How to Determine Gear Pitch or Module 📐

Repairing old gears? Incorporating a gear into your project and need to make a meshing mate? Designing a new transmission? This video has valuable, practical information to get you started.

Chapters

0:00 Pitch or Module
0:24 The Answer
1:10 Tools
1:58 Gear Templates – Get a Paper Copy Here
https://evolventdesign.com/collections/all/products/copy-of-dividing-head-reference-chart-digital-download

2:15 Dot-Dash Tooth Counting Method
3:20 Measuring OD with a Caliper
3:44 Calculating Pitch – DANG!
4:24 Calculating Module – CORRECT!
5:15 Odd-Tooth Pinion: Counting Teeth
5:35 Odd-Tooth Pinion: OD Measurement
6:49 Odd-Tooth Pitch Calculation – CORRECT
7:13 The Answers

To learn more, check out our paper gear template:
https://evolventdesign.com/blogs/history/gear-identification-template

Maintenance, Repairs, and Restoration Tools

Here are some products that make a big difference:

Expendable Products (Amazon)

Brownells OXPHO-BLUE – https://amzn.to/3o4iPHd

Brownells OXPHO-BLUE Crème – https://amzn.to/410V2X8

Steel Wool #0000 – https://amzn.to/413X1do

Rust-Oleum Machine Gray Paint – https://amzn.to/412e8vR

Rust-Oleum Gray Primer – https://amzn.to/3mzxzx4

Red Shop Towels – https://amzn.to/402VvH5

MAAS Metal Polish Crème – https://amzn.to/41i9N7F

NEVER SEEZ Blue Moly Assembly Lube – https://amzn.to/3zNSPT0

WD-40 (3-pack) – https://amzn.to/3UtluGk

Wax Paper – https://amzn.to/3GCjztz

Frog Painter’s Tape – https://amzn.to/41nsGWI

200 Disposable Toothbrushes – https://amzn.to/3KU6VbU

Pipe Cleaners – https://amzn.to/3KuzUS6

CitriStrip Paint Removal Gel – https://amzn.to/3MwrlsB

Tools

Wire Brush Set (for cleaning holes) – https://amzn.to/411Qe3Q

WIHA Screwdriver Set (Large) – https://amzn.to/3KuwOxs

WIHA Screwdriver Set (Small) – https://amzn.to/3zRA3tO

Pin Punch Set (for Gunsmiths) – https://amzn.to/43snjaM

Mitutoyo 500-196-30 Digital Calipers – https://amzn.to/3MB0gnW

Nut/Bolt Checker (Economy) – https://amzn.to/41nhmKu

Hard-to-Find Products Worth a Shoutout

Not available on Amazon, but from great small companies:

Acro Tool and Die Works – https://www.acrolaps.com/

Lapping tools for the ID of holes. I get huge value from this specific set (SET-2-TH).
The Parkson has many pinned connections—cleaning all those small tapered holes and getting a good finish and fit with the pin = PERFECT.

IOSSO Mold and Die Polish – https://iosso.com/products/mold-polish/

Can’t go wrong with this stuff. Clean rigorously afterward for any sliding ways, then oil.

NLGI #2 Grease – https://evolventdesign.com/collections/all/products/mobil-grease-xhp-222

Love this product. It was used on the cam to lock the main anvil. Makes it slide nicely where it counts and lock securely on a separate surface. Your operator will appreciate it.

Final Tips

A bottle of patience: take your time on old equipment.

Soak bolts and connections in WD-40 and leave them for a few days.

Clean threads and screw slots before your first attempt so your screwdriver has a chance.

Soak and wait some more.

The result? Reusable hardware, less effort, and a much more enjoyable project.

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The history of gears is surprisingly interesting! From milling and hobbing to torque transmission, we cover it all. We’ll also open the “Secret Gear Case” on YT as part of this personal mission.

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