Harry is referring to "thread gauges," AKA "thread pitch gauges." See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/
I'm lucky to live close to a world-class hardware store (Hardwick's, in Seattle), and a few years back I picked up three sets of gauges that together cover just about every metric and standard thread pitch imaginable. (Well -- maybe not the thread pitch on those bolts they use to fasten cable stays on suspension bridges, but for those I suspect a yardstick would suffice.) I originally got them for a massive old-house repair project (plumbing, lighting, wiring, ventilation, etc.), but I can see that they are going to be just as handy for working on bikes.
PETER CRAIG MARTIN SEATTLE WA
On Sat, Jul 19, 2008 at 22:52, <travis.harry@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Saturday, July 19, 2008 - 11:05 PM
>
> >From somewhere, maybe even Gnashbar, I acquired inexpensively a set of
> 16-20 2cm brass-finished saw blades, stacked and riveted like thickness
> strips /feeler guages used for valve clearance setting. 8 - 10 metric
> (ISO) and 8 -10 inch (SAE) scale, each to a different labeled guage.
> Dunno why all hardware stores don't sell them. That's what you could
> use.
>
> said Harry Travis, stirred by:
> Andrew Gillis <apgmaa@verizon.net>'s message of:
> Saturday 19 Jul 08 at 05:03 PM,
> On: [CR]Freewheel Threading Questions
> [echoed below, in part<=1]
> -oOo-
> >CRs:
> >
> > I'm trying to determine the threading of some freewheels, and I could
> >use your assistance.
> > I don't have a rear wheel to check these with:
> >
> > 1980 Regina Corsa, 6 speed, which has one circular groove on the
> >back. There are no other markings. I think this is this English
> >threaded, but there is no "FI" marking. Can you confirm if this is
> >English threaded?
> >
> > Shimano Dura-Ace model MF-7400, 7-speed. Were these made in English
> >threading only, or other threadings as well?
> >
> > Suntour Winner Pro 7 speed, 4-prong notched body. The top cone of the
> >freewheel body is marked "DF VIA". Is this English threaded also?
> >
> > Thanks in advance for your replies.
> >
> > Andrew Gillis
> > Long Beach, CA USA
>
>
> >_______________________________________________
> HPT
> --
> -----------------------------------------------------------
> travis.dot.harry.trying.gmail.com
> DemostiX