For holes intended for fasteners, which fit is typically used?

• A. Interference
• B. Clearance
• C. Line
• D. Transition

Answer: (B)

For holes that will receive fasteners, the goal is easy assembly with some room for tolerance variation. A clearance fit places the hole diameter larger than the fastener diameter, so even at the extremes of manufacturing tolerances there’s always a positive clearance. This lets you insert and align the bolt or pin without forcing components together, reduces the risk of damaging threads or parts, and keeps assembly reliable in everyday use.

Interference fit would require pressing parts together, making assembly impractical for a hole meant to receive a fastener. A transition fit can sometimes behave like a loose fit or a tight fit depending on size, adding unnecessary variability for standard fastener holes. “Line” isn’t a standard fit category here. So the typical choice is a clearance fit.