Explain the term clearance fit between a shaft and a hole. - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question e - 2008

A clearance fit is a type of fit where the dimensions of a shaft are always smaller than the dimensions of the corresponding hole. This configuration allows the shaft to move freely within the hole without any resistance. In practical terms, this means that there is a deliberate gap between the shaft and the hole, ensuring that assembly and maintenance are easier, while also allowing for adjustments due to thermal expansion or movement during operation. This type of fit is commonly used in applications where parts need to rotate or slide against each other, such as in bearings.