fastener while the smaller one accommodates its shaft.
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