How Studs Are Measured
Understanding Snowmobile Stud Measurements
One of the most confusing aspects of snowmobile studs is how they are measured. Let's clear up the confusion once and for all.
The Historical Background
Before push-through studs became the default, everyone used a style called T-nut studs. This consisted of the stud with threads at the bottom that screwed into a t-nut on the bottom of the track. The stud height was measured from the base up and did not include the thread - this measurement was the effective length of the stud.
When push-through studs came out, they adopted the effective length measurement system to maintain consistency in the industry.
Two Key Measurements
Effective Length
The advertised length - what you see when shopping for studs
Overall Length
The actual physical length of the entire stud
⚠️ Common Sizing Mistakes
Mistake #1: Wrong Measuring Point
Measuring the lug height from the bottom of the track instead of the top. This gives you a height that is longer than it really is, resulting in studs that are too long.
Mistake #2: Confusing Length Types
Confusing the effective length for the overall length. This will also result in studs that are too tall for your application.
Industry Note: We aren't big fans of this measurement system and feel if we tried correcting it would only create more confusion. The advertised snowmobile stud length is considered the effective length and not the overall length of the stud.
Fast-Trac Stud Length Comparison
Here are the overall lengths of our Top Gun studs compared to their effective (advertised) lengths:
| Effective Length (Advertised Size) |
Overall Length (Actual Physical Length) |
|---|---|
| 1.000" | 1.375" |
| 1.075" | 1.425" |
| 1.175" | 1.525" |
| 1.325" | 1.675" |
| 1.375" | 1.725" |
| 1.500" | 1.850" |
| 1.625" | 1.950" |
| 1.920" | 2.225" |
Find Your Perfect Stud Size
For more details on the correct stud length for your snowmobile track, use our comprehensive application guide to ensure proper sizing for your specific snowmobile.
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