🔧 The Screw Fits—But Does the Tool?

Your CAD assembly shows no interference. But during assembly, a nearby panel blocks the hex key, or a socket fits over the nut with no room to operate the wrench.

The missing detail? Tool clearance.

📌 Before finalizing your design, check three things:

• Installation access: Can the screw and nut reach their positions along the actual assembly path?
• Tool access: Is there enough space around the fastener for a hex key, wrench, or socket?
• Working clearance: Once the tool is in place, can you turn it or reposition it to finish tightening?

💡 Assembly order matters, too.

Some fasteners need to be tightened before neighboring parts are installed. Also consider maintenance: will replacing one component require taking apart half the assembly?

Adding simplified tool models to your CAD assembly can help you spot access problems before parts are made.

Have you ever finished making all the parts, only to discover you couldn’t tighten the last screw? 👇

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