# Subtract not working when creating thread?

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/subtract-not-working-when-creating-thread/29777>\
**Category:** Modeling Questions\
**Created:** [January 9, 2024, 9:14am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/subtract-not-working-when-creating-thread/29777 "2024-01-09T09:14:47Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 11\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![ricko3k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@ricko3k](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/ricko3k)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 9:14am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/subtract-not-working-when-creating-thread/29777/1 "2024-01-09T09:14:47Z")

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Hello  
My long established method for creating a thread in a hole is not working?  
My method is:  
1.I create a hole, the diameter being the recommended hole size for the particular thread.  
2. I import the model of a screw from a third party.  
3. I align the screw with the hole and insert it.  
4.I then subtract it and voila, a threaded hole, ready for 3D printing, but not anymore, what is wrong please?.

Please see attached screen shot.

Regards Richard.

Apple IPad Pro.

[https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us](https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us)

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**Author:** ![KPeter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/kpeter/32/7644_2.png) [@KPeter](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/KPeter)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 9:17am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/subtract-not-working-when-creating-thread/29777/2 "2024-01-09T09:17:53Z")

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If the diameter of the hole equals the imported thread instead of forming a clear intersection, it can make the boolean fail. A non-manifold or open imported thread can also cause problems when subtracting.

Can you upload the Shapr3D design or some screenshots?

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**Author:** ![ricko3k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@ricko3k](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/ricko3k)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 9:25am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/subtract-not-working-when-creating-thread/29777/3 "2024-01-09T09:25:23Z")

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Uploading: IMG\_0296.png…

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ricko3k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@ricko3k](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/ricko3k)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 9:31am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/subtract-not-working-when-creating-thread/29777/4 "2024-01-09T09:31:25Z")

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For some reason the picture is not uploading to this thread.

The hole has an internal diameter of 4.2mm. The external diameter of the screw is 5mm. Never before a problem.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ricko3k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@ricko3k](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/ricko3k)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 9:36am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/subtract-not-working-when-creating-thread/29777/5 "2024-01-09T09:36:09Z")

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![IMG_0296.PNG](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/b/6/b60d9e9fd88f883ed21b1cba79e39e95c7320dd4.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![KPeter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/kpeter/32/7644_2.png) [@KPeter](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/KPeter)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 9:39am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/subtract-not-working-when-creating-thread/29777/6 "2024-01-09T09:39:13Z")

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Does the boolean succeed if you make the hole smaller?

Another important detail: in the boolean settings, keeping the originals is set to _All_ which means at the end of the process you’ll have the plate with holes, the plate with thread, and the screw at the same location. Is it enabled intentionally?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ricko3k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@ricko3k](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/ricko3k)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 9:52am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/subtract-not-working-when-creating-thread/29777/7 "2024-01-09T09:52:39Z")

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I’ve also tried it without a hole and it should still work, but doesn’t.  
I have been changing the options for what’s removed or left behind to try and get it to work. I will change it back to all.  
I’ve also just used the “create link” function, to allow you access to the file, but it’s done strange things to my files and I can’t open anything? Each file now says “Local changes” with a cloud and an arrow in the file icon. What is that about please

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**Author:** ![KPeter](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/kpeter/32/7644_2.png) [@KPeter](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/KPeter)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 9:54am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/subtract-not-working-when-creating-thread/29777/8 "2024-01-09T09:54:55Z")

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The link would not allow me to access the file, but you can always send us the entire Shapr3D design in a [support ticket](https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new). Please open one and attach the design, we’ll check the workspace

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ricko3k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@ricko3k](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/ricko3k)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 10:56am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/subtract-not-working-when-creating-thread/29777/9 "2024-01-09T10:56:22Z")

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I have just uploaded it.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ricko3k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@ricko3k](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/ricko3k)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 11:28am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/subtract-not-working-when-creating-thread/29777/10 "2024-01-09T11:28:14Z")

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OK.I’ve managed it.

I reduced the diameter of the hole, as you suggested. I have never had to do this before and it means my thread core diameter will not be correct, I will have to create and insert a cylinder of the required “core” size and subtract it!

Something has changed here.

Thanks and regards, Richard.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![ricko3k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ac91a4/32.png) [@ricko3k](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/ricko3k)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2024, 11:34am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/subtract-not-working-when-creating-thread/29777/11 "2024-01-09T11:34:53Z")

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![IMG_20240109_113405](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/a/6/a6aff54d9c33e50af8b6f880ccc5fbb12ad6fee7.jpeg)