How to use the Hole Command in Fusion
- Brad Tallis
- Mar 13
- 4 min read
Using the hole command in Fusion is much better than just sketching circles and extruding them. This tool helps you create accurate holes for bolts, screws, and threads in seconds. It also makes your engineering drawings more professional by adding automatic notes. In this guide, you will learn how to use the various placement options, clearance settings, and threading features to improve your 3D modeling workflow.
Getting Started with the Hole Command
You can find the hole command in the Create menu or by pressing the H shortcut key on your keyboard. Once you start the command, a menu appears with many options to customize your hole.
Easy Placement and Snapping
The first thing you need to do is pick where the hole goes. If you click on a face, a blue dot appears. You can click and drag this blue dot to move the hole.
Fusion has a smart snapping feature. As you drag the hole, white dots appear. These dots represent the center of the corner radius. The hole will snap directly to these points or to the center of the face. This makes it very easy to align holes perfectly without typing in numbers.
Using References for Precision
If you need a hole at a specific spot, use the Reference option. Click on the hole and then click an edge of your part. You can type in an exact distance from that edge. Click a second edge to set the distance from another side. This acts like a quick dimension tool right inside the hole command.
Understanding Hole Types and Extents
The hole menu allows you to change how deep the hole goes and what the bottom looks like.
Distance: You set a specific depth.
All: The hole goes through the entire part.
To: The hole stops at a specific face or point you select.
You can also change the Drill Point. You can choose a flat bottom or an angled point. If you use an angled point, you can even change the specific angle of the drill bit.
Counterbore and Countersink Options
Sometimes you need a hole that hides the head of a screw.
Simple: A basic straight hole.
Counterbore: A wide, flat-bottomed opening at the top. This is great for socket head cap screws.
Countersink: A cone-shaped opening. Use this for flathead screws so they sit flush with the surface.
Using Clearance Holes for Standard Fasteners
One of the best tips for Fusion is using the Clearance tap type. Instead of looking up bolt sizes in a book, let Fusion do the work for you.
When you select clearance, you can choose a standard like ANSI Unified or Metric. Then, you pick the type of fastener, such as a hex bolt or a socket head cap screw. Finally, choose the size, like 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch.
Fusion automatically sets the correct hole diameter and counterbore size. This ensures your real-world bolts will fit perfectly in your 3D printed or machined parts.
Modeling Multiple Holes from a Sketch
If you need many holes, do not place them one by one. Create a sketch first. You can place points or use projected geometry to mark where you want the holes.
When you start the hole command, change the placement to From Sketch. You can then click all your points at once. If you change the size of your part later, the holes will move with the sketch points. This keeps your design flexible and easy to update.
Creating Tapped and Threaded Holes
If your part needs threads so a bolt can screw into it, change the hole tap type to Tapped.
Cosmetic vs. Modeled Threads
When you create a tapped hole, Fusion shows a "decal" or a picture of threads. These are called Cosmetic Threads. They look real, but the 3D surface is actually smooth. This saves computer power and makes your model run faster.
However, if you plan to 3D print your part and want the threads to work, you must check the Modeled box. This actually cuts the thread geometry into the 3D shape.
Tapered Threads
Fusion also supports tapered holes like NPT or Pipe Threads. While the hole command designates the hole as tapered for your records and drawings, remember that it does not physically model the taper in the 3D view.
Better Engineering Drawings with Hole Notes
Using the hole command makes creating 2D drawings much faster. If you use a simple sketch and extrude, you have to type in all the hole details manually on your drawing.
If you use the hole command, you can use the Hole and Thread Note tool in the drawing workspace.
Click on the hole in your drawing.
Fusion automatically writes out the diameter, depth, and counterbore info.
It even counts how many identical holes are in the pattern.
The hole command is a powerful tool that saves time and prevents mistakes. By using clearance fits and modeled threads, you can ensure your parts work perfectly when they are manufactured.
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