Using the Hardware Assistant

To avoid hole and hardware mismatches, the Hardware Assistant evaluates the parameters of holes in your drawings and finds matching screws or bolts.

The Hardware Assistant is unavailable for nuts, pins, and washers.

To insert bolts and screws using the Hardware Assistant:

1. Insert holes by clicking Holes (Mechanical toolbar) or Mechanical Content > Holes > Insert.
2. Click Hardware (Mechanical toolbar) or Mechanical Content > Hardware > Insert.
3. In the left pane of the Toolbox - Hardware dialog box, select Bolts and Screws.
4. Under Hardware Assistant, click Specify holes .

   The Toolbox - Hardware dialog box closes.

5. In the graphics area, select the holes you inserted and press Enter.

   The Toolbox - Hardware dialog box reopens.

   Under Hardware Assistant, the number and Type of holes you selected is specified.

   It is recommended that you select only one type of hole. If you select more than one hole type, the Type is reported as <Varies> and the hardware assistant calculates the bolt or screw to insert based on the last hole type you selected.

   In the upper section of the dialog box, the Type and Size are set to match the type and size of the holes you selected.

6. Under Hardware Assistant, click Preview.

   The Toolbox - Hardware dialog box closes and the screws or bolts selected by the Hardware Assistant appear in the holes you selected.

7. Inspect the result and do one of the following:
   • Right-click in the graphics area to save the hardware in the drawing.
   • Press Esc to reopen the Toolbox - Hardware dialog box.

     Change hardware parameters and click OK to insert the hardware.