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Question

Why does BIS tolerance notation specify hole designation before shaft designation in fits?

This question was previously asked in
RRB ALP 2025 CBT 2 Wiremen Question Paper (28-Jul-2026) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

To indicate the hole basis or shaft basis relationship used for the fit

In the BIS/ISO system of limits and fits a fit is written by pairing a hole tolerance symbol with a shaft tolerance symbol, for example H7/g6.

By convention the hole designation is always placed first, and that leading symbol declares the basis on which the fit is built.

A capital letter first, such as H, signals the hole-basis system, where the hole tolerance is held constant and different shafts are used to obtain clearance, transition or interference.

Had a shaft symbol led, it would indicate the shaft-basis system, where the shaft is kept constant instead; so the order itself carries the hole-basis-versus-shaft-basis information.

The order is not there to state the shaft's tolerance magnitude first, nor to fix an inspection sequence, nor to give the actual machined size, which is read from the part, not the notation.

The purpose of writing the hole before the shaft is therefore to declare which basis governs the fit.

Hence, the answer is To indicate the hole basis or shaft basis relationship used for the fit.

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Similar Questions

  1. In a transition fit sketch, what does the overlapping region of tolerance zones represent?

  2. Which feature in tolerance diagrams visually indicates transition fit?

  3. Why is interchangeability important in mass production according to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines?

  4. In the British Standard system, how is the tolerance zone typically represented in diagrams?

  5. In limits and tolerances terminology, what is meant by deviation?

  6. In BIS notation, what does the numerical value preceding the tolerance symbol indicate?

  7. If the tolerance zone is completely above the basic size line, how is it indicated as per BIS?

  8. What does 'interchangeability' refer to in mechanical engineering?

  9. A drawing specifies a hole with 12.00 +0.02/-0.00 mm. What is the minimum permissible diameter of the hole?

  10. In the hole basis system, the hole is kept constant & the size of the _____ is varied to get the desired fit.


Important Questions from Limits and Fits

  1. The following limits are specified in a limit system, to give a clearance fit between a hole and a shaft:

    \(Hole = 25_{ - 0.01}^{ + 0.02}\;mm\;and\;shaft = 25_{ - 0.02}^{ - 0.004}\;mm\)

    Determine tolerance on a shaft.   

  2. When tolerance is given on one side of the basic dimension, it is called:

  3. In a hole and shaft tolerance system, the small letter indicates fundamental deviation of________

  4. Which of the following fit is produced with the shaft dia 25.025 and bore dia of 24.994?

  5. In mass production, parts made to definite limit of error is called as ______

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