Vollgewinde

Vollgewinde, literally "full thread" in German, is a term used in fastener technology to describe screws, bolts or studs in which the threaded portion extends along the entire length of the fastener that is intended for engagement. This means there is no unthreaded shank between the head and the threaded portion. In contrast, Teilgewinde (partial thread) has a portion of the shaft that remains unthreaded.

In ISO metric and German DIN standards, Vollgewinde distinguishes fasteners by the presence of threads along the full length. For example, DIN 933 refers to a hex bolt with full threads, while DIN 931 specifies a hex bolt with partial threads. The concept also applies to machine screws, studs and threaded rods, where the designation helps determine how the fastener will engage with nuts, threaded holes or inserts.

The designation is typically seen in product specifications, drawings and catalogs. The overall length (L) and the threaded length are specified; for Vollgewinde the threaded length is equal to the length of engagement along the shank, leaving no unthreaded portion along the threaded portion. In practical design, Vollgewinde is chosen when full-length thread engagement is desired to maximize axial engagement with a nut or insert and to enable adjustable or precise clamping along the fastener’s length.

Notes on selection: Vollgewinde is common where continuous thread contact is beneficial for load transfer and alignment, such as through bolted connections that rely on threaded engagement along the shank. Designers choose between Vollgewinde and Teilgewinde based on mechanical requirements, manufacturing considerations and the desired assembly behavior.