The term millimeters refers to the sizes of small objects, including parts of the human body.
Understanding measurements goes a long way in helping you get the right tools for the job. For example, doctors use millimeters in hospitals to determine tumor sizes and settle on a treatment method. Therefore, it is necessary for everyone to at least learn about measurements and reference points.
For instance, 5 mm is a common unit of measurement in construction and electrical work. You can easily use the thickness size to pick the right tools for a job.
The list below will cover a few items that are 5 mm thick to help you compare objects around you.
1. Wedding Ring
There is no better way to seal a good relationship than putting a ring on it. The use of wedding rings traces back to Ancient Egyptians, who made them from hemp and reeds.
Rings are customizable into different thickness sizes. The most common thickness is 5 millimeters, ensuring minimal strain on the finger.
If you are curious to know, wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger on the left hand because ancient Egyptians believed that a ‘vein of love’ was running through this finger to the heart.
2. 3 Nickels
The Nickel is the five-cent coin by the United States Mint. It contains 75% copper and 25% nickel. It has been in circulation since 1866.
It has a diameter of 21.21 mm and a thickness of 1.95 mm. Therefore, if you stack 3 nickels, you will get a thickness of 5.85 millimeters, somewhat closer to the 5 mm reference point.
3. Pencil Top Eraser
An eraser is a soft rubber material to remove something you have written. For example, some pencils have erasers on the detachable top. They are smaller to fit on the pencil and prevent a swallowing hazard.
The standard size for this pencil top eraser is 5 millimeters thick, and if you have one in your house, you can use a ruler to confirm.
4. Small Hex Nut
Hex nuts get their name from having six sides. These nuts are used with bolts, screws, anchor shackles, and other externally threaded components. When used with these items, hex nuts can connect wood and metal components to prevent movement and tension.
Considering the various applications, you can find hex nuts that are 5 mm thick to use with screws.
5. Screw
A screw is a fastener often confused for a bold. This object is made of metal and has a helical ridge called the male thread. Screws fasten materials by engaging the screw thread with a similar female thread with a marching part.
Screws come in varying thicknesses depending on how you intend to use them. Finding a 5-millimeter screw is easier than you think.
6. Electric Cable
The predominantly used type of electrical wiring is the NM cable, also called the Romex cable. The name comes from the popular electrical wiring brand.
Electric cables are available in multiple thickness options depending on the size of the wires encased. However, most electrical connections at home use the 5-millimeter cable because it allows better transmission.
7. Remote Button
Almost all electrical appliances or home equipment has a remote for controlling functions. A standard remote is about 8 inches long and 2 inches wide. The thickness depends on the number of battery cells it can hold.
On the remote surface, different buttons are used to trigger specific functions. Most of these buttons are around 5 mm thick for easier holding when dialing.
8. Decking Spacers
Decking spacers prevent denting or marring of hardwood boards during board bending and installation. Even when decking composite boards together, they require proper gap spacing. The decks should have a specific amount of space after it dries up. This is why deck spacers are crucial.
Deck spacers can be around 5 millimeters thick, depending on the type of installation. However, when using wet boards, please do not leave a gap because they will space after they dry.
9. Headset Spacers
Headset spacers are great for adjusting the height of bicycle handlebars. You can never miss these on BMX and MTB bikes.
Having the appropriate-sized headset spacers allows you to achieve the best height for your bike. One of the smallest spacers is around 5 mm thick, and you can slowly increase the size as you ride your bike.
10. Glass Panel
Glass panels are used in windows, tables, doors, shelves, and partitioning walls. These panels are also great for decorating homes and offices. These glass sheets make the home brighter because they bring in more natural light.
Glass panels have varying sizes, and the stronger ones are about 5 millimeters thick. Tempered glass sheets are thicker and tougher than normal glass and can survive even the hardest hits.
11. Tobacco Pipe Filter
Whether or not a tobacco filter is a personal choice, and most people prefer to use one. However, pipe smoking is a great hobby, and if you enjoy the taste, it is okay not to use a filter.
Pipe filters are sold according to the type of pipe you have and its size. There is no standard filter size, but most are about 5 mm thick. Maybe you can confirm the size next time you need a filter for your pipe.
12. PVC Clear Hose
Clear PVC piping provides a cost-effective yet versatile option for most applications, especially where visual monitoring is crucial. These are common for conveying water, gas, and oil in farms, factories, and ships.
PVC clear hoses vary in size, but small-scale operations use the 5 mm thick hoses for moving liquid. The hose lengths will depend on how far the source is from where you collect the liquid.
13. DC Plug
A DC connector/plug is popular for supplying direct current power. There are three types of DC power connectors: jack, plug, and receptacle. All these fulfill specific needs, which allows for flexibility.
The common thickness size for DC plugs is about 5 millimeters. If unsure about your plug size, you can measure the pin and port size using a ruler or caliper.
14. Drill Bit
Drill bits are cutting tools for removing materials for making holes. These drill bits are made of aluminum, steel, cast iron, sheet metal, brick, vinyl flooring, copper, etc.
They also come in different shapes and sizes for creating specific kinds of holes in materials. There are over 30 drill bit sizes, some around 5 millimeters thick.
When you go through the list from top to bottom, you realize that the items mentioned here are pretty common. This is because you use them daily at home or the workplace to fulfill various needs.
Now that you know fourteen things that are 5 mm thick, you can use them to estimate sizes. If you are curious about sizes, you can also research to discover more items within this size range.
The dimension of stuff has been an interest of mine ever since I was a child. What I believe is most fascinating about the dimension of stuff is how extremely long, tall and wide some objects are both on earth and in the universe.