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This article goes over how to create custom Hole Wizard standards and sizes in the Toolbox. All data for the Toolbox add-in and Hole Wizard feature are contained in C:\SOLIDWORKS Data, and the Toolbox Settings application allows us to create custom folders and sizes, and even add new parts to this database. Editing these folders outside of the Toolbox Settings wizard can lead to unintended behavior, so our recommendation is to always use this application for these types of changes. For more information on other Toolbox topics, review this article: Comprehensive Toolbox Guide

Creating a Custom Hole Wizard Standard

Creating a custom standard will allow you to maintain the existing default standards, giving you the safety to use the new folder as a sandbox. If at any point you want to scrap it and build another, you can copy one of the default standards again, knowing it contains 100% default sizes. It is not required to create a new standard first for editing, but it is generally recommended.

1. In Windows Search, type "Toolbox Settings" to bring up Toolbox Settings 20XX and open it

   

2. Once the toolbox is open, select "Hole Wizard" from the Home menu.

   

3. On the left pane, choose the standard from which you want to base your new standard from, then in the flyout menu, click the "Stacked Folder" icon which will copy this folder and create a new one that we can edit.

   

4. Give your new standard a name, then click the green arrow to complete the command. The toolbox will now create the new standard, which can take a few minutes. It will show up at the bottom of the list of standards when it is done.

   

5. Once the standard is done, right-click on it to create additional subfolders as desired. Hole Wizard holes are organized into Standards, Types, and Holes.

Creating Custom Hole and Thread Sizes

As mentioned before, you have the option of editing the default standards, but our recommendation is to create a custom standard first (steps above), which allows you to use that as a sandbox for settings and sizes. Follow the steps below for creating custom holes and threads.

1. From the same Toolbox Settings application, select the standard you intend to edit in the navigation pane on the left. For this example, we'll choose the custom one (green folder at the bottom).
2. Choose the Hole Standard you would like to add to. For this example, we will choose Counterbore Holes > Hex Screw – ANSI B18.6.7M. 
3. Click “Sizes” and click the “+” at the top of the list. A window pops up. Input your custom size parameters and click “OK”.
4. Select “Thread Data” and click the “+” at the top of the list. A window will pop up. Input your custom thread parameters and click “OK”.
5. You also have the option to export/import Excel tables for editing multiple sizes at once per hole.
6. Before testing the new size, click the blue disk icon at the top of the Toolbox Settings application to save and commit these changes. 

7. Open SOLIDWORKS to test the new Hole or Thread

Note: Hole Wizard Holes have standard properties representing their available Sizes, Thread Data, and Screw Clearances. Thread Data can be used when adding annotations or Hole Callouts to a hole. Screw Clearances affect the final diameter of the hole being created. A looser fit creates a larger hole.

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.